ABERDEEN, S.D. – Senior running back Eric Birth got loose for his first two touchdowns of the season Saturday afternoon, including the game-winning score late in the fourth quarter as Winona State University rallied for a 22-15 win at Northern State University.
It was a complete team effort for the Warriors who snapped their two-game losing streak with Saturday's victory with the defense and special teams helping to set up Birth's game-winning scamper.
Trailing 15-14 midway through the fourth quarter, Owen Burke and the Warriors put together a nine-play drive that extended deep into Wolves territory. Seeking the go-ahead score, Burke's pass targeted for the end zone was intercepted and resulted in a Northern State touchback. With the ball, the lead, and 4:29 left on the clock, the only thing standing between a Wolves home victory was the Warrior defense.
Winona State's defensive unit successfully forced a three-and-out, setting up a Northern State punt which Isaiah Hall returned 40 yards back into Wolves territory. Two players later, Burke connected with Tanner Gran for a pivotal third-down conversion and Birth took the ensuing hand off 12 yards for the game-winning run.
The Warrior defense put an exclamation point on the victory when Romario Gayle intercepted Hunter Trautman in the WSU red zone to seal the game. The interception was Gayle's fourth of the season as the junior totaled six tackles in the win. Cole LaLiberty recorded a career-best 10 tackles. Carter Duxbury and Devon Moore combined for 15 tackles with the latter adding one sack.
After Birth's explosive 62-yard touchdown run in the first quarter gave Winona State a 7-3 lead, neither team put points on the board again until Burke found Gran in the end zone for a third quarter touchdown. The duo has hooked up for three touchdowns this season.
Burke threw a pair of interceptions on Saturday, but successfully raked up over 200 yards passing for the fifth straight game. Senior Isaiah Frandsen was on the receiving end of a season-high seven catches for 116 yards. Tyler Anderson caught four balls for 79 yards.
Birth and Javian Roebuck combined for 143 yards on the ground.
Winona State improves to 3-2 with the victory and sends Northern State to a 1-4 record.
The Warriors return to Winona next Saturday for the 2018 Homecoming Game. Kickoff against the University of Mary is set for 2 p.m. at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
