DICKINSON, N.D. -- A huge first half from the offense and stifling defense powered the No. 5-ranked Montana Tech football team to a 31-7 road win over Dickinson State Saturday afternoon, clinching the Frontier Conference's East Division title in the process. 

Levi Torgerson had a huge day for Montana Tech (10-0, 5-0 Frontier East), accounting for three touchdowns, while Jace Thompson and Asher Feddes topped the defensive chart with seven tackles each.

The Orediggers wasted no time snagging the lead. Torgerson returned the opening kickoff to the Dickinson State 46, setting Tech up with great field position. Montana Tech drove inside the red zone before the Blue Hawks' defense dug in, and Casey Kautzman gave the Orediggers a 3-0 lead with his 27-yard field goal. 

Tech's defense forced a quick three-and-out, and Torgerson broke another big return on the ensuing punt. The senior brought the kick back 33 yards to the DSU 41. 

The Orediggers faced fourth down and 3, but Torgerson made the big play again. This time the receiver found Nick Michelotti for a 34-yard touchdown on a trick play that made it a 10-0 game. It was Torgerson's third touchdown pass of the season on just his fourth attempt; he's completed all four. 

Tech took the 10-0 lead into the quarter break. 

The second was more of the same. Quarterback Jarrett Wilson broke a 45-yard run on the second play of the period to put the Orediggers ahead by three scores. Wilson then found Torgerson in the end zone twice before the half, giving Montana Tech a commanding 31-7 halftime lead. 

Dickinson State (3-7, 1-5) broke up the shutout with a third-quarter touchdown, the only scoring of the second half. 

Torgerson finished with the two receiving TDs on seven catches for 45 yards, another passing, and 85 return yards on the banner day. Wilson completed 11 of 16 passes for 116 yards and the two touchdown completions to Torgerson, and the sophomore rushed for a team-best 54 yards and the touchdown.' 

The Orediggers, 10-0 for the first time in the program's history, will make an appearance in the NAIA's Football Championship Series for the third-consecutive year. It's Tech's first conference championship since the 2016 season. 

Montana Tech looks to polish off a perfect regular season next Saturday at home against Valley City State. Kickoff on Bob Green Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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