As the conference becomes increasingly competitive approaching playoffs, University of Sioux Falls still held their undefeated title going into Saturday’s game against the Winona State Warriors. 

The Warriors were approaching a tough matchup from a statistical standpoint – The Cougars had won ten games straight, ranked 11 in the nation – while Winona State was 5-2 overall. 

The Cougars walked away with a loss.  

With over 4,500 fans in the stadium for the Homecoming game at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium, it was an exhilarating environment.  

The Warriors started off slow the first half of the game, going into the locker room at half time 10-7 with a touchdown from Cooper Nelson. 

“We’re excited, it’s a whole new game,” Nelson said after his touchdown. “We just have to come out focused and ready to go.” 

The third quarter began with a touchdown from previous Warrior Ethan Wittenburg who transferred Spring of 2022. Wittenburg had a 42 yard pass from teammate Adam Mullen to bring the score to 17-7.   

The Warriors responded quickly with a field goal to bring the game within a touchdown before the final 15 minutes.  

After 53 yards and 12 plays in the fourth quarter, Winona State was able to result in a touchdown and a field goal to bring the score to 20-17.  

This game breaks USF’s winning streak and moves them to 7-1 overall this season and was enough to bump Winona State onto the NCAA DII Regional Rankings, which for the region included four other NSIC schools. 

The game was grueling through and through with Brian Corbins receiving an interception and picking off the final pass attempt at a minute left on the clock for the overall upset.  

With 143 receiving yards for the Warriors, the team saw two offensive touchdowns that proved to be game changers.  

Mitch Snitker led the defense with 13 tackles including 11 solo stops while the team had four total sacks. 

Snitker also earned NSIC defensive player of the week for the second time this season.  

This Saturday, the Warriors have their final home game of the 2022 season and Senior Night at Altra Federal Credit Union at 1 p.m. on Saturday before heading on the road for Mankato and Upper Iowa.  

“We don’t worry about the future games or the past games during the week,” Ikenna Ujuagu said about approaching this Saturday’s game. “As long as we’re pushing each other and living by our 1-0 mindset.”

This game is crucial to both teams that currently sit 6-2 after Augustana had an upset against Minnesota State – Mankato last week. 

With both teams sitting 6-2, whoever loses consequently loses their playoff spot.  

Looking at the rest of the season, the Warriors face Upper Iowa University and Minnesota State University – Mankato.  

Mankato, who faces Sioux Falls this weekend, sits 6-2 and is also at risk of losing their playoff spot if they lose this week, making it an important Saturday in the NSIC. 

Check out The Winonan’s paper edition next week for an update on Warrior Football’s exciting weekend in the NSIC.