Blue Hawks shutout Waldorf, move to within one game of NSAA title
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Waldorf (4-5) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
|
Dickinson State (ND) (7-1) | 14 | 7 | 13 | 7 | 41 |
DICKINSON, N.D. – The frigid conditions did nothing to slow down red-hot Dickinson State, as the Blue Hawks dominated on both sides of the ball to take down Waldorf, 41-0, and move within one game of their ninth consecutive North Star Athletic Association title.
Will Madler went 12-18 for 234 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions to lead the Blue Hawks on the day. Braden Zuroff took 16 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown, while Darion Brown carried the ball 7 times for 62 yards a score to lead the DSU rushing attack.
Despite kicking off to start the game, Dickinson State got the ball early after Jayden Heartwell forced, and recovered, a fumble on just the fourth play of the game. It took DSU just 6 plays of their own, all runs by Zuroff, to take the early lead. Chase Miller was perfect again in the kicking game, this time going 4-4 on extra points.
The big blow came later in the quarter, with time expiring, Madler found Noah Sickler for a 58-yard bomb to make it 14-0 DSU and the Blue Hawks never looked back.
Madler found Cameron Sheppard for a 13-yard score in the third quarter, and connected with Sheppard again later in the quarter, this time from 14 yards, as the Blue Hawks led 34-0 after three quarters.
Bridger Grovom capped the scoring when he took it in from 2 yards out for the game's final score.
Zane McCormick had a solid game defensively, as he gathered 7 total tackles, including 1.5 for loss, to lead the team. Krew Mathern had 6 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack, as he continues to grow his school records. On the game, the Blue Hawk defense forced two sacks and 10 tackles for loss, constantly shutting down any momentum the Warriors had built.
"I thought our guys put together a very solid performance," said head coach Pete Stanton. "We were very balanced on offense and did a great job of taking care of the football. We pitched a shut out on defense and the special teams were good as well. I'm proud of our guys effort and I know they are looking forward to next week."