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MARQUETTE — Wildcats football was back in action on Saturday afternoon, with the Northern Michigan University team knocking off traditional national powerhouse Minnesota Duluth 20-9 in a controlled scrimmage at the Superior Dome.

Behind a standout day from running back Noah Dobert and a defense that only gave up field goals, the Wildcats sent a message — this team could be turning a corner.

Dobert was the wagon for the ‘Cats. The running back racked up 153 yards on 12 carries, scoring all three of NMU’s touchdowns, including a 30-yard scamper and the eventual game-winner in a simulated overtime in the final quarter of play.

Noah Dobert, left, scores the first touchdown for Northern Michigan University in the first quarter of a scrimmage played against Minnesota-Duluth at the Superior Dome in Marquette on Saturday. (Journal photo by Caden Sierra)

Head coach Shane Richardson has made it clear the Wildcats are sticking to their established identity, a run-heavy offense, hard-nosed defense, and a team-first mentality as a way to dig out of back-to-back 0-11 seasons his first two years at the helm.

The offense leaned heavily on the ground game, gaining 206 rushing yards with a triple-option offense that was the go-to much of last fall, especially late in the season.

The air game was limited to quarterback Duke Shovald completing 4 of 8 for 63 yards, connecting on chunk plays to receivers Isaac Olson and Hayden May. Richardson isn’t ready to name a starter, but likes what he’s seen from both his options, the other being Menominee native Trevor Theuerkauf.

“I like both of them,” Richardson said. “I thought they both did some adequate things in both the run and the pass game, and in the read game. I thought they both made some good reads. I like where we’re at right there with those two guys today.”

On defense, the Wildcats didn’t allow a TD with Duluth’s nine points coming off three field goals. Northern’s front seven applied steady pressure, with Rashad Harris and Brady Redmer recording sacks. Murphy Monreal added an interception in the third quarter, stalling a Bulldog drive and sending the NMU sideline into celebration.

“We were building a foundation, we’ve kind of stripped it down to build it back up. We’ve been building to a moment where we can turn a corner … and I think today is just the tip of the iceberg,” Richardson said. “Duluth is arguably a top-25 team every year and a(n NCAA) playoff team always fighting. They’re always at the top.

“So what a great opportunity that we had to be able to test ourselves and see where we’re at. And I thought our guys did a really good job.”

The scrimmage also served as a showcase for the program’s culture. Players rallied after big stops, younger athletes got valuable reps, and two-thirds of the Wildcats’ 2025 recruiting class was on hand to take it all in.

“We were out here at 5:30 a.m. on a lot of mornings, on a Tuesday, on a Wednesday, on a Thursday, and to get full pads ready to go at 5:30 a.m. is not easy for a college kid to do,” Richardson said. “The thing I’m most proud of them about is they did not waver on their attitudes. And when they came, they gave great effort, and they just approached it in a very mature way.

“And that’s when … you kind of got something special.”

With spring ball in the books, NMU now turns toward final exams, summer workouts and the long build toward fall camp.

And after Saturday, there’s no shortage of motivation.

Caden Sierra can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 551. His email address is csierra@nmu.edu.