August 30, 2025
MITCHELL, S.D. – Dakota State and Dakota Wesleyan renewed their Chamber of Commerce Traveling Trophy football rivalry in front of 1,650 fans Saturday night at Joe Quintal Field, with the Tigers (1-0 overall record) edging the Trojans (0-1 overall record) 16-14 in a defensive battle decided by special teams and late stops. It was the football season opener for both teams.
Despite the setback, the Trojans' defensive team established two new records in total yards allowed and rushing yards allowed that was held 30-plus years ago.
It was the 79
th all-time meeting between DSU and DWU.
First Quarter
DWU wasted no time as Steven Christion returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown just 15 seconds into the game. After the PAT kick by Danny Carsrud, the Tigers led 7-0.
Dakota State answered with a seven-play, 52-yard drive capped by
Raesean Eaton's 20-yard touchdown pass to
Trajan Davis with 6:48 left in the quarter.
Carson Sauseda's PAT kick tied it 7-7.
The Tigers reclaimed the lead late in the quarter when quarterback Jed Jenson hit Sean DeBlieck for a 10-yard touchdown. The PAT failed, leaving DWU up 13-7.
Second Quarter
Defense and missed opportunities defined the second frame. DSU drove deep twice but saw Sauseda miss field goals from 38- and 43-yards. DWU went into halftime holding its 13-7 advantage.
Third Quarter
After trading punts, Dakota State seized momentum midway through the quarter. Eaton broke loose on a 30-yard touchdown run with 3:04 on the clock, finishing a nine-play, 58-yard march in 4:46. Sauseda's PAT kick put the Trojans on top 14-13.
Fourth Quarter
DWU put together a 10-play, 51-yard drive, capped by Carsrud's 41-yard field goal with 8:47 left to retake the lead, 16-14.
Dakota State had one final chance. Starting at their own 15-yard line, the Trojans drove 74 yards on 17 plays, reaching the Tigers' 1-yard line. DSU Sauseda's 18-yard field goal attempt hit the left goal post and not cross the bar, sealing DWU's win.
By the Numbers
- Dakota State offense: 337 total yards (188 rushing, 149 passing) on 69 plays.
- Eaton: 8-of-18 passing for 168 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs; 18 carries for 75 yards and a score.
- Davis: 21 rushes for 69 yards; 1 reception, 20-yard TD.
- Melek Ford: 4 catches, 75 yards.
- Victor Boggs, Jr.: 56-yard reception.
- Taron Serr: 7 tackles
- Deveon Moses: 2 break-ups
- Kacey Cauley: 1 quarterback sack
- Dakota Wesleyan offense: 64 total yards (-2 rushing, 66 passing).
- Christion: 95-yard kickoff return TD.
- Carsrud: Game-winning 41-yard FG.
School record set
Despite outgaining DWU 337–64, the Trojans established a pair of new school team's records. Dakota State broke the 34-year-old rushing yards allowed, limiting the Tigers to a negative two yards (-2 rushing yards). The previous record was set in 1991 with one (1) rushing yard versus Mount Scenario (Wis.).
DSU also set a new team record in total defense allowed, holding DWU to 64 total offensive yards. The Trojans broke the 32-year-old total yards allowed with 65 yards versus Trinity Bible (N.D.) in 1993.
Up Next
Dakota State plays their home opener next Saturday (Sept. 6) in the 10
th annual Ag Bowl contest. The Trojans host NCAA Division III Nebraska Wesleyan, with a kick-off starting at 7 p.m. (with the tailgate to be held prior to the game). The game will take place at the Brian Kern Family Stadium on Blankley Field.
