Trojans Can’t Overcome Warriors; Drop to 0-3 After 35-20 Road Loss

Dakota State drops to 0-3 on the season after losing to Waldorf 35-20 to open their North Star Athletic Association play.

A little rain in the game didn’t seem to bother either team, but it was still Waldorf who came out on top. Both teams came out firing on the first two drives with each having 10 or more plays. The Trojans got points on the board early with a field goal from 31 yards out to stay close at 7-3. Then followed it up early in the second quarter with another field goal, this one from 34-yards out. Waldorf blew things open later in the 2nd quarter with 21 unanswered points.

All 21 of those unanswered points came quickly – getting them in the last five to six minutes before halftime. That, along with a last second interception before halftime by sophomore quarterback Joey Cole, was a tough way to end the half for the Trojans.

The Warriors tacked on two more scores in the second half and the Trojans clawed their way to grab a pair for themselves. Cole led the drives at QB and Tyce Ortman paced the ground game and dominated. A 21st birthday game for Ortman almost resulted in a career-high day for the junior. He finished the game with 22 carries on 159 yards rushing with one touchdown – four carries and five yards away from career marks. All on 7.2 yards per carry, which is a career-high for Ortman.

Cole finished 12-for-24 passing for 124 yards, one interception and one rushing TD. It was Cole’s first action of the season as he came in relief for Adin Jungers. Cole played well once he got settled and the nerves became easier to manage. He was able to pace the offense and garnished a pair of touchdown drives.

The air attack wasn’t as efficient as the rushing attack this time out with just 160 total passing yards. Which was less than half of what Waldorf accomplished through the air. Regardless, it was great to see the ground game come to life for DSU.

Both teams will match up again this season on Oct. 14 as all teams in the conference will play each other twice this season, one home and one away.

Next Game

DSU will try to turn things around and grab win number one at home. They’ll host their Homecoming/Senior Day at the Dan Beacom Track Complex against Valley City State (N.D.) this week. Kickoff is scheduled for 4pm with pregame beginning at 3:30pm on Jammin Country 103.