WINONA, Minn. – Winona State football was unable to complete a fourth-quarter comeback as Wayne State scored with 3:43 left in the game to defeat the Warriors, 28-21, on Family Weekend.
The Wildcats went 77 yards and controlled the ball for over seven minutes on the opening drive of the game, scoring on a 26-yard pass from Nick Bohn to Latravious Boyd. After a series of punts by both teams, Winona State drove deep into WSC territory but had a 32-yard field goal blocked by the Wildcats.
Winona State forced a quick three-and-out to give the offense the ball at their own 22 yard-line. After needing just three plays to move the ball 38 yards,
Cole Stenstrom then connected with
Cayden Holcomb up the middle for a 40-yard touchdown to tie the game at seven apiece.
Wayne State added another score in the second and third quarters to take a 21-7 lead going into the final frame. On the first drive of the fourth, Stenstrom reconnected with Holcomb for a 38-yard tip-drill touchdown pass. The WSU defense then forced a timely three-and-out and forced a short punt by the Wildcats to set the Warriors up with good field position.
With the momentum on their side, Winona State drove down the field and scored on a Stenstrom pass to
James Durst, who dodged a few defenders and dove in for the score.
Jacob Scott's extra point was good to tie the game 21-21 with 5:42 remaining.
Wayne State quickly answered back, scoring on a 52-yard pass to take the lead with 3:40 left. Starting at the 25-yard line, WSU put together a promising drive but stalled as they neared the redzone and turned the ball over on downs with less than a minute to go. Wayne State was able to take a knee and hold on for a 28-21 victory.
The Warriors outgained the Wildcats 356 total yards to 247 yards. WSU threw for 210 passing yards and added 146 rushing yards. Wayne State threw for 208 passing yards and ran for just 39 yards. Winona State had two costly turnovers and the Warriors were unable to force any turnovers.
Cole Stenstrom went 10-18 passing with 197 yards and an interception.
Cayden Holcomb grabbed three receptions for 110 yards and two scores.
Cair'ron Hendred was the leading rusher, carrying the ball 19 times for 84 yards.
The Warriors (1-2, 1-1 NSIC) will be back in action next week as they travel to Aberdeen, SD to take on Northern State. Kickoff is set for 6:00pm.
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www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and
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