Winona, Minn. ---   Winona State raced out to a 20-0 lead and never looked back en route to a 43-21 victory over 25^th-ranked Minnesota State Saturday evening in front of 3,575 in Maxwell Field at Verizon Wireless Stadium on the campus of Winona State University.

WSU jumped out to its lead after an 88-yard scoring drive, an 84-yard punt return for touchdown and an 82-yard touchdown pass.

“We dug ourselves a hole early,” said head coach Todd Hoffner. “We did a good job of fighting back. It’s now time to begin focusing on St. Cloud State next week.”

The Mavericks put together their first drive deep into WSU territory but fumbled on the two-yard line. After forcing the Warriors to a three-and-out, MSU senior linebacker Matt McQuiston deflected the Warrior punt, giving the Mavericks the ball on the WSU 22.

The Warriors forced a fourth-and-one for MSU but senior quarterback Steve Pachan found sophomore wideout Adam Thielen on apost route in the center of the endzone to put MSU on the board at the 6:29 mark of the second quarter. Sophomore kicker Sam Brockshus added the PAT and MSU cut the lead to 20-7.

The Warriors answered MSU’s scoring drive with a 40-yard touchdown to push a 23-7 lead. 

Pachan worked the fourth down magic once again as he found sophomore wideout Dennis Carter for a 21-yard touchdown strike on a go-route with 44 seconds remaining. Brockshus added the extra point to cap the eight-play, 69-yard drive that used 1:37 off the clock, cutting the score to 23-14.

WSU marched 54 yards to close out the half and tacked on another field goal, this time a 24-yarder, to take a 26-14 advantage in to the half.

The Warriors added a touchdown at the 4:04 mark of the third quarter as Evan Aber found Sean Hertz for a nine-yard touchdown pass in the corner of the endzone. The Extra point by Thomas Kinney was good, and WSU opened a 33-14 lead.

Sophomore running back Chris Echols opened the fourth-quarter with a five-yard touchdown run to cap an 8-play, 72-yard drive that used 4:46 off the clock. Brockshus added the PAT and MSU cut the lead to 33-21.

Pachan finished the night completing 12-of-20 passes for 114 yard and two touchdowns. Junior running back Taylor Brookins rushed 20 times for 96 yards, while Carter caught three passes for a team-high 64 yards.

McQuiston led MSU in tackles with 12 tackles, six of which were solo. It marked his fourth consecutive game with 10 or more tackles. 

Minnesota State (3-2, 2-2 NSIC) return to the friendly confines of Blakeslee Stadium next weekend for a 1 p.m., contest against St. Cloud State. Next week will be Homecoming week on the campus of Minnesota State University.


To view the stats, click HERE