MITCHELL, S.D. – Two of the top offenses in the NAIA took it to the gridiron on Saturday as No. 5 Morningside College defeated No. 14 Dakota Wesleyan University 39-6 in a Great Plains Athletic Conference battle on Senior Day at Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell, S.D.
The Tiger defense held their own for most of the first half, giving up just 22 points to a Mustang offense that averages 56 points per game. However, DWU was unable to muster any offensive production, recording 241 yards of total offense compared to 568 yards by the Mustangs.
Morningside (7-1, 6-0 GPAC) scored twice in the first quarter, while also converting on a botched field goal that resulted in a two-point conversion. Heading into the third quarter, the Mustangs added a field goal to push their lead to 25 points. The Tigers (6-3, 4-2 GPAC) eventually found the end zone on a 23 yard pass from quarterback Dillon Turner (Salem, Ark.) to Dustin Livingston (Irene, S.D.), capping a 5 play, 73-yard drive. The Mustangs wouldn't go away, scoring again in the third and once more in the fourth quarter.
Turner competed 12 passes on 27 attempts for 158 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 39 yards. Hayden Adams (Villa Park, Ill.) hauled in seven catches for 81 yards and a score. Senior Adam Bormann tallied 13 tackles, while Matt Jensen (Viborg, S.D.) added 11 stops and a tackle for loss. Trey DeCroock (Sioux Falls, S.D.) had 11 total tackles and a pass break-up in the loss.
Saturday marked the final home game for the Tigers this season. DWU hits the road for the final two games of the season, first taking on Briar Cliff University at 1 p.m. Saturday in Vermillion, S.D.
