No touchdowns were scored in the season opener at Joe Quintal Field on Saturday, Aug. 28, between Dakota Wesleyan and Dakota State. Instead, the Chamber of Commerce Traveling Trophy stayed in the hands of Dakota State by way of two field goals — of 34 and 38 yards — by Caleb Nielson.
Nielson is also Dakota State’s punter and helped control the field position battle throughout the game.
DWU mustered just 75 yards of offense in the first half.
Dakota Wesleyan mustered just one long drive on Saturday. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Tigers offense took over the 3-yard line. Junior quarterback Kiel Nelson delivered the longest connection of the game with Jakob Oxos for 32 yards. The Tigers later converted on a 4th-and-2, and worked the ball down to the 21-yard line before the drive stalled and ended in a turnover on downs.
Dakota Welseyan had one more chance to score, taking over with 33 second left. Nelson converted on a couple of short passes before being picked off by Blake Duran on a deep sideline throw.
The Tigers will move onto the GPAC season next with a game on Saturday against Mount Marty. This will be the first game in program history for Mount Marty. Kickoff in Yankton will be at 1 p.m. Coverage of the game on KMIT 105.9 or streaming online at KMIT will begin at 12:40 p.m. leading up to kickoff.