Blue Hawk defense shuts down Dakota State in win

MADISON, S.D. - The Dickinson State football team (3-2, 1-0 NSAA) used smothering defense to run past Dakota State (2-3, 0-1 NSAA), 27-7, to open up North Star Athletic Association play.

A forced fumble by Matt Anderson on the Trojans' first play from scrimmage set the tone for the game as the Dickinson State defense held host Dakota State to just 95 yards of total offense. Seven plays later the Blue Hawks used a Wade James field goal to take a 3-0 lead just minutes into the game. After failed drives by both teams, DSU forced another turnover when Brock Jones intercepted a Trojan pass at the DaSU 30-yard line. A 28-yard pass from Aaron White to Noah Sickler set the Blue Hawks up with first and goal from the DaSU 2, and two plays later Alec Lovegren powered into the endzone for a 10-0 DSU lead.

On the Blue Hawks first drive of the second quarter DSU had great field position thanks to a 56 yard punt return by Isaiah Kludt. They took advantage of that field position as White found Conor McCarvel on a 16-yard touchdown pass for a 17-0 lead. On the Trojan's ensuing drive, Krew Mathern sacked QB Cameron McKeon and forced a fumble that was recovered by Matt Anderson at the DaSU 19. Dickinson State was unable to capitilize, however, as they were forced into a turnover on downs. Neither team could get much going offensively the rest of the half and DSU entered the break still up 17-0.

The Blue Hawks added to their lead early in the 3rd quarter when White found Sickler again, this time for a 71 yard touchdown reception, giving the visitors a commanding 24-0 lead. At the end of the quarter, the Blue Hawk special teams took their turn forcing a turnover as Darion Brown forced, and recovered, a fumble on a punt return to give DSU the ball back at midfield. Another James field goal late in the fourth quarter got the Blue Hawks to a 27-0 lead before the Trojans finally scored with 56 seconds remaining in the contest to make it 27-7.

Overall, the Blue Hawks outgained the Trojans 323-95. QB Aaron White was 17-29 for 207 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, while Noah Sickler led the receiving core with four catches for 114 yards. Alec Lovegren led the ground attack with 14 rushes for 48 yards and a touchdown. Matt Anderson led the Blue Hawk defense with eight tackles, three for a loss, while Krew Mathern continued to pile up sacks with two more in the game. JaQuawhann Booth added 1.5 sacks as well.

WHATS NEXT

The Blue Hawks will return to action next week when they travel to Pleasant City, IA to take on NSAA foe Iowa Wesleyan on Saturday, October 8 at 12 pm MT.