ABERDEEN, S.D. - The Minnesota State University Moorhead Dragons suffered a 23-0 loss to the Northern State University Wolves on the road Saturday.
The Dragons slip one place behind the Wolves in the NSIC as MSUM moves to 1-7 in conference play, while the overall record moves to 2-7. The Wolves picked up their second win in league play moving to 2-7 overall and 2-6 in the NSIC.
Five turnovers hurt the Dragons at Swisher Stadium as the Wolves picked three passes that were run back for a cumulative 44 yards. NSU's home advantage gave the team the tempo throughout the game, totaling 357 yards to the Dragons 251. MSUM improved their running game, that included a 43 yard run by Brett McWilliams in the first quarter. McWilliams ended the game with 14 rushes for 74 yards leading the team.
The Wolves put the first tally on the scoreboard, when Trent DesLauriers caught a 40-yard pass from Joel Fiegler at 5:38 in the first quarter. They added three more points to their 10-0 halftime lead on a 40-yard field goal kicked by Thomas Parrott.
In the fourth quarter, down by 16, the Dragons put together a 58 yard drive but came up short of a score as a dropped pass attempt by freshman quarterback Zach Fry on fourth and goal gave the Wolves the chance again.
The Dragons defense held the Wolves on the possession and gained the ball back on the NSU 34 yard line. MSUM's momentum was cut on the first play as a pick by Ryan Olerud that returned the tempo to the home team and led to the Wolves third touchdown of the game.
Fry was 16-for-29 on the day for 142 yards. Bryson Pluta also completed four of his six attempts all in the second quarter for 46 yards. Nick Scharpf led the Dragons receivers with five catches for 39 yards. Tyrone Small also picked up 30 yards on three catches.
The Dragons will host St. Cloud State next on Sat., Oct. 31 at Alex Nemzek Stadium. Kick-off is set to begin at 1 p.m. The MSUM Dragons athletics department will host both the Nursing and Health Physical Education departments as well as sponsor the Halloween Thriller events that include a Thriller dance and costume contests.
