In a remarkable display of football, the Northern State Wolves secured their second consecutive victory of the season, beating Winona State 31-16 at Dacotah Bank Stadium in Aberdeen, South Dakota. This win not only improves their record to 2-0 but also marks the first time the Wolves have achieved such a start since 2003, highlighting a significant turnaround for the program.
The star of the night was running back Hank Kraft, who showcased his explosive skills by scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter. Kraft opened the scoring with an impressive 92-yard touchdown run, followed by a 3-yard touchdown reception shortly after. His performance set the tone for the Wolves, who demonstrated a potent offensive strategy against their conference rivals.
Winona State attempted to mount a comeback, narrowing the gap to 21-16 with a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. However, Kraft quickly responded by breaking off a 47-yard touchdown run, effectively sealing the victory for Northern State. A subsequent field goal extended the lead to 15 points, ensuring the Wolves maintained control until the final whistle.
Kraft's statistics were remarkable; he rushed for 241 yards on 22 carries and added two rushing touchdowns to his tally. Additionally, he contributed in the passing game with six receptions for 33 yards and another touchdown, proving to be a versatile threat for the Wolves. His performance has positioned him as a standout player in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
In the passing game, the Wolves utilized two quarterbacks effectively. Joey Dube-Garrett completed 10 of 18 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, while Ty Englehart went 6-for-11 for 45 yards and also threw a touchdown pass. This dual-threat approach under center has added depth to the Northern State offense, making them more unpredictable for opposing defenses.
Defensively, the Wolves were led by Jake Adams, who recorded 17 total tackles, showcasing his ability to read plays and make crucial stops. Cooper Logan supported the defense with eight tackles, while Elijah Jopp and Javonnee Szymanski each contributed six tackles. Landon Kelley made a pivotal interception, marking the only turnover of the game and helping to maintain the Wolves' momentum.
Looking ahead, the Northern State Wolves will travel to face Southwest Minnesota State next Saturday in another NSIC matchup. The kickoff is scheduled for 5 PM, and the Wolves will aim to build on their strong start and continue their pursuit of a successful season.
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