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| The NW offensive line at work against the Trojans |
For the second consecutive year, the Red Raiders open the regular season against Dakota State. In 2005, NW defeated the Trojans 29-21 in Madison, S.D., to extend their opening day win streak to five. Tonight also marks the unveiling of the new bleachers and press box at Korver Field.
In last year’s contest, NW rallied from a 6-14 deficit, scoring 23 unanswered points in the last three quarters to notch the win. The Trojans scored a late touchdown in the last minute to cut the Raider lead to eight, but NW recovered the on-side kick to get the win. Keith Sietstra rushed for 176 yards and four touchdowns, which tied the GPAC record for most touchdowns in a single game, a record he would break later in the season. He also scored on a two-point conversion from quarterback Craig Hector which tied the score at 14 in the second quarter. Blake Reinke provided the other Raider points with a go-ahead 32-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the first half. NW outgained Dakota State 435-243.
Dakota State was one of 16 teams to play a game last weekend (Aug. 26). The Trojans recorded a 31-23 come-from-behind victory over Waldorf in Madison, S.D. Trailing 10-23 late in the third quarter, DSU scored the final 21 points to get the win. Quarterback Josh Somerville completed 5 of 16 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns, both of which were to wideout Donald Strand in the second half (62 and 37 yards). Strand also scored the game’s final touchdown on a 34-yard punt return. Darryl Hall rushed for 121 yards on 19 carries to lead the ground attack.
The Red Raiders closed the 2005 season with five consecutive wins en route to an 8-3 overall mark and a #17 ranking in the final NAIA poll. They return 16 starters and 33 letter winners in ’06, and combined with a strong recruiting class, are looking to continue their late season success from 2005. Offensively, Keith Siestra returns for his final season to lead the ground attack. The senior, a two-time all-league honoree, ranks second all-time in yards rushing (3,261) and third all-time in touchdowns (37). Junior Craig Hector will be starting under center for the second consecutive season. He accounted for nearly 2,000 yards of total offense and 16 touchdowns. Both Hector and Sietstra will benefit from a veteran line that will be anchored by first team all-league senior Phil Kooistra.
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| NW's D-line goes after the Dakota State QB in last year's season opener |
Defensively, three time honorable mention NAIA All-American Austin Janssen returns for his final season. The senior linebacker ranks sixth all-time at NWC with 15.5 sacks and could end up in the top ten in career tackles and interceptions at season’s end. Coupled with three-year starter Blake Wolfswinkel, the linebacking corp should be very strong. Senior Jordan Van Otterloo anchors the defensive backs. A two-time all-league performer, he has led the team in interceptions in each of the three previous years and ties for sixth all-time with 15.
2010 Media Guide
