Erin Cochran/Winonan
The Winona State University football team set a new NSIC record on Saturday when they defeated the Augustana College Vikings, 73-35.
John Teigland and Bryan Bradshaw recorded 486 yards to set a new Winona State passing record.
The team also competed 32 passes and recorded 38 first downs, which also set school records.
In a contest last year against Upper Iowa, the Warriors recorded 677 total yards on offense.
The St. Cloud State Huskies set the previous league record during the 2011-12 season when they put up 770 yards against University of Minnesota, Crookston.
“This was a big game for us,” said Tom Saywer, the Warriors’ head coach. “We put up a lot records and our guys were out and ready to play. They have been playing this big all season. Like I’ve been saying, we’re going to play until they tell us we can’t play any more games. The guys want those extra games and they’re going to do anything they can to get there.”
Early in the first quarter, Winona State gained a 17-0 lead from touchdowns by Rayon Simmons and Tyler Speer. Jake Vercher completed a 35-yard field goal.
The Vikings put up their first points from a kickoff return late in the first.
On back-to-back drives early in the second, the Warriors widened the score gap to 31-7.
Jim Montgomery went for a 28-yard score and Speer passed for a 39-yard touchdown run.
At half, the teams left the field with a score of 38-14.
Coming out of the locker room the Vikings began a comeback scoring three times to pull within ten.
However, their next three possessions were turned over by the Warrior defense.
Twenty-eight unanswered points closed the game with Bradshaw being the lone scorer on the final four touchdowns.
Bradshaw completed ten of his 11 passes for 156 yards and recorded three touchdowns.
“I knew we were going to be throwing it to Bradshaw all week because that’s what was in the play book and we ran it over and over again,” said Teigland. “Bryan really stepped it up. It was awesome to get a chance to get out and run those key plays and it clearly made a difference in the final score.”
Teigland went 21-of-27 for 330 yards with two touchdowns. For his performance, he was named NSIC Player of The Week.
Winona State had six passing touchdowns and recorded a new school record with 525 yards through the air.
Simmons accounted for three touchdowns and 187 yards. This is the fifth game this season he had at least 175 yards on the ground.
“It is so great to see us peaking at the end of the season,” said Simmons. “This season has been so driven and we’ve been hungry every single game. It’s awesome to see our hard work amount to so much and this is our time. This Saturday is our senior day and I couldn’t be more appreciative of the guys I’ve had the honor to play with.”
The team rushed for 257 yards and averaged 69 yards per carry.
The Warriors defense accounted for four turnovers, recovered two fumbles and picked off two passes.
Both Alex Coulter and Ryan Williams intercepted Vikings’ passes and Colin McGuire and Ian Murray had fumble recoveries.
Turrell Foster led the defense with eight tackles while Murray and Williams had six.
“It is great to have strong confidence on the field when you have a strong offense.” said Coulter.
The Warriors held Augustana to just 315 yards for the day.
Winona State is now 8-2 overall and will pay their final regular season game on Saturday at home when they face Concordia University, St. Paul. Kickoff is set for 1p.m.
Contact Erin at [email protected].
