Montana State-Northern might not be the push over of the Frontier Conference any more.

The Northern Lights who are coming off a one-win season in 2004 have already equalled that total in 2005 and should pile up a few more wins before the campaign is concluded.

MSU-N shocked Dickenson State, a NAIA playoff participant in 2004, in the Northern Lights season opener. The win got MSU-N some national recognition as they were ranked in the top 25 of the NAIAFOOTBALL.net website

They followed that up with a 34-33 loss to the University of Montana-Western in a game that went down to the final moments. It wasn't a win, but it was also a far cry from the double-digit losses that the Lights have often suffered in recent years.

"I think the kids are more knowledgeable about the game," said MSU-N coach Mark Samson. "Physically were are better. We are not where we want to be, but we are better."

The Lights still have plenty of former Capital players on their roster and former Bruins lead in most offensive categories.

Quarterback Kyle Samson leads the team in passing with 491 yards and touchdowns with three.

Don Saisbury paces the Lights in rushing (121 yards), catches (9) and all-purpose yards (194).

The Lights will get a test this weekend when they take on the three-time defending national champion Carroll College at Nelson Stadium.

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Montana Tech lost its offensive leader this weekend as quarterback Aaron Johnson suffered a broken forearm and was lost for the season.

Justus Sheets came in in relief of Johnson in Saturday's game against Rocky Mountain College. The sophomore from California completed 6-of-9 passes for 43 yards and two interceptions.

Sheets was the backup last year, but didn't see any action as Johnson took virtually every snap for the Orediggers last season.

"He did a great job for us on Saturday," said Montana Tech coach Bob Green. "He led us to victory and has a good arm. I am excited about the possibility that Justus brings."

Hunter Kerkes, will move into the backup role. Kerkes is a true freshman from Centerville.