Aberdeen, S.D. (NSUWolves.com) – For the second straight week the Northern State University football team overcame a first half deficit en route to their fourth victory of the season. The Wolves scored 19 of their 28 points in the third quarter and held a potent Wayne State offense at bay.
THE QUICK DETAILS
Final Score: NSU 28, WSC 26
Records: NSU 4-4 (4-4 NSIC), WSC 5-3 (4-3 NSIC)
Attendance: 4549
HOW IT HAPPENED
- It was all Wayne State in the opening half as the Wildcats tallied nine points in the first quarter and ten in the second
- The Wolves rallied in the third, led off with the first interception by Jake Adams; the true freshman made the first start of his career and ran back the pick 15-yards to the goal line
- After a quick 4-and-out by the Wildcats the Wolves had the ball and marched down the field for a 1-yard rushing score by Stanley Haskins Jr.
- Northern wasn’t finished in the quarter, tying the contest on a 9-yard rushing touchdown by Colton Hackel and made PAT by Jacob Van Landingham; yes you read that correct, the Wolves starting third string quarterback in NSU’s win over Minot State added an extra point tonight
- Luke Gunderson gave NSU the lead to open the fourth on a 45-yard pick-six, the second of his Northern State career; the pass from Wayne’s Nick Bohn was broken up by fellow linebacker Jake Adams
- Wayne State answered at 10:34 on the clock with a 4-yard passing score from Bohn to Cory Hollinger and took the lead with a made PAT
- The Wolves started their fourth and final drive of the contest at 6:06 in the fourth, which culminated into a 21-yard game winning field goal by Drew Smook with three seconds remaining in regulation
- Northern recorded a game leading 22 first downs, 235 yards passing, and 356 yards of total offense
- The defense held WSC to 345 yards of offense, forcing four interceptions, including two pick-sixes
- Colton Hackel completed over 60.0% of his attempts on the evening, throwing for 235 total yards with a 46-yard long
- Despite neither adding points to the team total Brett Brenton and Dewaylon Ingram led their respective categories with 65 yards rushing and 164 yards receiving
- Lynden Williams and Jake Adams led the defense with 11 tackles apiece, while Adams had a day adding a pick-six and pass break-up which resulted in a pick-six
- Gunderson, Trey King, and Blake Whaley each grabbed a tackle for a loss in the win
- Payton Hughes and Ar’Shon Willis tallied the final two interceptions for the Wolves; prior to the contest the Wildcats had given up just four interceptions on the year
- Smook went 1-for-2 in field goal attempts and adding 270 yards on kickoffs, averaging 5.40 yards per boot
- Ethan Barnett tallied three punts for 130 yards, averaging 43.3 yards per kick
NORTHERN STATE STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
- Colton Hackel: 15-of-24, 235 yds passing, 14 yds rushing, rushing TD
- Dewaylon Ingram: 164 yds receiving, 18.2 yds per catch
- Brett Brenton: 65 yds rushing, 42 return yds
- Jake Adams: 11 tackles, 1 interception, 1 TD, 1 break-up
- Luke Gunderson: 4 tackles, 1.0 tackle for a loss, 1 interception, 1 TD
Listen to the AUDIO HIGHLIGHTS from the “Voice Of The Wolves” David Tukesbrey HERE: https://soundcloud.com/david-tukesbrey/audio-highlights-northern-state-28-wayne-state-26
UP NEXT
Northern State hits the road next Saturday for a mid-day match-up at Concordia-St. Paul. Kickoff is slated for 12 p.m. against the Golden Bears from Seafoam Stadium.