MARSHALL, Minn. --- The Winona State football team will close out the 2026 season Saturday at Southwest Minnesota State, marking the 1,000th game in program history. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. in Marshall, Minnesota.
THE ROAD TO 1,000 SERIES
Over the past week, Winona State Athletics has reflected on the program's first 1,000 games, tracing its history from the late 1800s to the present day. Take a look back at the milestones, moments and history that have shaped the first 1,000 games in Warrior football history:
The Road to Game 1,000: The Beginning, 1985-1928
The Road to Game 1,000: Galligan to Molinari, 1929-1970
The Road to Game 1,000: Lean Years and the Turnaround, 1971-1995
The Road to Game, 1,000: The Sawyer Era, 1996-2021
The Road to Game 1,000: Today's Warriors and Game 1,000, 2022-2026
ABOUT THE WARRIORS
- Winona State and SMSU will face off for the 55th time in program history on Saturday. The Warriors are 34-20 against the Mustangs and WSU will be seeking its 9th win in a row against SMSU.
- Today's game marks the 1,000th game in Winona State Football's Program history.
- Sophomore QB Jacob Sampson completed 16 of 19 passes for 258 yards and threw five touchdown last week vs UMary.
- Sophomore RB AJ Moore led the Warriors on the ground with 78 yards on 11 rushes. Ja'dale Thompson added 67 yards on the ground, while AJ Moore and James Durst each ran in a touchdown.
- Senior WR Austin Johnston hauled in five receptions for 69 yards against the Marauders. Sophomore WRs Nolan Ginskey and Jake Schultz each grabbed two touchdowns, while James Durst also found the end zone.
- Senior LB Blake Schraufnagel led the Warriors' defense with seven solo tackles and 3 assisted while adding four tackles for loss totaling 30 yards lost, 2.5 sacks for 23 yards lost, and one forced fumble
- Freshman K Yaggie Mathias was perfect on field goal attempts connecting on 37- and 40-yard attempts.
- This is the second season under the leadership of Head Coach Brian Curtin. Curtin, who has been a part of the Winona State football staff since 1997.
ABOUT THE MUSTANGS
- SMSU enters Saturday's matchup at 1-9 overall and 0-9 in NSIC play, riding a nine-game losing streak.
- The Mustangs rank first in NCAA Division II in fewest penalty yards per game (26.5) and fewest penalties (37).
- Sophomore running back Emmanuel Diers leads SMSU with 333 rushing yards and scored a career-long 62-yard touchdown last week against Concordia-St. Paul.
- Sophomore quarterback Tommy Hoffman threw for a career-high 248 yards on 12-of-19 passing last week. He has four touchdown passes and nine interceptions this season.
- Senior wide receiver Tryg Auten leads the Mustangs with 38 receptions for 365 yards, while freshman Cooper Murphy has 26 catches for 318 yards and two touchdowns.
- Sophomore linebacker Hunter Hanegraaf leads SMSU with 81 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. He ranks 16th nationally with 1.4 tackles for loss per game.
- Junior safety Keegan Patterson leads the defense with four interceptions, including three in NSIC play.
- SMSU recorded season highs of 245 rushing yards and 541 total yards last week against Concordia-St. Paul but enters Saturday with a minus-18 turnover margin.
Stay connected with Winona State University Athletics throughout the season by following the Warriors on social media at @WinonaStateATH (X and Instagram), @winonastatewarriors (YouTube) and Winona State Warrior Athletics (Facebook), or visit winonastatewarriors.com.
