Submitted photo: Former Fort Dodge all-stater Connor Carver warms up for Bemidji State earlier this season.

BEMIDJI, Minn. — Connor Carver was surprised to hear his number called as a secret weapon of sorts in Bemidji State’s playoff gameplan.

Surprised, but definitely ready for the moment.

The former Fort Dodge Senior High standout quarterback and Beaver redshirt freshman rushed for 114 yards on eight carries — including a 59-yard touchdown scamper with the game hanging in the balance — as Bemidji State advanced with a 24-14 victory over 15th-ranked Angelo State University in San Angelo, Tex. on Nov. 23.

Then, as an encore, Carver completed both of his passes for 25 yards and ran for a team-best 78 yards on just eight carries to help the Beavers stun No. 10 Western Colorado on Saturday and advance to the NCAA Div. II national quarterfinal round for the first time in program history.

Carver, a 2023 FDSH graduate, had appeared in only one regular-season game for Bemidji State (10-3 overall) — a school in northern Minnesota located almost 400 miles directly north of Fort Dodge. Even though he hadn’t seen the field since Sept. 28, Carver — an understudy to Beaver senior standout signal-caller Sam McGath — was summoned in the second half of a tight contest with Angelo State.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder made the most of his opportunity, scrambling on a long run to paydirt with a little over two minutes left in regulation and Bemidji State protecting a precarious 17-14 lead.

“Getting into the game was an incredible experience,” said Carver, who ranks third on the Dodgers’ all-time charts for passing yards, second in touchdowns and second for quarterback rushing yards. “Especially because it was the intense atmosphere of a road playoff game. I was thrilled to be able to contribute to the team’s success at such an important moment.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity and focused on continuing to help the team as we work toward our ultimate goal of a national championship.”

Carver’s flair for the dramatic resurfaced in the road upset of Western Colorado on Saturday. Playing in frigid weather conditions, Carver completed both of his pass attempts and picked up a huge first down with an 11-yard rush. That scramble, which came with less than two minutes to go, helped Bemidji State bleed the clock in a 20-19 victory.

The Beavers now head to Mankato, Minn. at 2 p.m. on Saturday for an in-state quarterfinal showdown with No. 6 Minnesota State. The Mavericks, who are also members of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, edged Bemidji State during the regular season, 31-29, thanks to a last-second field goal on Sept. 7.

All three of the Beavers’ regular-season losses were by three points or less. Bemidji State will carry a five-game winning streak into the matchup with MSU.

The Mavericks are on an underdog run of their own, having defeated Augustana (20-19) and seventh-rated Colorado State Pueblo (26-23) to get to this point. The winner faces either Valdosta State or Virginia Union on Dec. 14 in the national semifinals.