MARSHALL, Minn. – Winona State University travels to Southwest Minnesota State University for the fifth-annual "Battle for the Sledge" game sponsored by BIG Athletics and Adidas. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
The Warriors lead the "Sledge" series, 3-1, including three straight head-to-head victories. Winona State enters the weekend on a four-game winning streak and is poised for an NCAA Playoff berth if the Warriors can win out over their final three games of the regular season.
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ABOUT THE SLEDGE: In 2008, during warmups of the WSU/SMSU game, a Warrior player brought a sledgehammer to midfield while Mustang players looked on. SMSU went on to a 35-28 victory, snapping the Warriors' seven-game winning streak in the series. Following the game, SMSU players ran over to the WSU sideline and grabbed the sledgehammer, celebrating the victory at midfield. The sledge was returned, but emotions ran high, and the rivalry was born. Now, a seven-foot tall sledgehammer is awarded to the annual winner with two four-foot sledges given to the game MVP on each side.
SCOUTING SMSU: The Mustangs (3-5) are winless at home this season (0-4), and are coming off a 23-14 loss to MSU Moorhead. SMSU ranks 10th in the NSIC in scoring offense (22.4 ppg) and 12th in scoring defense (29.9). Defensively, the Mustangs have allowed the second-most yards/game in the league this season (467.0). Offensively, the Mustangs' 100.4 rushing yards/game are also second-to-last in the league, while quarterback Boyer Bouman carries the load as the NSIC's top passer (216.3 yards/game). Bouman has thrown 10 touchdown passes, nine of which have landed in the hands of Daniel Davis. The senior wideout leads the NSIC in catches (59), ranks second in TDs and second in yards/game (99.4).
CLEAN SWEEP: With their 38-17 victory over St. Cloud State last Saturday, the Warriors completed a perfect 4-0 slate against NSIC North foes this season. Winona State's current four-game winning streak is its best since beginning the 2017 season with eight straight wins and has propelled the Warriors back into the playoff hunt as the final month of the regular season begins. The Warriors also swept the North during the 2017 campaign which was the first occurrence in over a decade.
SHOOTOUT: Dating back to 2001, the Warriors have averaged 41.1 ppg in 18 meetings with the Mustangs, own a 14-4 record in those matchups, and have scored 42 points or more 11 times, including two of the last three outings. Last season, Owen Burke threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns, including a scoring strike to Jaylen Schleicher. Burke has completed 63% of his passes for 789 yards and seven TDs (3 INTs) over the Warriors' four-game winning streak. The junior quarterback will face an SMSU defense that has allowed 13 TDs and the second-most passing yards/game (237.5) in the league this season.
SCHOOL YARD BULLIES: The Winona State defense is at it again this year – routinely taking away the ball from opponents. The Warriors lead all DII teams this season in interceptions (17) and rank sixth in total takeaways (21). Redshirt freshman linebacker Clay Schueffner leads the team in INTs (4) after recording a pair last week, and three over the last two games. Four other Warriors have at least two INTs while five more have nabbed one. Senior safety Romario Gayle has two this season and nine in his career. Winona State's ball hawks will be put to the test this week against Boyer Bouman who has only been intercepted four times this year – the second-fewest in the NSIC.
SPECIAL DELIVERY: Senior kicker Paul Ortiz was named the NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week after averaging 41.5 punt yards and connecting on a season-long 49-yard field goal against St. Cloud. He joins Isaiah Hall who was also named the NSIC Player of the Week earlier this season. Hall leads the NSIC in kickoff returns (27.5 yards/return) and has returned one touchdown. Collectively, WSU ranks fifth in the country this season in kickoff returns (28.25).
PURPLE & BALLIU: Along with his duties in the kick/punt return game, redshirt junior Jake Balliu has been red-hot as of late in his comeback from injury last year. Balliu leads the team in catches (30), receiving yards (376) and touchdowns (6). Five of his six TDs this season have come over the Warriors' last four games.
REGIONAL ROUNDUP: The first of three NCAA DII Super Region rankings was released on Monday, tabbing Winona State No. 9. Ranked ahead of the Warriors are fellow NSIC teams: Minnesota State (No. 2), Augustana (No. 7) and Sioux Falls (No. 8). The top seven teams in each region qualify for the NCAA Playoffs.
