WINONA, Minn. – On their opening night the Winona State Warriors (1-0, 1-0 NSIC) were led by Seniors Jack Nelson, Paul Preston and Cameron Johnson. The trio helped the Warriors to a dream start against University of Minnesota, Crookston (0-1, 0-1 NSIC) to begin the 2016 season, winnning 68-0. The Thursday night game featured career highs for both Preston and Johnson.
 
Preston finished with 123 yards rushing and Johnson had 153 yards receiving.
 
In the first quarter the Warriors got going after senior Jarrett Would blocked a 43-yard field goal attempt. Wood broke through the middle of Crookston's line to get the block which was recovered for a short return by junior defensive back Andrew Spencer. The momentum created would last the rest of the game.
 
In their second possession the Warriors faced another fourth down, this time they converted as Nelson hooked up with Joel Hinke on a 24-yard pass completion up the middle. The fourth down conversion lead to the Warriors first touchdown of the night, a 1-yard touchdown run by Preston.
 
Winona State didn't look back after their first score and went on to route Crookston. The passing game picked up after Winona State's second possession. The next possession featured a perfect back shoulder pass along the left sideline to Johnson for a 24-yard gain, setting up Preston for a 39-yard touchdown run on a statue of liberty fake by Nelson. Nelson hit Johnson for another big play in the next possession, this time the connection went for 52 yards and six points. The Warriors would hold a 19-0 lead after a quarter of play.
 
The second quarter picked up where the first quarter left off, Winona State would go on an eight play, 50-yard touchdown scoring drive capped off with a touchdown reception by senior tight-end Nick Margiotta, when Margiotta ran a short drag route across the front of the end zone.
 
Winona State's defensive unit continued to make big plays in the second quarter, scoring in what would be their first of two safeties on the night when Crookston's quarterback Nathan Cole's backward pass was batted down for a fumble that rolled out of the end zone by senior defensive back Sir'Vegias Steele.
 
The Warriors continued to capitalize on their momentum after the safety, scoring a touchdown on a three play, 48-yard drive finished off with a 37-yard touchdown reception by Johnson. The Warriors spread the work load between multiple running backs as the game went on.  Sophomore Eric Birth ended the scoring the second quarter with a seven-yard touchdown run that gave the Warriors a 42-0 lead over Crookston at the half.
 
The second half started off unfavorably for Crookston when they snapped the ball over punter Stephen Day's head and out of the end zone for the second safety of the game. In the Warriors following possession they picked up where they left off, scoring on a six play 43-yard drive, capped off by another Birth touchdown, this time from three yards out.
 
The Warriors special teams' unit continued to dominate in the third quarter when freshman punt returner and receiver Jake Balliu returned a Stephen Day punt for an 82-yard touchdown. In his post-game interview Head Coach Tom Sawyer praised Balliu saying "You can't teach punt returning, you can do it or you can't, he did the same stuff in high school." It was the second longest scoring punt return in school history.
 
Winona State used the fourth quarter as a chance to get some newer players some valuable in game experience, but that didn't stop Winona State from scoring. Freshman Patrick Bauman had a 39-yard touchdown run.
 
The Winona State defense continued their shutout of Crookston through the fourth quarter. Carter McCauley gave Winona State their 68-0 shutout victory over Minnesota Crookston with a 25-yard field goal. It was the first shutout for the Warriors since a 2007 meeting with the Golden Eagles.
 
After the game Preston was asked about the offense, he said "There is always room for improvement despite the score." Preston led all running backs with 123 net yards rushing on 13 attempts and two touchdowns. It was the 98^th time a Winona State back reached the 120-yard plateau.
 
Nelson finished 12-17 with 209 yards and three scores. Johnson lead the team in all receiving categories including his career high in yards with 153 yards on 6 receptions, including two scores. Johnson's 150+ yards receiving marked the 35^th time a Winona State receiver reached the 150-yard mark in a game.
 
The Warriors defense forced nine punts, and two safeties on the night. The leaders on defense were junior linebacker Aikan Major and Austin Opfer. Major ended his night with five tackles including one for a loss and Opfer had five tackles, including two sacks. Winona State allowed just 91 net yards while gaining 513 net yards offensively.
 
The Warriors hope to keep their momentum and build off of their success next Saturday in Duluth, kickoff is at 6:05 against Minnesota Duluth.