Season Context
Judson enters 2025 seeking its first winning campaign under second-year head coach Robert Beecroft after a 4–6 record in 2024. The Eagles boast a veteran backfield and aim to develop a more consistent aerial attack in conference play.
Mayville State, under longtime coach Jim Meleney (39th season), rebounded to a 6–4 mark last fall in the NSAA. The Comets return key playmakers on both sides of the ball and look to reclaim the conference crown with a balanced offensive approach.
Team Overviews
Judson Eagles
Head Coach: Robert Beecroft (2nd season)
2024 Record: 4–6 overall, 3–3 RSC
Offense
QB Nick Holmes: Senior signal-caller threw for 2,200 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024
RB Ethan Rodriguez: Workhorse back with 1,000 rushing yards and 12 TDs
Defense
LB Jordan Lewis: Led team with 85 tackles and excels in run support
DB Marcus Carter: Ballhawk totaled 4 interceptions
Mayville State Marauders
Head Coach: Jim Meleney (39th season)
2024 Record: 6–4 overall, 5–3 NSAA
Offense
QB Tanner Olson: Efficient junior passer totaled 1,800 yards and 15 TDs
RB Matt Jenkins: Breakaway threat with 900 yards and 10 rushing scores
Defense
LB Jake Peterson: Team-high 95 tackles and strong sideline-to-sideline range
DB Tyler Olson: Recorded 3 interceptions and anchors the secondary
Head-to-Head
This is the first-ever meeting between Judson and Mayville State.
Both programs view this opener as a measuring stick for their conference title aspirations.
Key Players to Watch
Judson Eagles
Nick Holmes (QB): Poised field general whose mid-range accuracy will test Mayville’s corners.
Ethan Rodriguez (RB): Punishing runner who can flip field position with one long touchdown.
Mayville State Comets
Tanner Olson (QB): Quick-release passer who maximizes play-action and intermediate throws.
Matt Jenkins (RB): Home-run speed threat capable of busting open the game early.
Broadcast & Streaming
Live Stats: naiastats.prestosports.com
Video Stream: Mayville State Athletics YouTube channel
Radio: KDAK 1600 AM (Minot) / KOVC 1490 AM (Valley City)
What to Watch
Opening Drives: Whichever team asserts its run game early will control the clock.
Quarterback Matchup: Holmes’ deep accuracy vs. Olson’s quick reads.
Turnover Battle: Both secondaries thrive on takeaways—momentum swings could be decisive.
Looking Ahead
A Judson upset would boost confidence before RSC play resumes at Ottawa (Sept. 4). Mayville State, with a win, readies for a key NSAA tilt at Jamestown (Sept. 4) as it pursues another conference banner.
Game Odds
Judson Eagles (IL) 52.5
Mayville State Comets – 14
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
