MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State (6-1, 5-1 NSIC) secured a decisive 47-21 victory over Winona State (3-4, 3-3 NSIC) at Blakeslee Stadium, highlighted by a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Minnesota State capitalized on a strong offensive showing in the first quarter, taking a 13-0 lead over Winona State. Sophomore Mitchell Thompson's passing was pivotal, completing seven of eight attempts for 111 yards, including a crucial 68-yard pass to senior Grant Guyett that set up the opening touchdown by sophomore Sam Backer at 11:41. The Mavericks effectively transitioned turnovers into points, with sophomore Ian Burau recovering a fumble at the Winona State 30-yard line, leading to an eight-yard touchdown pass from Thompson to senior Jake Cicero at 7:17. Meanwhile, the Warriors struggled to advance, managing only five rushing yards and committing one turnover.

Minnesota State capitalized on a strong start to the second quarter with Backer's 22-yard touchdown run at 14:10, extending their lead to 20-0. Sophomore Connor Fournier then added a 51-yard field goal, bolstering the home team's score. Despite Winona State's response with a touchdown pass at 6:08, Minnesota State's defense forced a crucial turnover, and Thompson connected with Guyett for a 39-yard touchdown, closing the half with a 30-7 advantage.

Minnesota State capitalized on two critical turnovers to extend their lead in the third quarter against Winona State. Junior Jason Dandridge forced a fumble that freshman Jefferson Mobry returned 32 yards for a touchdown at 14:50, followed by sophomore Cade Stingle's 38-yard interception return for a score at 13:21. The Mavericks' defense further stifled the Warriors by intercepting two passes and recovering one fumble, allowing the home team to enter the fourth quarter ahead 47-14.

Minnesota State controlled the fourth quarter with a dominant ground game, highlighted by sophomore Carter Henderson's 26-yard rush, which was part of his 64-yard performance on 17 carries. Despite a turnover on downs after a sack by the Warriors' Ethan Doucette, Minnesota State maintained possession for over 11 minutes, effectively managing the clock. Winona State managed a late score with a 32-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Flottmeyer to Nolan Ginskey, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit as the Mavericks closed the game with a 47-21 victory.

Guyett recorded 127 receiving yards on three catches, including a touchdown. Backer added to the offense with 71 rushing yards on 13 attempts and scored twice. Fournier was perfect on special teams, converting two field goals, with a long of 51 yards, and all five extra-point attempts. Defensively, Antoine Johnson Jr. led with seven tackles and intercepted a pass returned for 22 yards.

Quarterback Flottmeyer led the Warriors with 178 passing yards, completing 16 of 25 attempts for two touchdowns, though he also threw two interceptions. On the ground, Jahmani Muhammad contributed significantly with 67 rushing yards on 15 attempts, including a touchdown. Receiver Ginskey was the leading target, catching six passes for 68 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, Delshawn Petrosky stood out with an interception and three tackles, while Doucette added pressure with nine tackles, including one sack.

In their next game, the Mavericks will travel to Wayne, Nebraska, to take on Wayne State at Bob Cunningham Field. The matchup is set for Saturday, October 25, at 1 p.m.