WINONA, Minn. – For the second straight year, (RV) Winona State University begins its new campaign against Wayne State College – this time at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Game Day Experience on Johnson Street opens at 11 a.m.
WSU was picked fourth overall (2nd South) in the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll and received votes in the Week 1 AFCA Top 25 Poll. Despite an injury-plagued season in 2018, the Warriors showcased their depth by posting an 8-3 mark while narrowly missing a postseason berth. Back at full strength, this experienced Warrior team looks to return to the playoffs as they did when WSU hosted an opening-round NCAA game in 2017.
Fans are encouraged to wear purple to this week's game.
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SCOUTING WAYNE STATE: After finishing 3-8 a year ago, the Wildcats were tabbed 13th overall (6th South) in the 2019 preseason conference poll. Wayne State ranked 13th in the NSIC last season in scoring (19.4 ppg) while the defense ranked 10th (27.7 ppg). Dodge City Community College (Kan.) transfer Anthony Watkins is slated as the starting running back with University of South Dakota transfer Andy McCance expected to start under center. Those two will be protected by a veteran offensive line that returns four starters. Winona State has won four straight meetings over the Wildcats, and eight of the last nine matchups.
RESPECT: Despite missing the nearly 10 full games due to injury last year, linebacker Nick Pridgeon was voted as the 2019 NSIC South Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. The redshirt senior is a two-time All-NSIC honoree, including Second Team honors in 2017 when he recorded 57 tackles (37 solo) 8.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks and four interceptions. Anchored by Pridgeon, the Warriors hope to return to their 2017 form on defense with one of the most disruptive units in the country.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Along with Nick Pridgeon, Winona State welcomes back Jake Balliu, Cam Gavin and Michael Gomez from season-ending injuries in 2018. Balliu, Gomez and Pridgeon have each earned All-Conference honors in their careers while Gavin played a key role in the defensive secondary in both 2016 & 2017. With their returns, Gomez and Pridgeon have each been named team captains for the second straight season along with first-year representatives, Owen Burke and Devon Moore.
UNDER CENTER & IN THE TRENCHES: Junior quarterback Owen Burke will begin his second year as the Warriors' signal caller after ranking fourth in the NSIC in touchdowns (22) and fifth in passing yards (2448) a year ago. Burke aired out a career-best 294 yards vs. SMSU last season and recorded seven games with at least two touchdown passes. Burke's pass protection includes a pair of sophomores and two redshirt freshmen that will be led by junior left tackle Carter Berlin. Berlin was a First Team All-NSIC recipient in 2018.
TWO-HEADED MONSTER: The Warriors' run game will feature a pair of All-NSIC performers in Javian Roebuck and Sam Santiago-Lloyd. Roebuck (2017 First Team) rushed for 102 yards in the opener last season against Wayne State. The senior totaled nearly 600 all-purpose yards with three touchdowns in 2018. Santiago-Lloyd (2018 Honorable Mention) stepped up in a big way last year when Roebuck was slowed with some nagging injuries. The junior played in all 11 games and led the team in rushing yards (550) and touchdowns (5).
BALL HAWKS: While tourist flock to Winona to see eagles over the picturesque landscape, Warrior fans and opposing quarterbacks are more familiar with WSU's defensive secondary. The ball-hawking unit ranked eight in NCAA DII last season in interceptions (18) and ninth in total turnovers gained (28). In 2017, the Warriors ranked second in INTs (24) and third in total turnovers (37) in the country. Isaiah Hall, a 2018 All-American Honorable Mention, will be flanked on the corner by senior Cole Monckton who has six career interceptions on his resume. Hall accounted for seven turnovers last year (5 INT, 2 FF). Senior safety Romario Gayle tied Hall with five interceptions in 2018.
