MARSHALL, Minn. – Winona State football retained 'The Sledge' after defeating Southwest Minnesota State 37-15 on the road today.
The Warriors (5-5, 5-4 NSIC) won the "Battle for the Sledge" for the seventh straight time, controlling all facets of the game and rolling to the victory.
After both teams traded punts, WSU put points on the board first after a 6-play, 62-yard drive aided by a 31-yard connection from
Cole Stenstrom to
Sylvere Campbell. The Warriors then found the endzone on their next possession as Stenstrom and
Maurice Densmore paired up for a 54-yard touchdown pass and catch.
The Mustangs were able to answer back, capping off a 72-yard drive with a touchdown pass from 42 yards out to bring the score to 14-7 with Winona State leading at the end of the first.
Jacob Scott added field goals of 30 yards, 33 yards, and 20 yards in the second frame to give WSU a 23-7 lead at the break.
Southwest Minnesota State scored on their first possession of the second half and converted the two-point PAT to bring it to a one-possession game, but the Warrior answered back immediately with a touchdown of their own.
Myles Hawthorne grabbed an interception to set up Winona State with good field position for their next scoring drive to bring the score to 37-15 midway through the third. That score would stay the same for the rest of the game, with Winona State clinching their fifth victory of the season.
Stenstrom had a career day, throwing for 344 yards on 18-28 passing with two touchdowns. Campbell caught seven passes for 142 yards to lead the Warriors, while
Joe Sikma and Densmore each had a receiving touchdown.
Josh Buri led the running back group with 54 yards rushing, and
Cair'ron Hendred tallied 31 yards with a pair of touchdowns.
Conner Haggerty picked up 2.0 sacks and led WSU with seven tackles.
Lincoln Snitker also added six stops with one TFL. The Warriors held the Mustangs to 183 yards of total offense and just 26 rushing yards.
Winona State will wrap up the regular season at Minot State on Saturday, November 16 with kickoff set for 1:00pm.
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