WINONA, Minn. – The Winona State football team dropped the 2024 opener to Saginaw Valley State, 38-14.
The Warriors were unable to overcome an early deficit and costly turnovers, leading to a loss in the season opener in front of a home crowd at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.
SVSU got out to a quick 14-0 lead after an opening drive 88-yard touchdown pass from Mason McKenzie to Eric Craft. On the ensuing kickoff, a Warrior fumble gave Saginaw Valley great field position, and the Cardinals scored another touchdown just two plays later.
The Warriors bounced back and strung together a 93-yard drive, capped by a 56-yard reception from
Cole Stenstrom to
Sylvere Campbell.
Saginaw Valley State found the redzone to begin the second quarter, but Winona State was able to hold the Cardinals to a 35-yard field goal. After starting on the WSU 19 yard-line, Winona State needed just over a minute to respond. A 63-yard pass from Stenstrom to
Jim Curtin set up
Cair'ron Hendred to find paydirt on an 18-yard rush and bring the Warriors within a field goal.
The 17-14 score with 13:27 left in the second quarter was the closest WSU was able to get to the Cardinals. SVSU added another 14 points in the second quarter and tallied a clinching touchdown in the fourth to win the game 38-14.
Statistically, Saginaw Valley State outgained the Warriors 427 yards to 410. Winona State passed for 307 yards with 21 completions on 39 attempts, but two interceptions hurt WSU momentum. SVSU passed for 127 yards and ran the ball for 255 yards compared to Winona State's 103.
Stenstrom went 20-38 with 295 yards and one touchdown completion.
Jackson Flottmeyer also appeared at quarterback for the Warriors, completing his only pass for 12 yards and added 10 yards rushing on two attempts. Campbell began the 2024 season with a strong outing, posting 130 yards on five receptions.
Jim Curtin hauled in 81 yards while
Cayden Holcomb gathered four receptions for 43 yards.
Ty Gavin,
Quentin Pringle, and Hendred led the rushing attack for WSU, combining for 95 yards on 19 attempts.
Winona State will turn their eyes towards a 6:30pm matchup at Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday, September 14.
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