SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Winona State University football team capitalized on a 70-yard touchdown pass from Owen Burke to Dakota Matthees in the final minutes to knock down Sioux Falls.

The first half was a defensive battle. The Warriors started the game with a steady offensive drive into the Cougar's territory before a deflected ball in the secondary was intercepted by Sioux Falls. USF went three-and-out, followed by a WSU three-and-out, and another USF three-and-out.

Winona State used another drive to enter into the redzone before missing a field goal. The Cougars had a sustained drive of their own that also ended in a missed field goal. A second missed field goal from the Warriors capped off a nine-minute drive that ate up most of the second quarter.

Aarion Lacy intercepted a pass in the final minute of the first half, but the Warriors ensuing drive ended the half. The halftime score was 0-0.

After forcing Sioux Falls to punt on the opening drive of the second half, Winona State went on an eleven play, 61-yard scoring drive. Facing 4th and four from the USF 12-yard line, the Warriors lined up for a field goal. Jace LaBuda took the snap as the holder and dropped back to pass, connecting with Dakota Matthees for a Warrior first down. On the next play, Noah Carlson ran the ball for a 2-yard touchdown. With Jacob Scott's PAT good, WSU took the 7-0 lead.

The fourth quarter started with a six -minute Cougar drive that resulted in a 33-yard field goal. The Warriors next drive resulted in an interception at their own 33-yard line. USF used the great field position to score and take the 10-7 lead with just under five minutes to go in the game.

After trading punts, Winona State got the ball at their own 30-yard line. On second down, Burke found Matthees down the field and Matthees snatched the ball as the USF defender fell. Matthees then had open space and ran down the sideline into the endzone. The 70-yard connection and the ensuing Scott PAT gave the Warriors a 14-10 lead with 1:28 left on the clock.

Sioux Falls was able to drive the field and get to the WSU 24-yard line with 40 seconds left. A sack by Luc Leszczynski on first down helped the Warriors defense stall the driving Cougar offense. Three consecutive incompletions by Sioux Falls led to the end of the game with Winona State winning 14-10.

Overall, the Warriors led the Cougars in total yards, 374-310. WSU was able to run for 153 yards and hold USF to just 81 rushing yards. In the passing game, Winona State threw for 221 yards while Sioux Falls through for 229. Winona State led the time of possession as they controlled the ball for 34:32 to USF's 25:28.

Individually, Noah Carlson led the team with 78 rushing yards on 16 attempts. Dominik London was also looked upon heavily, as he had 14 rushes for 60 yards. Matthees led the Warriors in receiving, with 80 yards on two receptions, including the 70-yard game winning reception. Jake Balliu led WSU in receptions with five receptions for 55 yards.

Owen Burke threw for 211 yards completing 18 of 31 attempts. He threw two interceptions but connected with Matthees for the game-winning 70-yard touchdown pass. Jace LaBuda completed one pass for 10 yards on the conversion of the fake field goal.  

Defensively, Aarion Lacy was a spark for the Warriors. Lacy corralled two interceptions and also contributed with two tackles. Clay Schueffner led Winona State with 11 total tackles. Richard Azunna and Mitch Snitker made eight tackles each.

The victory moves the Warriors to 5-3 overall and 2-1 in the NSIC South Division. Winona State will travel back to Sioux Falls next weekend as they take on nationally ranked Augustana at 1pm on Saturday, Oct. 30.

For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.
About Winona State University Athletics: 

The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.  

Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).  Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.