WINONA, Minn. – Winona State held a 7-0 halftime lead before Sioux Falls scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to earn a 21-14 victory at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Winona State fell to 3-6 overall and 3-5 in NSIC play, while Sioux Falls improved to 6-3 overall and 6-2 in conference action.
Jacob Sampson led the Warriors' offense, completing 25 of 38 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns.
James Durst caught both touchdown passes, finishing with five receptions for 95 yards.
AJ Moore led WSU on the ground with 10 carries for 58 yards.
Defensively,
Ethan Doucette paced the Warriors with 14 tackles, including six solo stops, one tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a half-sack for a five-yard loss.
Patrick Curtin and
Charlie Renner followed with nine tackles apiece.
As a team, Winona State outgained Sioux Falls 349-327. The Cougars recorded 21 first downs compared to 19 for the Warriors.
Neither team found much offensive rhythm in the first quarter. Sioux Falls recorded a punt and turned the ball over on downs, while Winona State punted twice.
The Cougars had the first opportunity to score, but kicker JT Frieders missed a 34-yard field goal attempt. Winona State took over at its own 20-yard line and marched 80 yards on eight plays. Sampson capped the drive by finding Durst for an eight-yard touchdown to give the Warriors a 7-0 lead. Sioux Falls attempted another field goal on its next possession, but Frieders missed from 42 yards, allowing Winona State to carry its lead into halftime.
Sioux Falls opened the second half with an 11-play, six-minute drive, capped by a Hank Bron Jr. rushing touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. The Cougars took their first lead on the opening play of the fourth quarter when Tate Shafer connected with Noah Robertson for a 15-yard touchdown.
The Cougars extended their advantage on the next possession when Daevion Simonsen lined up in the wildcat formation and broke free for a 32-yard rushing touchdown, making it 21-7.
The Warriors answered on their next drive. Sampson connected with Durst for the second time in the game, this time on a 24-yard touchdown pass with five minutes remaining to cut the deficit to 21-14.
Winona State's defense came up with another stop on the following possession, forcing a Sioux Falls punt with 2:20 remaining. The Warriors took over with one final opportunity to tie the game, but Sioux Falls' defense stopped their comeback attempt on fourth down to secure the 21-14 victory.
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE
- Sioux Falls defeated Winona State 21-14.
- Jacob Sampson completed 25 of 38 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns.
- AJ Moore led the Warriors on the ground with 10 carries for 58 yards.
- James Durst recorded five receptions for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
- Ethan Doucette led the defense with 14 tackles, including six solo stops, one tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a half-sack for a five-yard loss.
- Patrick Curtin and Charlie Renner each recorded nine tackles.
- Winona State outgained Sioux Falls 349-327.
- Sioux Falls recorded 21 first downs compared to 19 for Winona State.
NEWS & NOTES
- Winona State fell to 3-6 overall and 3-5 in NSIC play.
- Sioux Falls improved to 6-3 overall and 6-2 in conference action.
- Winona State maintains a 7-6 advantage in the all-time series.
- Saturday marked the second time this season the Warriors held an opponent scoreless in the first half.
UP NEXT
Winona State will close out its 2026 home schedule on Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Warriors welcome the University of Mary to Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Stay connected with Winona State University Athletics all season long by following the Warriors on social media at @WinonaStateATH (X/Instagram), @winonastatewarriors (YouTube) and Winona State Warrior Athletics (Facebook). Catch full schedules, scores and stories at winonastatewarriors.com.
