Sam Thiel/Winonan

Chichi Ojika ran for 181 yards, and Warrior defense created a couple of turnovers in the fourth quarter to carry the Winona State University football team to a 45-40 victory over Sioux Falls Saturday.

Ojika passed the 100-yard mark for the third time this season, including a 65-yard run for a score in the second quarter, giving the Warriors the lead for good. The senior averaged 7.9 yards per carry, helping Winona State record 311 yards rushing and 589 total yards.

Winona State claimed a 21-20 advantage thanks to a long touchdown rush by Ojika with 8:19 remaining in the second quarter.

The Warriors already had posted a one-yard score from Jordan Kos and a 44-yard pass from Jack Nelson for a touchdown in the first quarter, but Sioux Falls was able to match the Warriors’ score.

A field goal by Brett Cochran-Bray gave the Warriors a 24-20 advantage at halftime and Winona State increased their lead with a five-yard run by Kos to start off the third quarter.

This 11-point lead would be WSU’s largest of the contest, with Sioux Falls not going away.

Nelson capitalized on a 14-yard rush on the first play of the fourth quarter, but the Cougars answered with a touchdown of their own to cut the deficit to 38-33.

Anthony Resnick made his way to the end zone from 18 yards away later in the quarter, but Sioux Falls answered once again with another score to come within five, 45-40, with just under a minute left.

Nelson netted 278 passing yards, added two touchdowns while also recording 52 rushing yards. Sophomore Josh Mikes posted his first 100-yard game of his career, snagging five passes for 136 yards. Alex Jensen chipped in three catches for 46 yards.

Winona State has increased its streak to four wins in a row and now has a 4-2 overall record.

The team will come back home Oct. 19 when it hosts Wayne State in its
homecoming game.

Contact Sam at [email protected]