WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State Warriors (7-3, 4-2 NSIC South) took home the BiG Sledge with a 42-27 win over the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (5-5, 2-4 NSIC South) in the second annual Battle of the Sledge game. Paul Preston took home the Warriors MVP during the game. Jack Nelson's set a new NSIC record for most passing yards in a career early in the game.
 
After winning the toss and electing to receive, Preston got things going for the Warriors with a 49-yard kick return. A nine-yard pass to Cameron Johnson to start the drive followed by an 11-yard rush from Preston. It all set up a 21-yard strike from Jack Nelson into the corner of the end-zone where he found Johnson for seven points.
 
Southwest Minnesota State countered with a lengthy 15 play, 77-yard possession, where the Mustangs converted on fourth and 11 to set up a seven-yard touchdown rush by Max Simmons. The scoring trend continued as Preston took over in the Warriors next possession. Preston ran the ball on three of four Winona State plays including a 26-yard rush to get the drive started and a 24-yard touchdown rush two plays later bringing the score to 14-7 in favor of the Warriors.
 
Ryan Cain forced a Mustang fumble that was recovered by Clint Warminski giving Winona State possession back just two plays after a failed Warrior fourth down conversion. Nelson connected with Connor Schulz for 16-yards on the second play of the drive giving Nelson the all-time NSIC passing yard record as he surmounted 11,581 yards. On the play Nelson also passed Ted Schlafke of Minnesota-Duluth as the all-time passing leader in Minnesota NCAA collegiate history. The six play, 32-yard possession led to a 35-yard Carter McCauley field goal bringing the Warriors lead to 17-7.
 
The Mustangs wasted no time countering with a score of their own doing so on just one play as Simmons scampered 77-yards for a touchdown. The score brought Southwest Minnesota State within three points making the score 17-14. Nelson was perfect in the next Warrior possession going 3-3 passing, compiling 53-yards, culminating in a 21-yard touchdown pass to Johnson. The score was Johnson's second on the day bringing him to 30 career touchdown receptions. A McCauley extra-point increased the Warrior lead to 24-14.
 
An ensuing 81-yard Mustang kick return gave them possession at the Warrior 11-yardline. Winona State shut down the Mustangs scoring attempt quickly though as Mike Imperiale forced and recovered a fumble on Southwest Minnesota State's first play. There would be no more scoring in the half and WSU went to the locker room leading 24-14.
 
The frequent scoring affair continued to begin the second half as the Mustangs drove the ball 52-yards on six plays resulting in a 16-yard touchdown run from Simmons. Jarrett Wood blocked the following extra point attempt keeping the Warriors up by two possessions, 24-20. Winona State countered with a two play touchdown scoring drive that included a 28-yard reception by Johnson that set up a 35-yard touchdown scamper from Preston, his second of the game. A failed extra point attempt brought the score to 30-20.
 
A 43-yard Mustang punt gave Winona State the ball back following a three and out. The Warriors converted on a fourth down fake punt run by Greg Rooney. The fake punt led to a 38-yard field goal attempt as McCauley booted the ball through the uprights giving the Warriors a 33-20 lead.
 
The following Mustang possession led to their third lost fumble of the game as Sir'Vegias Steele forced a fumble following a short completed pass, the fumble was scooped up by Andrew Spencer who had a 20-yard return on the play. Winona State capitalized on the turnover as Jordan Kos broke through the line for a one-yard touchdown run. The Warriors failed their two-point conversion ending third quarter up 39-20.
 
The final quarter started with a lengthy Warrior drive spanning 13 plays that covered 73-yards lasting 6:51, culminating in a 25-yard field goal from McCauley. His third field goal of the game extended Winona State's lead to 42-20. The Mustangs failed to convert a fourth down conversion attempt on their following drive surrendering possession to the Warriors. A Winona State punt followed as back-ups began to gain in-game experience with time winding down.
 
Southwest Minnesota State scored last, as Simmons scored his fourth touchdown of the game to complete a 13 play, 83-yard drive. The Mustangs would recover an onside kick but Winona State held on the ensuing drive and took home bragging rights in the Battle of the Sledge game, winning 42-27.
 
Quick Hitters:
Nelson's two touchdown passes improved his consecutive touchdown streak at 42.
With his 270 yards passing on the day Nelson now has 11,781 career passing yards.
Preston finished the game with 152 yards rushing as he surmounted 3,000 career rushing yards.
He is fifth in Winona State rushing yard history with 3,007 and trails the fourth spot by five yards.
Preston also found the end zone twice on the day.
Johnson's 86 yards receiving allowed him to pass 2,500 yards in his career.
His two touchdown receptions in the game moved Johnson up to fourth overall in WSU touchdown reception history with 30, tying Brian Hynes.
Connor Schulz had six catches for 63 yards, the most catches in his career.
Ryan Cain led the Warriors with seven total tackles.
Mike Imperiale had six tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and three QB hurries.
Steele followed with his six total tackles.
There were two Warrior sacks on the day one from Michael Ferrante and Lauden Wood assisted Michael Gomez on the other.
McCauley went 3-3 in field goal attempts with a long of 38-yards.
 
The Winona State Warriors host the Concordia Golden Bears next Saturday in the final game of the season kickoff is scheduled for noon at Maxwell field.
 
By: Jake Thiede