On Thursday, Aug 23, Junior quarterback Jared Richardson lead the Dakota State Trojans to a 27-18 victory over the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers to re-secure the newly established Chamber of Commerce traveling cup.

The Chamber of Commerce traveling cup was established in 2017 to foreground the rivalry football game between the two schools. The rivalry has brewed thick as this year marked the 73rd time these two teams have met on the field. The Trojans acquired the first annual Chamber of Commerce traveling cup at the Trojan Field in 2017. They maintained the Chamber of Commerce traveling cup for the second consecutive year and planned to use this season opener win to propel their season into overdrive.

The Trojan’s winning streak was sadly short-lived as they hosted the Saint Ambrose Fighting Bees on Saturday, Sept 1. They started out the matchup strong according to Head Coach Josh Anderson. Anderson went on to say, “it was easy to tell in the second half that we were playing a good team with fresh legs.”

The Trojans (1-1) are looking to bounce back this week as they face off against Briar Cliff (1-0) on Thursday, Sept 6. Thursday’s matchup will take place at 7 pm at the Trojan Field. Coach Anderson put it simply that, “It’s early in the season, we are very young, so we are still finding our way and completely understanding our roles in all positions.” The Trojans are confident that they have the skill set and athleticism to have a very productive season, they are just in the process of “[ironing] out some finer details.”

Statistics that stood out in the first two games already: 

Junior running back Brodie Frederiksen is leading the entire NAIA in rushing yards. Sophomore wide receiver Mason Leighton has 4 touchdown receptions in 2 games. The entire Trojan defense deserves acknowledgment as “[The Trojan] defense won the game for us vs. DWU,” says Anderson, “with two huge goal-line stands that shifted momentum back in our favor.”

It’s safe to say that the excitement for this season is flowing through everyone’s veins throughout campus.

Let’s Go Trojans!