Trojans Defeat In-State Rivals Dakota Wesleyan
The Dakota State football team made their 2019 season debut against in-state rival Dakota Wesleyan. Sporting the new colors, the Trojans were able to defeat the Tigers 33-30 in double overtime. The Dakota State football team was able to keep the Chamber of Commerce traveling cup safely where it belongs after defeating the Tigers for the fourth straight year. Head Coach Josh Anderson said getting the first win of the year, especially against a big rival, is huge for his team. It gives both the players and coaches confidence, as well as bringing energy to the entire school.
The Trojans got the win, but the Tigers were able to put the ball in the endzone first. Senior Luke Loudenburg jump-started Dakota Wesleyan’s offense with a big run in the first quarter. It was a shaky start for the Trojans, but after shaking off their first game nerves they were able to come back and score in the second quarter. The Trojan’s first touchdown of the year would be a 27-yard touchdown pass from Torren Devericks to Josh Giles making the score 7-7. However, DWU would answer with another touchdown from Loudenburg and a field goal from Tate Gale. The Trojans would find themselves down 16-7 with 4 minutes to go in the first half. Needing a score before halftime, DSU senior Brodie Frederiksen would come up big with a 41-yard run that would be followed up by a 1-yard touchdown run from Devericks.
The Trojans came into the second half down by two, but Frederiksen would change this with a 71-yard touchdown run early in the quarter. The Trojans would take the lead but not for long. Later in the quarter, a blocked punt would lead to a touchdown and the Tigers would make the score 23-20. Heading into the fourth quarter, both teams’ fans were on their feet. The Trojans had begun driving the ball forward late in the third quarter. Devericks would throw two big passes, one to Frederiksen for 20 yards and another to Giles for 27. Casey Bourque would nail a 30-yard field goal to tie up the game 23 all, but Dakota State wasn’t satisfied. After a stop on defense, the offense would return to the field and make the score 30-23 after a touchdown run from Frederiksen. The Tigers weren’t done yet though. They would score again and tie the game with about three minutes remaining in regulation. The Trojans attempt at a late-game drive would be unsuccessful. The game would go to overtime.
The rules of overtime are simple. Each team gets the ball at the 25-yard line. If you score and the other team does not, you win. Neither team was able to get the ball in the endzone the first time around. The game would head into double overtime. The Tigers would head out on offense first and march all the way to the 1-yard line, but the Trojan defense would not let them go any further. A missed field goal by Dakota Wesleyan would make the Trojan’s job just a little easier. The Trojans would only need a field goal to win. The Trojan’s offense would head out and senior kicker Casey Bourque would nail a 21-yard field goal to give the Trojans the win.
Anderson was very pleased with the way his team came out and played. He thought both Devericks and Giles had a huge impact in the game saying that “Torren did a great job with his decision making, while Josh was able to provide the spark we needed with our receiving core.” He also praised Frederickson’s ability to do damage in both the run and pass game. The Trojan defense came up big as well, only giving up 400 yards and having a couple of huge goal-line stands.
Anderson and the Trojans will face Briar Cliff next week in Sioux City, Iowa. He said, “Briar Cliff is a very mature, big and athletic team as they are filled with talented transfer athletes.” The Dakota State football team will have their hands full, but Anderson is hopeful that having one game under their belts will help give them an idea of their strengths and weaknesses so that they can make adjustments.
The Trojans have a tough schedule ahead of them, but after the win against Dakota Wesleyan, the team is eager and ready to go for the year. Good luck and go Trojans!
Photos by Karen Giles.
