WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State Warriors (8-3, 5-2 NSIC South) finished the season the same way they started it, shutting out their opponent. The Warriors would beat Concordia, St Paul (2-9, 0-7 NSIC South) 38-0 on Saturday, picking up their third shutout of the season. It was the first time since 1962 that a Warriors defense picked up three shutout victories in a single season.
 
The Warrior defense forced a punt on Concordia's sixth play of the opening possession. Following the punt, Jack Nelson completed a six yard pass to Cameron Johnson, who pitched the ball to Tanner Gran for a 24-yard gain. Winona State could not build off their first play momentum as back to back incompletions forced a Carter McCauley field goal attempt that was blocked by the Golden Bears.
 
After a three and out from both sides, a seven play drive set up a long 51-yard field goal attempt by Concordia kicker Jonas Schenderlein. The Warrior defense took advantage of the kicks low trajectory as Michael Ferrante blocked the three-point attempt which was recovered by Ryan Cain. Winona State's ensuing three and out paired with another Concordia punt ended the first quarter of senior day scoreless.
 
Nelson's 24-yard completion to Johnson, who advanced the ball to CSP's one-yard-line as time expired in the first quarter set up Paul Preston's one-yard touchdown rush to start the second quarter. Winona State continued to play hard-nosed defense as Clint Warminski forced a fumble on Darius Chapes' rush attempt. The fumble was recovered by Cain, his second loose ball recovery of the game.
 
Taking advantage of Concordia's turnover, the Warriors marched seven plays, gaining 49-yards in 2:46 setting up McCauley's second field goal attempt. This time he was good from 21-yards out increasing Winona State's lead to ten. The Golden Bears would lineup for another long field goal, this one from 50 yards out by Schenderlein; he had the distance but it was pushed wide right.
 
Cole Monckton intercepted a Ron Johnson pass setting up Preston for his second TD of the game. Preston scampered nine-yards for his second touchdown on the day following a four play, 22-yard drive. McCauley's extra-point brought the WSU lead to 17-0. On the Golden Bears ensuing drive, Johnson's one-yard rush on a fourth down conversion wasn't enough to spark the offense and they would be forced punt keeping the score 17-0 entering halftime.
 
Winona State got off to a hot start to begin the second half as a 23-yard reception by Johnson and a 24-yard run by Preston set up a four-yard touchdown by Preston, his third score of the game, expanding WSU's advantage to 24-0. On Concordia's first possession of the half, a sack by Mike Imperiale's forced a third and 27 that led to the Golden Bears fifth punt of the game.
 
A stalled drive from the Warriors got new life after the WSU punt was muffed by Alquawn Vickers and was recovered by Obed Jean-Baptiste. The turnover led to a 46-yard field goal attempt that was missed wide left by McCauley. Winona State was able to score the games next 14 points without the offense seeing the field. Elliot Cox returned a CSP punt 62-yards to the house following a three and out. Michael Gomez intercepted Johnson's pass just three plays later as he made it 36-yards into the end-zone bringing WSU's lead to 38-0 ending third quarter scoring.
 
McCauley tried to get the Warriors on the board eight seconds into the final quarter following a nine play, 56-yard drive but his 24-yard field goal attempt was pushed wide left. The Golden Bears were forced to punt on their next drive after Jean-Baptiste's sack went for a loss of nine yards.
 
Winona State's punt was countered with a turnover on downs by the Golden Bears before Nelson connected with Connor Schulz for 36-yards to surpass 3,000 yards passing on the season and 12,000 career passing yards. No more scoring would occur and the Warriors would complete the 38-0 win.
 
Quick Hitters:
Jack Nelson's streak of 42 straight games with a touchdown pass ended Saturday, it was his only game without a passing TD in his career.
Nelson's 226 yards on the day brought him to 12,007 yards in his career and 3,030 on the season. His 3,030 yards this season was second all-time in WSU history, only trailing his total from last season.
Nelson ended with 102 career touchdown passes which is most in Winona State history.
Paul Preston led both sides with 84 net yards rushing including three touchdowns.
His 84 yards brought him to 3,091 career yards rushing which is fourth all time in WSU history.
He finished with 1,155 yards on the season including 14 rushing scores.
Cameron Johnson led all receivers with 102-yards on six receptions.
His six catches moved Johnson to second in Warrior history at 172, and third in single season history with 69.
Jonson ended his career with 2,676 yards receiving and 30 touchdowns good for sixth and fourth place respectively in WSU history.
This was the first time in NSIC history where one team had a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher, and a 1,000-yard receiver in a single season with Nelson, Preston, and Johnson.
With their shutout today, the Warriors now have three on the season, the last time Winona State had three shutout victories in a season was 1962.
Sir'Vegias Steele led the Warriors in tackles with six. He also had three pass breakups on the day.
Aikan Major, Imperiale, and Lauden Wood all tied for second with five total tackles.
Imperiale and Jean-Baptiste had the only sacks on the day for WSU.
Monckton and Gomez had the two Warrior interceptions, Gomez also assisted on a sack.
 
By: Jake Thiede