Tigers run over Broncos on Homecoming to stay perfect

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University football team got rolling on offense early and the defense thwarted any attempt at a comeback by Hastings College to win on Blue & White Days Saturday at Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell, S.D.

The No 17 Tigers scored the first 33 points of the game and topped the Broncos 36-14 to improve to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference. Hastings falls to 1-3 overall and 0-3 in the GPAC.

The game started with both teams trying to feel their way through until sophomore quarterback Dillon Turner (Salem, Ark.) broke loose midway through the first quarter for DWU. Turner scored on a 73-yard run to put the Tigers up 7-0.

After senior Sam Kiger (Irene, S.D.) intercepted a tipped pass, the Tigers struck quickly with Turner hitting Hayden Adams (Villa Park, Ill.) for a 39-yard score. Adams has caught at least one touchdown pass in each game this season and has six total.

DWU continued to roll in the second quarter with freshman running back Jonathon Withrow (Kimball, Neb.) finding the end zone for the first time as a Tiger. After a 26-yard run to set his team up inside the 5-yard line, Withrow broke through the line two plays later for a three-yard touchdown to give DWU a 20-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, senior Trevor Schroeder (Canistota, S.D.) recovered a fumble and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown to keep the momentum rolling in the Tigers' favor. The third different Tiger found the end zone on the ground in the first half when freshman Gaige Marshall (North Platte, S.D.) scored from one yard out, putting DWU ahead 33-0.

The Broncos got on the board before the break on one-yard run from quarterback Cruz Samieniego with 35 seconds left before the break.

The Tiger offense failed to get going in the second half, but senior kicker Daniel Porter (Plattsmouth, Neb.) did connect on his first field goal at home since 2013. Porter is now 6-of-7 this season on field goals and set a new career season-high in makes on Saturday.

Hastings got a score in the second half on an interception return for a touchdown by Josh Johnson, but that was all the Broncos got.

DWU outgained Hastings 400 to 322. The Tigers had 254 yards rushing to 162 from the Broncos. Hastings did run 20 more plays than DWU.

Turner was efficient in the passing game completing 13-of-19 for 146 yards, including one score and an interception. He was effective on the ground as well, rushing for more than 100 yards for the third straight week. Turner finished with 12 carries for 129 yards, including his 73-yard score.

Six different receivers caught passes for the Tigers, including three for Adams, who finished with 60 yards and a score. Getting his first career start, Marshall finished with 21 carries for 82 yards and a score.

The DWU defense was paced by senior linebacker Brady Bonte (Garretson, S.D.). He finished with a season-high 11 tackles and added two sacks for the second straight week. Bonte had 3.5 tackles for a loss and two pass breakups. Junior Adam Bormann (Stickney, S.D.) also finished with 11 tackles, including a big sack in the second half.

The undefeated Tigers have a week off to get ready for the toughest portion of their schedule starting with Doane College at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 in Crete, Neb.  No. 13 Doane topped No. 10 Northwestern College 28-21 on Saturday. DWU plays Doane, No. 1 Morningside College and Northwestern three straight weeks after the bye.