Tigers open conference play at home against No. 2 Morningside

MITCHELL, S.D. – After a record-setting performance against Presentation College, the Dakota Wesleyan University football team will open the Great Plains Athletic Conference slate at home against No. 2 Morningside College for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Joe Quintal Field.

 Two weeks ago, the Tigers traveled to Aberdeen, S.D., for their first ever meeting with Presentation. DWU had a historical night and went on to defeat the Saints, 64-37. The Tiger offense set a school record with 822 yards of offense in the game. In his second career start, quarterback Shaye Slaughter (Harrisburg, S.D.) set the single-game passing record with 510 yards on 26-of-41 passing. He also rushed for 67 yards on seven carries and two touchdowns. Gaige Marshall (Hershey, Neb.) had an impressive outing with 101 yards rushing on 18 carries, while Chayden Fitzsimmons (Sioux Falls, S.D.) scored a touchdown on 21 carries for 90 yards.

 Jonny Withrow (Kimball, Neb.) had a career night with eight receptions for 162 yards, while freshman receiver Daniel Libolt (Chambers, Neb.) pulled in six catches for 153 yards and two scores. Spencer Neugebauer (Mitchell, S.D.) chipped in 106 yards receiving and a touchdown for the Tigers.

 On the defensive side of the ball, Emmanuel Christopher (Sioux Falls, S.D) led the team in tackles with nine total tackles, while Dillon Rork (Grand Island, Neb.) tallied seven tackles. Eathen Gaulke (Kimball, S.D.) and Sam Kretschmar (Huron, S.D.) each had six tackles, while Trey DeCroock (Sioux Falls, S.D.) and Kretschmar each had an interception.

 The Tigers set a school record with 45 first downs in the game and rushed for a total of 312 yards, while holding Presentation to just 97 yards on the ground. Time of possession favored the Saints who had the ball for 44:44 in the game, while the Tigers only had the ball for 20:39. 

 About the Series 

 Last season, DWU entered the week-seven contest with Morningside ranked No. 22 in the nation as the Mustangs sat at No. 4. Both teams had high-powered offenses, but Morningside went on to defeat the Tigers 76-21 in Sioux City, Iowa. This will be the 34^th meeting between the two schools, as DWU is 6-26-1 in the all-time series played. 

 About the Coaches 

 Dakota Wesleyan head coach Ross Cimpl is in his seventh season coaching DWU. He currently sits second on the football all-time wins list with an overall record of 45-22.

 Steve Ryan is in his 17^th year as head coach for Morningside. He has led the Mustangs to 14-consecutive postseason appearances and has posted a 155-40 record as head coach. 

 About the Morningside College Mustangs 

 The Mustangs moved to 2-0 on the year with a win over NCAA Division II opponent Truman State University, coming away with a 35-17 win. Morningside gathered 418 yards of offense who was led by quarterback Trent Solsma and wide receiver Connor Niles. Solsma finished the game 23-of-37 for 367 yards passing and three touchdowns, while Niles hauled in nine receptions for 207 yards and a touchdown. Morningside's defense forced five Bulldog turnovers, while being led by Klayton Nordeen who tallied 12 tackles and three pass breakups.