Sagan Osborne – Dickinson State Sports & Marketing Information Director
Madison, S.D. - Dickinson State (5-1, 4-0) continued their North Star Athletic Association dominance with a 38-21 victory over Dakota State University (4-2, 2-2) in Madison, South Dakota. DSU forced six turnovers on the day, getting five interceptions and fumble recovery to keep control of the game.
"It was a great road win for our guys," said Head Coach Pete Stanton. "We made enough plays in all three phases to keep us separated. Six takeaways on defense was big for us. Our guys are looking forward to the Homecoming game against Mayville State next week."
Dickinson State started strong with a 43-yard field goal by Chase Miller, capping a 13-play drive. Shortly after, quarterback Will Madler connected with Semaj Clark for a 23-yard touchdown pass, putting the Blue Hawks up 10-0.
Dakota State quickly responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass from AJ Donovan to Austin Lake, closing the gap to 10-7.
However, the Blue Hawks extended their lead at the end of the first quarter when Jayden Heartwell intercepted Donovan and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown.
In the second quarter, Dakota State's Melek Ford caught an 18-yard pass from Donovan to make it 17-14, but Dickinson State answered with another touchdown pass from Madler to Clark, sending the Blue Hawks into halftime with a 24-14 lead.
In the third quarter, Dickinson State extended their lead with a 7-yard rushing touchdown by Braden Zuroff. The Trojans attempted a comeback in the fourth, as Tyce Ortman's 2-yard run narrowed the score to 31-21. However, the Blue Hawks sealed the game late with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Madler to Gage Gilbert.
Madler threw for 174 yards, completing 14 of 29 passes with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the win. Semaj Clark had an outstanding game, recording 7 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Heartwell led the defense for Dickinson State, intercepting two passes and returning one for a touchdown. Matt Anderson had an interception, along with a sack, while Riley Waters and Jack Hartman both added interceptions as well. Ryan Racht collected the only fumble recovery for the Blue Hawks but Anderson and Johnnie McClusky Jr. each forced a fumble in the game.
