WINONA, Minn. - Winona State University and Southwest Minnesota State are set to face off in the Battle of the Sledge on Saturday, Oct. 16, in Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium, taking Maxwell Field in one of the premier traveling trophy games in NCAA Division II football.
With the support of BIG Athletics and Adidas, the trophy contest has roots in a 2008 meeting between the teams in which a Winona State sledgehammer - at the time a team award - was 'borrowed' by the Mustangs after a SMSU win over the Warriors. Although the original property made it's way back to the rightful owners after, the story of the sledge was born and brought to the forefront through the generosity and support of BIG Athletics with the first trophy game occurring in 2016.
Both teams are coming off of losses in week six, with Winona State falling to Northern State, 52-49 and SMSU losing 35-7 to the University of Sioux Falls. In terms of common opponents, the Mustangs and Warriors both beat Concordia St. Paul, and both lost to NSU. WSU claimed wins over MSU-Moorhead and UMary, two squads the beat SMSU.
Winona State fans have learned to watch Jake Balliu every time he is on the field, as the versatile speedster has accounted for Warrior touchdowns via the kick off return, a punt return, pass reception and even on an occasional touchdown toss. Balliu is a scoring threat in any situation and the WSU faithfull hope to see more on Saturday against SMSU. QB Owen Burke continues to climb the Winona State career marks in touchdown passes, total passing yards and completions, among others. Burke is coming off his first 300-yard passing day of the 2021 season and second overall, throwing for 334 yards and five touchdowns against the Wolves.
The Warriors have won the last four meetings between the teams and Winona State is looking to help Tom Sawyer finish on a winning note over each NSIC South rival,including the Mustangs. A key to a Warrior win will be a strong defensive presence and WSU will look to Clay Schueffner (50 tackles), Mitch Snitker (45 tackles) and Cam Gavin (36 tackles) to continue that trend.
As a team, Southwest Minnesota State is averaging 19.7 points per game, while conceding an average of 30.2. Jesse Sherwood leads the Mustang ground game with 448 yards on 74 carries. SMSU quarterback Andrew Haidet is 59-of-120 for the year; he has thrown for four touchdowns and seven interceptions. Onte Burns is the top Southwest Minnesota State tackler with 66 total stops. Gage Robertson has 4 1/2 tackles for loss on the season, including one sack.
Following the game, one player from each team shall be presented with a MVP trophy, a five-foot sledgehammer commemorating the contest and their particular performance. The winning team will take possession of the 'BIG' hammer, celebrating the victory on the day.
The game is being televised and produced by HBC Sports and available on the NSIC Network. Justin Barrientos will have the call for HBC 25 Sports. Warrior fans can also tune in on KQAL 89.5, the radio home of Winona State Athletics.
Walk up ticket sales will open 90 minutes before kickoff at the Maxwell Field ticket office.
For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
