September 21, 2016
Tigers set to battle Hastings in first GPAC road game
MITCHELL, S.D. – The No. 22 Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers (2-2) are ready to turn the page after last Saturday’s 61-34 loss to No. 5 Doane University when they take on Hastings College (3-0) in a Great Plains Athletic Conference matchup at 1 p.m. Saturday in Hastings, Neb.
MITCHELL, S.D. – The No. 22 Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers (2-2) are ready to turn the page after last Saturday's 61-34 loss to No. 5 Doane University when they take on Hastings College (3-0) in a Great Plains Athletic Conference matchup at 1 p.m. Saturday in Hastings, Neb.
The Tigers started slow against Doane, falling behind 42-0 early in the second quarter. DWU made a push following the half, but were unable to overcome the large deficit in the GPAC opener. The Tigers will need to get the offense back on track when head on the road for the first time in conference play, looking for their first league win of the season.
Dillon Turner (Salem, Ark.) led the offensive attack against Doane, completing 17-of-30 passes for 264 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Turner also rushed for 33 yards on 11 attempts for a touchdown. Senior Kodi Larson (Tyndall, S.D.) hauled in six catches for 89 yards and a score, while finding the end zone for a score on the ground as well.
The DWU offense ranks sixth in total scoring offense and seventh in third down conversions in the NAIA. Turner is fifth in the NAIA in total offense, while redshirt-freshman Luke Loudenburg (Howard, S.D.) ranks fifth in total kickoff returns. On defense, Adam Bormann (Stickney, S.D.) leads the team in tackles with 26.
Scouting the Broncos
After a 3-0 start, Hastings brings a full offensive attack, including NAIA Special Teams Player of the Week Nick Giaffoglione. The senior leads the NAIA in field goal percentage. Last weekend, the Broncos went back-and-forth all afternoon with the University of Jamestown, pulling away for a 44-34 victory, thanks to three field goals and five extra-points from Giaffoglione.
The Broncos racked up 546 yards of total offense, tallying 6.8 yards per play. Tahj Willingham carried the ball 12 times for 93 yards and a touchdown. Starting quarterback Cruz Samaniego was 19-of-30 passing for 224 yards and three scores. Noah Housh hauled in seven catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns.
Saturday will be the 23rd meeting between the two schools as Hastings holds the advantage in the all-time series 16-6.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Saturday at Lloyd Wilson Field in Hastings, Neb.
