WAYNE, Neb – The Winona State Warriors (6-2, 3-1 NSIC South) traveled to Nebraska and secured their third straight road victory of the season, beating NSIC South foe Wayne State Wildcats (3-5, 2-2 NSIC South) 41-20. The road victory was a turnover filled game as the Warriors were led by their hardnosed defense.
The first quarter was a defensive battle between the Warriors and Wildcats as both teams went scoreless. Following a Wayne State three and out to begin play the Wildcats forced a turnover, picking off a
Jack Nelson pass. The Wildcats could not capitalize on the turnover as their six play, 11-yard possession ended with a punt.
Trying to give their offense a spark, the Warriors attempted to convert a fourth and one but Nelson's pass fell incomplete. Wayne State closed out the first quarter with a chance to put three points on the board when
Lauden Wood blocked the attempted 22-yard field goal.
The scoring drought ended soon after, as Winona State began the second quarter with a nine play, 80-yard drive, resulting in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Nelson to
Cameron Johnson. The score extended both Nelson's and Johnson's consecutive touchdown streak to 40 and nine respectively.
Wayne State was quick to counter, doing so on a one-yard touchdown run from Houston Huss. The scoring streak continued as just three plays later Nelson connected with
Connor Schulz for a 47-yard pass giving the Warriors a 14-7.
Following a Wayne State punt, the Warriors scored for a third consecutive possession; this time on a 26-yard field goal from
Carter McCauley bringing the Winona State lead to 17-7. The remainder of the second quarter was scoreless as a Wildcat punt was followed by two interceptions, both thrown by Nelson.
Winona State began the third quarter with three points as their nine play, 52-yard possession resulted in a 40-yard field goal from McCauley. Wayne State's kicking woes continued as their following possession led to a 43-yard attempt that was missed wide left.
Cam Gavin halted Wayne State's next possession, intercepting the ball at the WSC 18-yard line. The Warriors couldn't capitalize on the good field position as Nelson's pass was picked off in the end zone, ending the Warrior's scoring threat. The Winona State defense was unrelenting as they forced another turnover for the third straight possession, when Zach Osborn's pass was intercepted by
Cole Monckton. Monckton returned the pick 34-yards for a Warrior touchdown, closing out the third quarter with a 27-7 lead.
Wayne State began the final quarter of play with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Osborn to Nate Rogers. The struggles in the kicking game continued however as the extra point attempt was missed.
The Warriors took just 2:43 to counter the score with a touchdown. Nelson hit
Will Claussen for a 34-yard TD pass to give Winona State a 34-13 lead.
The Wildcats got on the board once again, converting a lengthy 14 play, 75-yard drive that lasted 4:44 and culminated in a one-yard touchdown rush from Osborn.
The Warriors recovered the attempted onside kick putting the game on ice as their final possession was capped off by Nelson's one-yard rushing touchdown, bringing the final score to 41-20.
Quick Hitters:
- Jack Nelson had three passing touchdowns on the day bringing him to 99 total in his career. He now needs just one more for his 100th.
- With his first touchdown pass Nelson extended his streak to 40 games in a row with a touchdown.
- Nelson's 362 yards passing brought him to 11,380 career yards, allowing him to jump from fourth to second all-time in Minnesota's NCAA passing history. He moved past former Minnesota State Mankato quarterback Ben King and Philip Klaphake of St. Cloud State.
- Nelson trails the number one spot held by just 207 yards, the record is held by former Minnesota Duluth quarterback Ted Schlafke.
- Cameron Johnson extended his touchdown streak to nine games in a row with his touchdown reception.
- Johnson's 79 yards on the day gave him 999 on the season, falling just one-yard short of the 1,000-yard mark.
- Johnson's 79-yards and one touchdown on five receptions moved him up in four different Warrior records.
- Johnson is now eighth overall in total receiving yards with 2,436, passing Tim Hanson. He is tied for fifth overall with Josh Mikes in receptions with 157, and his touchdown gives him sole possession of sixth place in total receiving touchdowns with 28. He now has 11 receiving touchdowns on the year, tying him for ninth overall with Chris Samp and Matt Juaire.
- McCauley was perfect on the day going two for two in field goal attempts, with a long of 40.
- Three Warriors; Nick Pridgeon, Jarrett Wood, and Aikan Major tied for the team lead in tackles with six.
- Michael Ferrante had the lone Warrior sack on the day.
The Warriors play their final road game of the season next Saturday as they face off against Augustana in Sioux Falls, kick-off is scheduled for 1 p.m.
By Jake Thiede
