WINONA, Minn. – No. 11 Winona State University ran its undefeated record to 8-0 with 42-19 drubbing of Wayne State College on Saturday afternoon at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
WSU rushed for over 200 yards for the fifth consecutive week and the ball-hawking Warrior defense intercepted two more passes, raising their season total to 15.
The swarming Warrior defense put the first points of the contest on the board when Nick Pridgeon drilled Wildcat quarterback Zach Osborn for a safety in the end zone. His thunderous sack knocked Osborn out for the remainder of the game after just his second snap of the day.
Wayne State's depth was challenged at the quarterback position on Saturday as three different signal callers played under center.
Winona's Darren Beenken was unable to successfully navigate the short field position offered by the ensuing free punt and was intercepted by Glenn Harris near the Wildcat goal line. The pick was Harris' NSIC-leading sixth of the season.
Wayne wasted little time turning that turnover into points and marched down the field to take a 7-2 lead early in the first quarter.
Winona responded with a four-play 66-yard drive which resulted in Zach Olstad's first rushing touchdown of the season, but the Wildcats answered again, showcasing their explosive ability with a three-play 73-yard drive to take a 13-9 advantage.
WSU hadn't allowed a single opponent score in the first quarter over its first six games of the season, but has allowed 16 points over the past two weeks.
The first-quarter deficit did little to shake the Warriors' confidence though as the home team proceeded to rattle off 33-unanswered points over the next three quarters.
Beenken connected with Greg Rooney for a five-yard touchdown reception to erase the Warriors' deficit and open the flood gates early in the second quarter.
Adonis Brown's big day was highlighted by a pick-six with the Wildcats backed up to their own end zone in the third quarter. The senior recorded five tackles, including one for a loss, forced a fumble and had two pass breakups.
Eric Birth rushed for a pair of touchdowns and eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the third time this season. The Winona native scored on a four-yard run in the second quarter and exploded for a 54-yard scamper in the third.
Carter McCauley drilled a pair of field goals and pads his lead as WSU's all-time record holder with 49.
Jake Balliu returned five punts for 110 yards, including a 45-yarder in the second quarter which came up just short of the goal line to set up Birth's first score.
Andrew Spencer led the defense with eight tackles and had one pass breakup. Michael Ferrante was in the Wildcat backfield all afternoon and recorded three tackles, two quarterback hurries and one sack.
Winona State improves to 8-0 (4-0 NSIC South) and sends Wayne State to 4-4 (2-2 NSIC South) with its second straight loss.
Next Saturday will feature a pair of 8-0 teams as Winona travels to No. 4 Minnesota State in a battle for South supremacy. Kickoff in Mankato is slated for 1 p.m.
