DWU hosts Doane Tigers for Blue & White Days

 Mitchell, S.D.- The Dakota Wesleyan University football team looks to return to their winning ways as they host Great Plains Athletic Conference foe Doane University in a Blue and White Days matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. tomorrow at Joe Quintal Field.

 Last week, the Dordt University Defenders took a 6-0 lead after a 58-yard touchdown run on their opening possession. On the ensuing Dakota Wesleyan possession, Spencer Neugebauer (Mitchell, S.D.) took a handoff 44 yards all the way down to the Dordt 16 yard line. The Tigers fumbled the ball the next play, as Dordt recovered the ball.

 The Defenders took a 14-0 lead following the fumble. Neugebauer provided a spark for the Tigers taking the ensuing kickoff 86 yards, to set up the DWU score. Kiel Nelson (Mitchell, S.D.) found Garrett Determan (Watertown, S.D.) for a touchdown to pull the Tigers within a score.

 Dordt extended its' lead in the second quarter, but Nelson found the end zone with his legs to bring the score to 24-12 in favor of the Defenders. The Tigers trailed 30-12 heading into intermission.

 Offensively, Determan finished with two catches for 73 yards and two scores. Nelson went 14-of-27 for 179 passing yards as well as a rushing and passing touchdown. Neugebauer added 59 rushing yards on three carries, four catches for 58 yards and 286 return yards.

 Defensively, Zach Gors (Tea, S.D.) led the way with eight tackles and two tackles for loss. Cody Reichelt (Mitchell, S.D.), Jackson Diede (Menno, S.D.) and Tyler Wagner (Webster, S.D.) chipped in seven tackles apiece.

 About the Series

 The all-time series between DWU and Doane currently sits at 11-22 in favor of the Doane Tigers. Last year, Doane traveled to Joe Quintal Field and defeated DWU, 30-3. 

 About the Coaches

 Ross Cimpl leads the Tigers in his eighth season as he continues to look to climb to first on the all-time wins list. The second winningest coach in Tiger history has coached five NAIA All-Americans during his tenure with DWU.

 Chris Bessler is in his second season with the Doane Tigers. Bessler was named the head coach of the team in July of 2018. Bessler was a 1995 Doane graduate, and has been a part of the Doane coaching staff since February of 2007.

 About the Doane Tigers

 The Doane Tigers opened up GPAC play with a 17-10 win at Concordia University. The Tigers have since played Briar Cliff University, losing 20-10 in a GPAC tilt. Doane is entering the contest with Dakota Wesleyan fresh off a 37-12 win against Hastings College. The Doane Tigers lean a little bit more on their passing game rather than their rushing attack. Last week, Doane rushed for two yards while throwing for 256 to defeat Hastings. Izaiah Celestine leads the team with 13 catches for 299 yards on the season. He also is a dynamic returner as he ranks third in the NAIA with 155 punt return yards and seventh nationally with 685 all-purpose yards.