Strong defensive performance and Lester’s career high pushes DWU to victory

BISMARCK, N.D. – Thanks to a defensive performance that forced three turnovers and recorded six sacks, and a career-high four touchdown passes by Zachary Lester (Fairbanks, Alaska), the Dakota Wesleyan University football team cruised to a 35-16 victory over University of Jamestown on Saturday in Bismarck, N.D.

 The game began with both defenses holding strong as neither team put up points through the opening 10 minutes. However, a one-play drive by DWU got the scoring started. Lester zipped the ball to Chance Sorensen (Rapid City, S.D.) who took the ball 64 yards for the touchdown.

 Four plays later, Jacob Schafer (Sheldon, Iowa) blocked a Jamestown punt, as Preston Emerson (Lakeville, Minn.) recovered the ball in the end zone for the touchdown.

 The second quarter was the Jimmies (1-6, 1-6 GPAC) turn to score. A field goal put Jamestown on the board with 10 minutes to play in the half. One possession later, the Jimmies pulled within a score after a an eight-yard touchdown scamper.

 Neither team scored again as the Tigers (3-5, 3-5 GPAC) held a 14-10 advantage at halftime.

 One play into the second half, the Jimmies fumbled the ball, as Caden Milmine (Buffalo, Wyo.) recovered the ball. Six plays later, Lester found Preston Nedved (Wagner, S.D.) for an eight-yard touchdown connection to take a 21-10 lead.

 The Jimmies responded one play later with a 71-yard touchdown pass to pull back within a score at 21-16. Lester orchestrated a nine-play, 75-yard drive that was capped off by a 15-yard pass to Spencer Neugebauer (Mitchell, S.D.) to push the lead back to two scores.

 One play into the final quarter, Lester and Neugebauer connected again for another 15-yard touchdown toss for the final score of the afternoon. On the ensuing Jamestown possession, Cody Reichelt (Mitchell, S.D.) picked off the Jimmie pass and returned it 10 yards. The Tigers handled both sides of the ball for the remainder of the game, picking up their third win of the season.

 The Tigers finished with 355 yards of offense, while the defense recorded two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Dominick Warmbein (Sioux Falls, S.D.) tallied six tackles, 3.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss, while Adam DeJong (Watertown, S.D.) added five tackles and two tackles for loss.

 Lester went 16-of-24 for 199 yards passing along with a career-high four touchdown passes. Jamin Arend (Emery, S.D.) also finished with a season-high 119 yards rushing on 24 attempts.

 DWU finishes the 2020 season with a home matchup against Concordia University at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Joe Quintal Field.