Warriors football outlasts Dakota State, 50-35

Bo Evans looks to get to the edge against the Trojan defense at Bolstorff Field on Saturday, September 22, 2018.

By: Zach Throne

The Waldorf Warrior football team secured its first win in the conference opener against Dakota State, 50-35.

The North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) picked the Dakota State Trojans to finish second in the conference race, mirroring last year’s result. Therefore, the Waldorf Warriors picked up a huge win at Bolstorff Field on Saturday in the conference title chase.

The Warriors grabbed the win thanks to a tremendous first half where they outscored the Trojans 30-0. Waldorf came out firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball by bringing a fire that had yet to be seen this season.

“It was a big win for us, a win we needed as a team after a rough start to the season,” said senior offensive lineman Frankie Contreras, “I feel like this win proves that we can compete with anyone.”

Dakota State did not fade away easily though. The scoreboard showed a 43-28 deficit with only 12:55 to play in the game. The Trojans scored 35 second-half points, outscoring the Warriors by 15 in the same time frame.

Warrior quarterback Hilton “Bo” Joseph led the offense with 3 rushing touchdowns and 3 passing touchdowns alongside 83 rushing yards and 269 passing yards. Freshman running back Bo Evans also had a huge day as he went for 266 all-purpose yards (179 rushing yards and 76 receiving yards) and a touchdown. Junior receiver Sam Huntley led the Warriors in receptions with 78 yards, including a 21-yard catch.

Perhaps most surprising (and equally impressive) was how the Warrior defense played in the first half, shutting out the Trojans potent rushing attack. Cam Newsome had another great game as he made 10 tackles and caught an interception. James “Toby” Bell reeled in 3 sacks on the day for the Warriors.

“Everybody did their jobs in the first half,” said senior defensive end Dakota Jahnke, “It was the best half our defense has played this season.” The Warriors struggled, though, in the third and fourth frame. “Now we have to put it together for a full game,” Jahnke said.

Waldorf (1-3, 1-0) goes to Mayville, North Dakota next weekend to take on Mayville State University (1-3, 0-1).