(Wayne, Neb.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston football team traveled to Wayne, Neb. today to battle the #22 ranked Wayne State Wildcats to open the NSIC season. The Golden Eagles were looking to add to their winning streak after defeating Mayville State on September 2, 37-6. Wayne State was also riding a big non-conference victory over #13 Nebraska-Kearney 24-17 in overtime. If the bus ride wasn't long enough, three key offensive injuries early slowed the Golden Eagle offense and Wayne State used UMC's misfortunes to take the 68-6 victory.
 
The Minnesota, Crookston defense held the Wildcats to 14 points in the first quarter and 10 points in the third quarter but Wayne State used two fumble recoveries and two interceptions to score 21 points in the second quarter and 23 points in the fourth quarter to put the game away. The Golden Eagle touchdown came at the 13:56 mark of the fourth quarter when Trent Nyhus (FB, 6-1, 220, Jr, Almena, Wis.) capped a 10 play, 73 yard drive that spanned 4:33.
 
Leading the way for the Golden Eagles was freshman Josh Perea (QB, 6-0, 175, Fr, Pico Rivera, Calif.) who took over the offense after UMC's starting quarterback was injured. Perea completed seven passes for 85 yards with a long pass of 34 yards. Brett Rice (RB, 5-10, 175, So, Poynette, Wis.) took over for the injured starting running back and rushed for 47 yards on 19 carries. The Minnesota, Crookston defense was led by Casey Byram (DB, 5-11, 175, Jr, Devils Lake, N.D.) who tied a game-high with eight total tackles (6 solo, 2 assisted).
 
Wayne State was led by Cyle Schultz who completed 14 passes for 252 yards and four touchdowns. Frederick Bruno led all receivers with six receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Bruno also returned a UMC kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown to become Wayne State's all-time leader in kick return yardage.
 
The Golden Eagles are 1-1 overall and 0-1 in NSIC play. Wayne State advances to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The road doesn't get any easier for UMC. On Saturday, September 18, the Golden Eagles will host #18 Minnesota State-Mankato. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Ed Widseth Field.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

Photo: Trent Nyhus
 
 
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