Tigers thrash Chargers, Turner accounts for eight TD’s

VERMILLION, S.D. – Dillon Turner and Co. got back on the right track in a Great Plains Athletic Conference battle, defeating Briar Cliff University 54-24 on Saturday in the DakotaDome in Vermillion, S.D.

 The Tigers (7-3, 5-2 GPAC) jumped out to an early 7-0 lead when Turner (Salem, Ark.) found Hayden Adams (Villa Park, Ill.) on a five-yard touchdown pass. Less than three minutes later, Turner connected on a 27-yard touchdown pass to Lewis Hofer (Onida, S.D.)

 DWU owned the second quarter, scoring three times to take a 34-12 lead heading into the locker room. Turner passed for all three touchdowns, connecting with senior Dustin Livingston (Irene, S.D.), Hofer and Adams during the quarter.

 It didn't stop there for the junior quarterback as Turner scampered for a 69-yard touchdown run, capping a three play, 78-yard drive. Late in third quarter, Turner found Adams once more on a 13-yard touchdown pass. Heading into the fourth quarter, Turner threw a 36-yard pass to Livingston that resulted in a touchdown, marking the seventh touchdown pass for Turner.

 The Tigers tallied 589 yards of total offense, compared to 202 from BCU. Turner was 22-of-31 for 317 yards, seven touchdowns and an interception, while adding 146 yards on the ground and a score. John Fabrizius (Casper, Wyo.) pitched in nine carries for 53 yards. Hofer hauled in six catches for 115 yards and two scores, while Livingston also caught six catches, good for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Adams was Turner's favorite target on the afternoon, catching 10 passes for 93 yards and three scores.

 On the defensive side of the ball, Austin Van Poole (Yuba City, Calif.) led the Tiger attack with nine tackles. Senior Adam Bormann (Stickney, S.D.) added six tackles and a forced fumble. Nathan Dahl (Shelby, Neb.) also tallied six tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, while fellow senior Brady Mudder (Garretson, S.D.) had four tackles and 1.5 sacks.

 DWU visits Midland University for a GPAC showdown at 1 p.m. Saturday in Fremont, Neb.