HELENA — Peter Minnaert attempted hurdling a Montana Tech defender , Xzavier Ford teared up crossing a Dickinson State goal line , each appropriate and unique reactions to returns from injuries that derailed 2024 campaigns.

Ford, aiming to complete a collegiate career spanning four institutions, and Minnaert, the 2023-24 Gatorade Idaho Football Player of the Year, suffered similar torn ACLs two weeks apart last September.

Ford popped his right knee on a game-opening tote against Rocky Mountain College; Minnaert suffered a left knee blowout in Glendale against Arizona Christian. Nearly a year later, Minnaert beat Ford back to the gridiron, carrying the football nine times for 44 yards in a loss to Tech.

Minnaert started last Saturday in North Dakota, but Ford made his 2025 debut afte

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