Mustangs triumph in shellacking of Dakota Wesleyan

Photo by Alena Peters, Morningside Sports Information Intern

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside worked quickly today, recording an interception on Dakota Wesleyan's opening drive and scoring immediately to take a lead before a minute had run off the Elwood Olsen Stadium clock. That was just the start for the Mustangs, as they ran up a 49-0 advantage at halftime on the way to a 70-14 final score.

It was Joshua Miller that had the opening-drive interception, snatching the ball out of the air at the DWU 45 and returning it to the 30-yard line, setting up a Joe Dolincheck to Zach Norton score that took just seven seconds off the clock. Dolincheck would throw for three more touchdowns and 213 yards before exiting the game. Norton would end the day with 123 yards and three scores, while Austin Johsnon had 120 yards and two touchdowns.

Luke Johannsen, taking over the role of signal-caller, threw for 176 yards, recording two touchdowns and giving up one interception.

Morningside's leading rusher on the day didn't enter the game until the second half, but K.J. Williams took advantage of his opportunities, recording 147 yards on three carries. Williams broke away for a 94-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, marking his second score of the game following his earlier 46-yard touchdown. Ryan Cole, the starting back, tallied 106 yards and two scores of his own.

On defense, it was Brody Nelson that took the lead in the tackles column for the Mustangs, recording eight total tackles. Miller added five tackles to his stat line, alongside a 15-yard interception return. Jalen Portis matched Miller's five tackles, adding a fumble recovery with a 34-yard return to his day.

Morningside is home for the last time in the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 5, kicking off at 1 p.m.