The Mayville State Comets edged the Simpson University Red Hawks 42-41 in a thrilling NAIA mens football game on September 19, 2026, at Jerome Berg Field in Mayville, North Dakota.
Simpson quarterback Ya’j Vance was a standout, accounting for five touchdowns with 13 completions on 21 attempts for 228 yards and two passing touchdowns, along with 108 rushing yards and three rushing scores. Wide receiver Talan Ramirez contributed 133 receiving yards and two touchdown catches.
Although Simpson gained 452 total yards (282 passing, 170 rushing), Mayville State’s dominant rushing attack prevailed. The Comets racked up 402 rushing yards on 444 total yards with five players rushing for at least 50 yards. Leading Mayville State was Darnell Green with 88 yards and two touchdowns.
The game featured multiple lead changes. Simpson led 41-26 with just over six minutes remaining after a 16-yard touchdown catch by D’Ante Benjamin. However, Mayville State answered with a late touchdown drive culminating in a two-yard touchdown reception by Cameron Spaeth with one second left. The Comets then converted a two-point run to secure the 42-41 win.
Defensively, Simpson’s Charlie Walden led with 13 tackles, and Caleb Utter and Kenyon Hawkins each had 10 tackles. The Red Hawks began strong with two back-to-back fourth-down stops but could not contain the Comets’ late surge.
Simpson University will aim to rebound in their next contest against Valley City State University at Central Valley High School.
CSB Take
Simpson Universitys narrow defeat highlights the critical influence of a powerful rushing offense in an NAIA contest. Ya’j Vance’s impressive dual-threat performance kept Simpson competitive throughout. Moving forward, Simpsonwill need to adjust defensively to better contain balanced rushing attacks as they prepare for their upcoming game against Valley City State University.
Source: Original report
