The Winona State University football team took on their rivals Bemidji State University at home on Saturday, Oct. 26, providing Warrior fans with a close and exhilarating game.
Kick off began with the ball in the Beavers possession resulting in a 71-yard touchdown, giving them a very early 7-0 lead just twelve minutes into the game. However, after this early success, both teams would struggle to achieve a first down for the next several minutes.
A 24-yard completed pass resulted in a Warrior touchdown, followed by a one-point conversion, tying the game up at the back half of the first quarter. This would not last, as a short time into the second quarter, Bemidji would claim another seven points that would launch them into a 14-7 lead.
However, late into the quarter Winona State once again tied it up with a 49-yard return that resulted in another touchdown for the Warriors. The following 1-point conversion sent the two teams into the locker room with a score of 14-14 at halftime.
Shortly into the second half, wide receiver Ty Johnson retained a punt from the Beavers and ran an incredible 64-yard touchdown, giving Winona State a 21-14 lead. This also sent a wave of energy into the stands, where Warrior fans (and some very excited parents) began to provide a very hopeful and upbeat atmosphere.
“It’s always nice to catch the ball and see purple, it lets you just run with your own guys,” Johnson said. He also implied that the team is what boosts his love for the game. “They are the main reason why I stick around and keep showing up to practice,” he said, providing great insight into what it means to play football.
Later into the third quarter, the Warriors fumbled the ball which would result in a touchdown for Bemidji State that would tie the game, but Winona State would not give up.
To the delight of the upbeat crowd and the team, the Warriors managed to block the 33-yard field goal attempt, restricting the Beavers from gaining any more points.
Following this, Winona State successfully gained a 3-point field goal that would put them in the lead. A good running play, followed by a 1-yard stepping touchdown by quarterback Cole Stenstrom, put the Warriors at a comfortable 31-21 lead late into the second half.
Bemidji State managed to gain another touchdown; however, the lead was too strong, and the game ended with a 31-28 win for Winona State.
“The team had executed the plays very well during the week,” Stenstrom said after the game. “Luckily it came into play during the big moments, putting us up.”
The Warriors unfortunately suffered a loss at home against the University of Minnesota Duluth on Nov. 2 but will reconvene for what they hope is another win at Southwest Minnesota State University on Nov. 9.
