Trojans Shutout by the Blue Hawks; Drop Final North Star Athletic Association Game 52-0

The Dakota State Trojans football season came to an end yesterday when #20 Dickinson State defeated them at the Dan Beacom Track Complex, 52-0.

The Trojans began the game with a lot of life, with their longest and most productive drive being their first. At 14 plays and 54 yards with a few first downs early. DSU looked like they were determined to make today a tight ball game, but the Blue Hawks had other plans. Which, it was – for just the first quarter. The Blue Hawks led by just seven after one, but BLEW the doors off in the second quarter with 28 points and never looked back.

Domination from top to bottom in this one for the Blue Hawks. Leaving Trojan fans and coaches stunned as to how all that flipped on its head so quickly. Rest assured the beast was awakened in that second quarter. After their initial touchdown in the first quarter, they followed it up with five straight TD drives.

Will Madler finished the game 13-for-16 passing and 241 yards with two TDs. He picked apart the defense and got what he wanted all day long. Too often, even when the Trojans had mostly good coverage, their tight ends always somehow got wide open. The defense was unable to get important stops after that initial drive on the starting unit.

The Trojan offense had the one good drive and was stalled the rest of the afternoon. Only a few big plays of note, with one being Gavin Holland’s season-high rush of 42 yards late in the game. DSU caused a fumble off a punt return and made the recovery early in the second half. And a big play catch by Michael Hybertson were all the highlights for the Trojans in this one. No phase of the game clicked in this final matchup in the North Star Athletic Association.

Conclusion

DSU ends its season 1-9 overall and 1-7 in NSAA play. Marking their worst finish in the conference since it began back in 2013 and their worst finish overall since 2011 when they were independent. Dakota State will look ahead to next season in a new conference and possible upgrade to Division II. Those decisions will be among the main things on the agenda for next season. Among recruiting and possible returners/newcomers for the next year as well. They will have a busy offseason setting the table for the next stage of DSU football.