Tigers open home schedule against Saints

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University football team will look to get in the win column this week following a loss from in-state foe Dakota State University. The Tigers welcome Presentation College to Joe Quintal Field tomorrow at 1 p.m.

 Last week, the Tigers fell just short in a double overtime thriller. Luke Loudenburg (Canova, S.D.) began the scoring for the Tigers by punching it in from the goal line to put DWU up 7-0 in the first quarter. The Trojans responded to tie the game, 7-7 early in the second quarter. On the Tigers' next possession, Loudenburg helped the Tigers reclaim the lead following a 23-yard scamper. Tate Gale (Irene, S.D.) extended the lead moments later to make it 16-7 for the Tigers. The Trojans punched it in from the one-yard line to cut the deficit to 16-14 at the half.

 The Trojans took their frist lead of the game with 13:32 remaining in the second half. The next points of the game came from a Preston Emerson (Lakeville, Minn.) blocked punt recovered by Brandon Slama (Chaska, Minn.) to give the Tigers the lead once more. DSU established a 30-23 lead with less than seven minutes left to play in the game. Kiel Nelson (Mitchell, S.D.) orchestrated a 10-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a 17-yard touchdown completion to Spencer Neugabauer (Mitchell, S.D.). With the score tied, regulation ended. After neither team scored in the first overtime, The Trojans held the Tigers scoreless in the second overtime. DSU capitalized this time, converting on a 21-yard field goal attempt to seal the victory.

 Nelson finished his day 15-of-28 for 143 yards and a touchdown, while Daniel Libolt (Chambers, Neb.) led the way receiving, recording eight catches for 68 yards. Loudenburg led the ground attack for the Tigers on 30 carries for 163 yards.

 Dominick Warmbein (Sioux Falls, S.D.) led the Tiger defense with 10 total tackles, while Cody Reichelt (Mitchell, S.D.) and Eathen Gaulke (Kimball, S.D.) each chipped in eight tackles. Slama recorded an interception while also adding a tackle.

 About the Series 

 Last season, the Tigers defeated Presentation in a record-setting performance by the DWU offense. The Tigers jumped out to a 21-3 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. The Tigers went on to secure a 64-37 win on their way to setting a school record for both passing yards and total yards in a game. DWU is 1-0 all time in the series.

 About the Coaches 

 Ross Cimpl leads the Tigers in his eighth season holding a career record of 46-31. He currently sits second on the all-time wins list for the Tigers.

 Steve Heimann is in his first season with the Saints. Heimann comes to Presentation after serving as Tabor College's offensive coordinator in 2018. Heimann was previously a head coach with the Omaha Beef of the Champions Indoor Football League.

About The Saints 

 The Presentation College Saints started their season with a close loss to Trinity International University. The Saints fell by a score of 28-26 in the season opener. Presentation quarterback Hunter Giffrow went 20-of-40 for 282 yards, while John Oldenkamp rushed for 81 yards on 13 carries. Theryne Jiminez caught six passes for 143 yards. The Saints totaled 385 yards of offense in the loss. The PC defense forced three turnovers and held Trinity below 300 yards of total offense.