MINOT, N.D. – (RV) Winona State University scored 20 unanswered points in the first half of a 47-7 rout of Minot State University on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors are off to their first 4-0 start since the 2003 campaign.
The Winona offense outgained the Beavers in yardage, 447-195, including a season-high 335 rushing yards, while the disruptive Warrior defense forced three turnovers.
Jake Balliu highlighted the special teams, returning a 53-yard punt for a touchdown in the first quarter. The sophomore's return followed a Carter McCauley field goal to stake WSU to 10-0 lead.
McCauley went 4-for-4 in field goal attempts with his longest of the day (47 yards) coming in the third quarter.
Owen Burke started under center for Winona on Saturday and connected with Dustin Iverson in the second quarter for the duo's first touchdown of the season to stretch the Warrior lead to 20-0.
The Beavers broke their scoring drought with a nine-play 66-yard drive late in the first half to cut their deficit to 20-7, but the Warriors would score twice more before halftime.
Javian Roebuck exploded for a 52-yard run on a Statue of Liberty play call as time ticked down in the second quarter. The WSU defense forced a quick three-and-out by Minot and McCauley tacked on another field goal before the half to give the Warriors a 30-7 advantage.
The Winona defense shut out the Beavers in the second half and found paydirt itself in the third quarter. Andrew Spencer and Cole Monckton proved relentless on a tackle with the latter eventually springing the ball free from the Minot receiver and taking it 33 yards for a touchdown.
Landon Jacobson scampered into the end zone for the final score of the day, his second touchdown in as many games.
Winona native Eric Birth eclipsed 100 yards on the ground for the first time this season, and second time in his career, to lead the Warriors' ground attack. Sam Santiago-Lloyd chipped in a career-best 89 rushing yards.
The WSU defense totaled 11 tackles-for-losses and three sacks. Reigning Defensive Player of the Week, Nick Pridgeon, had two tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including 1.5 sacks. Spencer and Noel Winch each recorded interceptions. Josh Hawes was Winona's leading tackler with nine.
Winona (4-0) begins NSIC South Divisional action next Saturday at home against Upper Iowa University (3-1). Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium on September 30th.
