Index of Sports Press Releases

Sept. 29, 2007

#15 Prairie Wolves Beat Tigers 37-13

Mitchell, S.D. — The 15th-ranked Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves jumped out to an early 10 point lead and that is all they would need as they defeated Dakota Wesleyan 37-13 on Homecoming Saturday (Sept. 29) in a GPAC Football game at Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell, S.D.

Nebraska Wesleyan improves to 3-1, while the Tigers drop to 1-4 overall.

In a game that was played in very windy conditions, the Tigers could not establish the running game and were forced to throw the ball a total of 52 times. DWU finished the game 29-52 with two interceptions. The Tigers finished with just nine rushing yards, while Nebraska Wesleyan finished with 218.

NWU led 10-0 after the first quarter, but DWU rallied and scored on the first play of the second quarter. Tanner Tucker found Sergio Leon across the middle for a 30-yard touchdown pass to pull within 10-7.

However, NWU running back Jordan Stutzman came back with two straight touchdown runs to put NWU up 23-7 at halftime. Stutzman finished the game with 18 carries for 136 yards and three TDs to lead the NWU ground attack.

DWU mounted a drive in the third quarter to try to cut into the 23-7 lead. The Tigers moved from their own 35 down to the 24 yard line. Tucker attempted to find Brady Hofer on a crossing route, but it deflected off his hands and NWU defensive back Paul Seger made the interception to end the drive.

The Prairie Wolves added two more touchdowns in the third quarter. Kory Kahlandt scored on a 27-yard screen pass on fourth down and Ryan Hawthorne added a five yard TD run to put NWU up 37-7.

The Tigers added a fourth quarter touchdown as Jon Doom found Jesse Ayers for a two yard touchdown pass on fourth and goal to cap a 14 play 60 yard drive.

DWU finished with 326 yards of total offense, while NWU had 345.

Tanner Tucker finished the game as the Tigers leading passer going 16-29 for 179 yards with one interception and one TD. Jon Doom was 13-23 for 138 yards with an interception and a TD.

Jesse Ayers led the DWU receivers with six catches for 77 yards and a TD, while Sergio Leon had five receptions for 67 yards and a TD. Bubba Slaba caught four passes for a team-high 79 yards.

The DWU ground attack struggled as Keith Jones led the Tigers with 11 yards on eight carries. DWU was sacked four times for a loss of 28 yards.

Defensively, Chris Sheckler led DWU with 12 total tackles. Derby Wiesen had two interceptions, while Eric Adolph also had a pick.

Nebraska Wesleyan finished with 218 rushing yards, but they gained 295. 47 yards were lost on a bad shotgun snap and a bad long snap on a punt.

Zac Rabe finished 10-16 for 119 yards with a TD and two interceptions for NWU

Dakota Wesleyan has its bye week next Saturday (Oct. 6) before traveling to Sioux Falls, S.D., to face the No. 1 ranked Sioux Falls Cougars.

NWU will host the top-ranked Cougars next Saturday in Lincoln for its homecoming.