CRETE, Neb. — Dakota Wesleyan Football the Doane Tigers in a GPAC matchup down in Nebraska.
Both sides of the ball saw production early in the contest. The defense stifled the early Doane attack, forcing punts on their first three drives, including two three-and-outs. It was a well-rounded effort, with Mikey Hart, Brodey Ballinger, and Grayson Hanson all recording seven tackles on the day to lead the team. Ballinger and Cody Winslow also each recorded sacks during the game. The defense's performance opened the door for the offense to take control, and on Dakota Wesleyan's first drive of the game, the team pieced together an 11-play, 72-yard drive to go up 6-0 in the first quarter thanks to a 31-yard Sean DeBlieck receiving touchdown. It also marked Jed Jenson's first touchdown pass of the day in what ended up being his best performance of the season, totaling career-highs of five touchdowns through the air and 306 yards passing by the end of the contest. Dakota Wesleyan struck again towards the end of the first quarter and at the end of the second half with two touchdown passes to Cole Holden on 16-yard and 59-yard receptions to extend the lead to 20-0. Steven Christion also recorded his first receiving touchdown as a Tiger with just 1:13 left in the first half to put the score at 27-0 in favor of Dakota Wesleyan at the half.
The second half saw the scoring output slow down for Dakota Wesleyan, but the explosive first half and continued efforts from the defense prevented Doane from getting back into the game. Special teams and field position also benefitted DWU, with punter Samuel Welch averaging a season-high 45.0 yards per punt on seven attempts, which included four that were downed inside the opposing 20-yard line. An interception in the third quarter by Trevor Sladky, marking his fourth on the season, set up the final score of the day for Dakota Wesleyan as Jenson connected with Caleb Kilbride on a 37-yard pass. Kilbride also led the team in reception with five for 58 total yards. The Tigers gave up a late touchdown in the final five minutes of the game to bring the score to its eventual final, 33-7, in favor of Dakota Wesleyan. The win marks DWU's first GPAC win of the season to move to 2-4 overall.
DWU Football will be back in action against No. 4 Morningside on Saturday, October 11th, at 1:00 PM. See the full 2025 schedule here.