WINONA, Minn. – (RV) Winona State University ran its winning streak to three straight to begin the season with a 42-14 victory over Minnesota State University-Moorhead on Saturday afternoon at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
The Warriors' 42 points were a season-high while the defense once again dominant its opponent. Winona forced five Moorehead turnovers on the day, including three interceptions.
Both defenses shined out of the gate, recording interceptions the first time their respective units took the field. Darren Beenkin was picked off on his first pass attempt of the game, but the Warrior defense quickly retrieved the ball for their senior quarterback.
Moorhead's third offensive play from scrimmage resulted in an interception by Nick Pridgeon, his first of two on the day, and the Winona offense was given a second change at its first impression of the day.
Pridgeon returned the interception 58 yards, setting up great field possession for the Warrior offense. Two plays later, Eric Birth scampered into the end zone for a seven-yard touchdown run.
The Dragon defense created another Warrior turnover on Winona's next offensive possession, forcing a fumble by Javian Roebuck just outside the MSUM red zone.
The Moorhead offense appeared to find its rhythm in an attempt to tie the game with a seven-play drive to the Winona 35-yard line before Michael Gomez forced a Dragon fumble which was recovered by Pridgeon.
Winona showed off its quick-striking ability after the turnover with a 67-yard pitch and catch from Beenkin to Isaiah Frandsen to give the Warriors a 14-0 lead on the touchdown pass.
The Warriors had four touchdown drives that took less than 90 seconds off the clock in the game.
Trailing by a pair of touchdowns, Moorhead again put together a sustained 10-play drive, but once more it was disturbed by the swarming Warrior defense.
Pridgeon's second interception of the game kept the Dragons off the board, but this time the Winona offense could not convert the turnover into points. Alex Evans was credited with the quarterback hurry on the play which was one of five times on the day in which the Warriors pressured the Moorhead passer.
Early in the second quarter Andrew Spencer kept the shutout alive for Winona with a blocked field goal attempt and the Warrior offense went on to score two more touchdowns in the first half.
Beenkin scrambled for a scored following an interception by Spencer, and Sam Santiago-Lloyd rumbled for a touchdown on a 4th-and-1 play late in the second quarter. Santiago-Lloyd accounted for 52 of Winona's 80 yards on the seven-play drive.
Trailing 28-0 at the break, Moorhead came out of the locker room and finally got on the board with an 11-play 75-yard drive. The Dragons tacked on one more score in the fourth quarter which stands as the first time this season the WSU defense has surrendered two touchdowns.
The Warriors defense, which ranks third in the NSIC in points allowed, has given up just four touchdowns through three games this year.
Frandsen continued his career day in the second half with his second touchdown catch of the game midway through the third quarter. Despite having a cornerback draped on top of him, which resulted in a pass interference call, Frandsen came down with a 24-yard scoring pass from Beenkin.
The junior wide receiver hauled in three passes for a season-best 129 yards.
WSU totaled a season-high 94 rushing yards with Roebuck leading the way with 56 yards on nine carries. Landson Jacobson rushed for Winona's final score of the game in the fourth quarter.
Adonis Brown led the defense with 12 tackles, including seven solo efforts. Gomez and Mike Imperiale recorded eight tackles apiece. Trey Telez and Michael Ferrante each recorded a sack.
Pridgeon finished the game with five tackles, two interceptions, two quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery.
Winona State (3-0, 3-0 NSIC) travels to Minot State (0-2, 0-2 NSIC) next Saturday for a 2 p.m. kickoff.
