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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Backup QB leads Carroll to win

Associated Press

HELENA – Freshman quarterback Matt Ritter took the place of injured Dane Broadhead and led Carroll College to a 35-18 victory over No. 14 Dickinson State on Saturday in the first round of the NAIA playoffs.

Ritter, who replaced Broadhead midway through the first quarter, completed 14 of 23 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for a third.

The reigning national champion Saints (12-0) surpassed the Blue Hawks (7-4) 501 to 279 yards on offense but suffered three turnovers.

Senior receiver Travis Browne had seven catches for 134 yards and a touchdown. Junior running back Gabe Le (Coeur d’Alene High) finished with five catches for 54 yards to go with 54 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns, both in the first quarter. The Saints jumped to a 28-3 lead by the end of the first half.

Carroll’s defense held Dickinson senior quarterback Brandon Bishop-Parise to a 12-of-27 performance for 149 yards and one touchdown. Running back Zach Hepperle led the Blue Hawks with 46 yards rushing and five catches for 46 yards.