WINONA, Minn. – The Warriors held true to their moniker on Saturday afternoon at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium in a slugfest that saw No. 15 Winona State University prevail in its home opener over No. 14 University of Sioux Falls, 16-15.
A 39-yard touchdown pass from Owen Burke to Tanner Gran in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference as Winona State improved to 2-0 and sent Sioux Falls to its first loss of the season.
The Warriors were held scoreless in the first half as the Cougars took a 7-0 lead into the break. Burke threw his first two interceptions of the season in the opening half, but the sophomore showed resolve in the second half by driving WSU 60 yards in six plays for the game-winning drive.
The Winona State defense stepped up once again, despite losing senior captain Nick Pridgeon early in the game with an injury, and would account for the Warriors' first points of the contest. Devon Moore and Romario Gayle combined forces for a safety to begin the second half and put WSU on the board.
Paul Ortiz pinned Sioux Falls on the two-yard line with his second half kickoff to set up the score. The Cougars managed to avoid the explosive returner Jake Balliu most of the day on kick returns, but that didn't stop the Warriors from shining on special teams. Senior Michael Russell had a huge punt to pin the Cougars on the one-yard line late in the fourth quarter with WSU clinging to a one-point lead with under four minutes on the clock.
With points finally on the board after the safety, Burke threw his first of two second-half touchdowns to give the Warriors their first lead of the game at 9-7 in the third quarter. Senior Greg Rooney's 11-yard touchdown reception capped an 11-play, 62-yard drive with 9:25 left in the quarter.
Sioux Falls would go back in front on a touchdown run from Gabriel Watson early in the fourth quarter prior to Winona's game-winning march. The reigning NSIC Offensive Player of the Week scampered for 176 yards, but only found the end zone once.
Isaiah Hall led the defense with eight tackles, including four for a loss, and recorded half a sack. Cole Monckton matched his effort with eight tackles and a pass breakup. Freshman Ben McCabe intercepted the first pass of his WSU career in the fourth quarter.
Javian Roebuck rushed for 78 yards in the win which was highlighted by his 35-yard dash in the fourth quarter and allowed Winona State to take the victory formation. Sam Santiago-Lloyd had a team-high 19 rushes for 63 yards.
Winona State will hit the road next week to take on Upper Iowa University. Kickoff between the Warriors and Peacocks is slated for 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 15 in Fayette, Iowa.
