Tigers ready to open GPAC season in the Dome

MITCHELL, S.D. – For many of the best high school football players in South Dakota, playing in the DakotaDome means they made it to the championship. On Saturday, several Dakota Wesleyan University football players will make a return trip to the largest indoor football stadium in the state to play a college football game.

The Tigers (2-0) open the 2015 Great Plains Athletic Conference season against Briar Cliff University at 1 p.m. Saturday at the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D.

DWU heads into the GPAC on a roll after topping No. 14 Ottawa University on the road last weekend 23-22. The Tigers continue their early season road tour at Briar Cliff, which enters the contest 1-1 after dropping the season opener to Presentation College and topping the University of Saint Mary last weekend in the KCAC/GPAC Challenge.

DWU has its eye on contending for the GPAC title and a spot in the NAIA National playoffs for the first time since 1992. With the win over Ottawa, the Tigers are poised to enter the top-25 poll next week if they can get a victory over the Chargers.

Last year, DWU held on for a 27-16 win over BCU at home, aided by an Anthony Cervantes interception return for a touchdown. The last time the Tigers played in the DakotaDome, DWU's offense was on fire, rolling up BCU 56-15. The Tigers have won five straight over the Chargers and hold an 8-4 advantage in the all-time series.

The Tigers have relied on the throwing arm of dual-threat sophomore quarterback Dillon Turner through the first two weeks. Turner is averaging 213.5 yards passing per game with a completion percentage of 62.1. After not throwing a touchdown pass in the first three weeks last year, the Salem, Ark., native has tossed four touchdown passes through two weeks as a sophomore.

Throughout his career, Turner has made opposing defenses stay honest with his feet. He rushed for 99 yards in the opener and has a touchdown on the ground in each of the Tigers' wins so far.

Turner has weapons on the outside, with junior Dustin Livingston (Irene, S.D.) and sophomore Hayden Adams (Villa Park, Ill,) emerging as Turner's favorite targets. Livingston has caught 11 passes for 171 yards and scored a touchdown in the opening win over Dakota State University. Adams has hauled in 10 passes for 170 yards and two scores.

Senior linebacker Brady Bonte (Garretson, S.D.) is tied with sophomore cornerback Trevin Island (Rialto Calif.) with 13 tackles through two games to lead the Tigers. Bonte has five tackles for loss and two forced fumbles, while Island had three pass breakups. Senior defensive end Sam Kiger (Irene, S.D.) has a team-high 2.5 sacks and five tackles for loss.

The BCU offense has been led by running back Mitch Heikes. He has 188 yards rushing on 41 carries and two scores in two games. Quarterback Dylan Desmarais has completed 21-of-51 passes for 292 yards and two scores. BCU finished the 2014 season 2-9 overall and 2-7 in the GPAC.

The game is set for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Saturday. Live video and stats will be available through portal.stretchinternet.com/dwu.