DWU begins conference play against Chargers

MITCHELL, S.D.-The Dakota Wesleyan University Tigers look to carry their momentum following a dominating performance against Presentation College last week. DWU travels to Sioux City, Iowa to open GPAC play against the Briar Cliff University Chargers at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

 Last week, the Tigers (1-1) pitched a shutout en route to a 44-0 victory. Tate Gale (Irene, S.D.) opened up the Tiger scoring with a 30-yard field goal to make it 3-0. Luke Loudenburg (Canova, S.D.) ran it in from six yards out six minutes later to extend the DWU lead to 10-0. After a Tiger stop, Spencer Neugebauer (Mitchell, S.D.) got the ball and took it 74 yards to the house, pushing the lead to 17-0 early in the second quarter.

 The ensuing possession, the Saints (0-2) were forced to punt after another three-and-out forced by the DWU defense. The Tigers took advantage and went on an eight-play, 66-yard drive that resulted in Gale knocking in his second field goal of the day from 17 yards out. DWU went into the locker room leading Presentation, 20-0.

 The second half started out with a five-play, 65-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown pass from Kiel Nelson (Mitchell, S.D.) to Loudenburg. Following another three-and-out by the Tiger defense, Loudenburg again got on the board for DWU. This time, from 61 yards out on the ground to extend the lead to 34-0. Two minutes later, Gale again found the back of the uprights, pushing the Tiger lead to 37-0. The DWU defense held the following two possessions and the score remained 37-0 heading into the fourth quarter. Zach Lester (Fairbanks, Alaska) rushed the ball in from 30 yards out to seal the game at 44-0.

 Nelson finished 10-of-23 for 166 yard and a touchdown, while Loudenburg rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, earning him GPAC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Gale converted 3-of-3 on field goal attempts. Gale earned GPAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

 Tyler Wagner (Webster, S.D.) led the defense with seven tackles, while Eathen Gaulke (Kimball, S.D.) pitched in a sack and four tackles. Hunter Cordell (Watertown, S.D.) and Mitch Johnson (Mitchell, S.D.) each recorded an interception. 

 About the Series 

 Last season, BCU defeated the Tigers in a week six matchup by a score of 20-13 in Sioux City, Iowa. DWU opened the game up with a 92-yard kickoff return by Daniel Libolt (Chambers, Neb.) but big plays from the Chargers led to a loss for the Tigers. DWU leads the all-time series against Briar Cliff 11-5. 

 About the Coaches 

 Ross Cimpl is currently in his eighth season as the head coach of the football program for DWU. He has coached 91 All-GPAC players during those seasons and holds a career record of 47-31.

 Dennis Wagner is in his third year as head coach of Briar Cliff. His career record with the Chargers sits at 9-17. 

 About the Briar Cliff Chargers 

 Briar Cliff opened their season with a tough 17-10 loss at the hands of Waldorf University. Last week, Dakota State University came to town and the Chargers handed them a 13-10 loss in Sioux City, Iowa. The Chargers return key players such as Kramer Davenport and Markel Roby on offense and defense, respectively. Briar Cliff starts a true freshman quarterback in Preston Mulligan. Mulligan went 19-of-45 for 181 yards and three interceptions in their first contest. The Chargers turned to Greg Henry to carry the load in their first matchup, as he rushed 28 times for 128 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers are coming off a great defensive showing in their last game against Dakota State. The defense held the Trojans to under 200 yards of total offense.