Run Game Too Much for Trojans; Fall 35-14 to the Warriors
The Dakota State Trojans fell to the Waldorf Warriors for the second time this season, this time losing 35-14 at the Dan Beacom Track Complex.
A game that could easily be categorized as the worst offensive start for the Trojans this season. Their first two drives began with a pair of three-and-outs for just five yards. Along with two interceptions, one of which was a pick-six. It was off and running from then on for Waldorf.
The Warriors had their pass game mostly shut down by the Trojans defense. As a result, the run game popped off. The Trojans allow just 115 rush yards per game in conference and in the first half alone. They allowed 137 yards on just 15 attempts. Warriors running back Jatoviay Hill picked up where he left off from last week vs Valley City State and finished with 155 rush yards. Waldorf had three players with seven or more carries that averaged five or more yards per carry.
DSU limited their pass game, but couldn’t get their own up and running. Quarterback Tray Hettick went just 14-for-30 passing, along with those two INTs. Dropped balls and some passes a little too high was the demise of the offensive production. Head Coach Josh Anderson even noted in the Mustang Seeds postgame show that they had too many “my bad’s” in the game.
Preston Iverson led the run game for DSU with 16 carries for 70 yards and a pair of TDs. Iverson did well in his second showing for DSU and had the most rushing touchdowns in a game this season for a running back with two. The Trojans were the least penalized in this game compared to any all season with just one penalty for five yards. Coming in, they averaged six penalties for 47 yards in North Star Athletic Association play.
JJ Beck led the Trojan defense with 12 tackles, followed by Collin Brueggeman with eight of his own. Devonte Murphy led in the tackles-for-loss category with a pair.
With the loss, it makes Waldorf 10-7 all-time in the series with Dakota State. This closes out their NSAA football contests against one another for good. The Trojans will be back on the road next week when they take on Valley City State and will look to bring about a win ahead of the bye week.
