100 Years of DSU Football: A Sneak Peek: Chapter 6 – Rivalries That Defined an Era

Relive the heated battles that fueled decades of “bad blood.” This chapter captures the intensity of game days with riveting stories and interviews from players and coaches who lived through these legendary matchups.

Setting the scene: An unlikely rivalry

Twice the Chadron State Eagles found themselves on the wrong end of Blue Hawk legend. In 1973, a mud-soaked battle ended 2-0 after a Chadron back slipped in his own end zone. Twelve years later, in 1985, Dickinson State, trailing 34-6 entering the fourth quarter, launched a jaw-dropping comeback. Thinking the game was all but over, fans trickled out of the stadium. Backups warmed up. But quarterback Dan Lasater ignited a stunning rally, throwing four touchdown passes and completing a game-winning two-point conversion. In just one quarter, the Blue Hawks rewrote history, shattered records, and delivered one of the most unforgettable wins in school history.

A Decade of Dominance

Dickinson State launched a historic run of success in the North Star Athletic Association beginning in 2015. Under head coach Pete Stanton, the Blue Hawks captured ten straight conference titles and compiled a 75-4 NSAA record, building a reputation as one of the NAIA’s most consistent programs. Along the way, they rewrote the record books and won their first home playoff game in two decades. From Jay Liggins’ legendary four-interception performance in 2018 to Hayden Gibson and Tyger Frye’s record-shattering day in 2019, the decade was filled with unforgettable moments.

Dickinson State Footballs’ Storied Rivalries

Passionate and intense rivalries have always defined Dickinson State football, from gritty battles with Minot State and playoff clashes with Carroll College to packed stadium showdowns against the University of Mary. Fans jumped fences, games went to overtime, and legends were made in the snow and under the lights.