MSU President's Newspaper Column
September 26, 2026
Comets rally together for an unforgettable Homecoming/Farmers Bowl victory
What began as the celebration of a Homecoming/Farmers Bowl tradition became an afternoon that nobody who was at Jerome Berg Field on the afternoon of September 19, 2026, will ever forget.
In a game filled with emotion, heartbreak, courage, and determination, the Mayville State Comets delivered one of the most remarkable victories in program history, overcoming a 15-point deficit in the final minutes of the game to defeat Simpson University, 42-41, at the very last second. The dramatic comeback played out against the backdrop of a situation far bigger than football, as starting quarterback Matt Donovan suffered a severe head injury during the third quarter and left the field by ambulance. Soon after, he was airlifted to Fargo for emergency surgery. Coaches and players did not know the extent of Matt’s injuries until after the game.
Players, coaches, fans, and family members watched in stunned silence. What had been a day of celebration suddenly became a time of uncertainty, concern, and prayer. Yet, even amid the fear and emotion, the Comets found a way to move forward. When the game resumed, the Comets chose to play for something greater than themselves. They did it for Matt, a beloved teammate, friend, and leader.
Faced with overwhelming circumstances and trailing 41-26 with just over six minutes remaining, Mayville State refused to give up. Backup quarterback Aiden Marcussen, who had been put into an extremely stressful game situation, led the charge, and the players leaned on one another, drawing strength from the teammate they desperately wanted to honor. The offensive and defensive lines held strong and created opportunity.
One possession at a time, the Comets began to chip away at the deficit. Darnell Green found the end zone on a fourth-and-goal before the Comets converted the two-point attempt. Mayville State then recovered an onside kick. With seconds remaining, Marcussen connected with his former high school teammate, Cameron Spaeth, who caught the ball with one hand for a touchdown, bringing Mayville State within one point.
The Comets then faced a huge decision. Should they kick for the extra point to tie or go for two and the win? At that exact moment, the helicopter carrying our beloved player circled the field as it began the journey to Fargo. This made it an easy decision for Coach Larson. The two-point conversion was the right choice.
The helicopter overhead was a powerful reminder of the bond shared by the Comets. As the quarterback began the fight of his life, his teammates were below, preparing to finish the battle before them. Some later said it felt as if Matt was watching over the team, urging them onward, inspiring them to keep fighting just as he would continue to fight himself.
The Comets went for it, and when the final second ticked off the clock, Jerome Berg Field exploded with excitement. The scoreboard reflected a victory for the Comets, but what happened on the field meant so much more than a win. It was a testament to resilience. It was a lesson in teamwork. It was a reminder of the strength that emerges when people come together in the face of adversity.
Throughout the afternoon, the Comets displayed the values that define Mayville State: perseverance, character, selflessness, and heart. They competed not for individual glory, but for one another and for a teammate who means so much to them.
Head Coach Rocky Larson described Donovan’s injury as one of the darkest moments of his coaching career, and he praised his players for their ability to persevere and find a way forward under extraordinary circumstances.
The celebration of the amazing victory quickly returned to concern for Matt Donovan and his family, and the Mayville State community responded as it always does, with compassion, support, and unwavering care. Messages of encouragement are pouring in from across the state, the region and beyond as people rally around a young man who is continuing the fight of his life.
The Homecoming/Farmers Bowl game will be remembered for an incredible comeback and a thrilling final score, but more importantly, it will be remembered as a day when a team demonstrated extraordinary courage, unity, and love for one another.
The victory belongs to every Comet who refused to quit, every teammate who stepped up when called upon, and every member of the Mayville State community who has rallied around Matt and his family. We are incredibly proud of our student-athletes, coaches, medical personnel, fans, and supporters who came together during an unbelievably difficult time.
This team and these young men played one of the greatest games in Comet football history. Their efforts and unwavering resolve will never be forgotten, and this victory will stand as a lasting testament to the spirit of Comet football.
Our hearts remain with Matt and his family. We ask you to continue praying for strength, healing, and comfort. Just as so many looked to the sky that afternoon, may we continue to trust that God’s hand remains present, guiding, protecting, and surrounding Matt with the same love that carried his teammates to an improbable victory.