WINONA, Minn. - Winona State football outlasted Bemidji State in a hard-fought 31-28 victory on a beautiful October afternoon in Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.

The Warriors kicked off to the Beavers to begin the game and BSU went on an 11-play, 71-yard scoring drive to take an early 7-0 lead. Winona State went three-and-out on their first drive of the game, then forced a Bemidji State three-and-out on the ensuing drive.

After gaining the ball on their own 34-yard line, the Warriors marched down the field. A 24-yard completion from Cole Stenstrom to Quentin Pringle on a flee flicker set up a Stenstrom one-yard keeper for a WSU touchdown. Jacob Scott's extra point tied the game at seven apiece.

The Beavers added another score early in the second quarter to go up by seven. With just 1:06 remaining in the first half, Winona State forced a punt and Ty Johnson exploded for a 49-yard return to set up the Warriors with good field position. Four plays later, Stenstrom connected with true freshman Maurice Densmore for his first career touchdown reception. WSU and BSU went into the locker room tied 14-14.

Early in the second half, Johnson received a BSU punt at the WSU 36-yard line, ran to the far sideline, weaved through Beaver defenders, and found paydirt for a 64-yard touchdown.

Later in the third quarter, Winona State threw an interception to give Bemidji State the ball around midfield and the Beavers scored on the drive to tie it 21-21. On the next Warrior possession, WSU fumbled on their own 23-yard line and gave the Beavers great field position. The WSU defense held strong and on third down David Nies got to the quarterback on third down for a sack and force the Beavers into a 33-yard field goal attempt. On the attempt, Nies blocked the kick which was recovered by Bronson Schofield to hold BSU from putting points on the board and flip field position.

A few drives later, Winona State started near midfield and traveled 26 yards to set up Scott for a 44-yard field goal which gave WSU the lead. Winona State then forced a quick three-and-out and traveled 62 yards on seven plays on the next drive as Stenstrom punched another one-yard run across the goal line to give WSU a 31-21 lead with just 2:10 left in the game. Bemidji State was able to travel 93 yards in 11 plays and score a touchdown, but the ensuing onside kick was recovered by the Warriors who took a knee to hang on for a 31-28 victory.

Johnson provided a spark for the Winona State special teams, having an outbreak game and gaining 160 yards on five punt returns, including a house call. Scott was perfect on the day going 4-4 on PATs and making a 44-yard field goal. Scott also averaged 44.8 yards on five punts with a long of 57 yards.

Stenstrom went 12-23 passing for 150 yards and a touchdown, also adding 32 yards and two touchdowns with his legs. Cair'ron Hendred led WSU with 64 yards rushing. Cayden Holcomb caught three passes for 66 yards and Ty Gavin was used heavily in the passing game, catching five balls for 35 yards.

Nick Bucaro grabbed a team-high nine tackles and was in on a TFL. Nies had a sack, a forced fumbled, a QB hurry, and a blocked kick in a great all-around performance on the defensive line. Schofield and Ethan Torgrimson also found the BSU quarterback for sacks.

Winona State (4-4, 4-3 NSIC) is back home next weekend as the Warriors host Minnesota Duluth for a 1:00pm kickoff on Senior Day.
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