Geiss goes down, Huskies move forward

Junior rushers Jake Machacek and Dante Steward are going to see more time on the field this weekend against Mary, but under some unfortunate circumstances.

It's because starting running back and the Huskies' leading rusher sophomore Brandon Geiss will not be out there.

Geiss broke his right fibula last week against Minnesota-Duluth and will be missed by the Huskies backfield.

Geiss has gained 594 yards in his eight games this season, making it past the pylons six times for the Huskies.

However, the Huskies will remain in business as usual this weekend at home against the University of Mary.

“We’ve played with Jake Machacek and Dante Steward numerous games, we’ll stay with the same stuff we’ve been doing,” said Huskies head coach Scott Underwood.

Steward is averaging 8.2 yards per carry and scored the lone touchdown in the Huskies' 31-7 loss against the Bulldogs last weekend.

“[It’s] no different than we prepare every week,” Underwood said. “We’ll try and get better on defense as far as not giving up big plays and certainly on offense looking at the things we need to execute to be successful.”

The Huskies are 3-0 all time against the Marauders including a 14-7 victory last season in Bismarck.

The game will also be the biennial hall of fame game. Eight inductees, all former athletes and coaches, will be introduced into the Huskies Hall of Fame and will be recognized in a ceremony at the game.

“Unfortunately, most of our players don’t know the hall of fame inductees. It’s a home matchup, a big matchup for us, our goal is to win,” Underwood said.

Mary is 5-3 on the season and 5-2 in the NSIC and will be another good test for the Huskies who are clinging to their playoff hopes.

The Huskies are in a three-way tie with Mary for second place in the NSIC North division and are only a half game back of Minnesota-Duluth.

“Any time we’ve got an opportunity to play a team that’s got a better record than us, certainly we’ll [make] sure that we come out and are prepared and ready to play,” Underwood said.

Game time is slated for 2:30 p.m. at Husky Stadium on Saturday with the hall of fame ceremony taking place at halftime.