MOORHEAD, Minn. - Fresh from a satisfying 28-17 season-opening victory at Robert Morris University, Minnesota State University Moorhead opens a taxing 10-game Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play on Saturday against Winona State University in a noon meeting at Alex Nemzek Stadium.

While the Dragons will enter 1-0 overall and 0-0 in the NSIC, Winona State, 0-1, is looking up from a rare opening day loss. Saturday's season opener is one of seven games on the NSIC agenda.   

Original subscribers to the NSIC in 1932, the Dragons and Warriors will meet for the 71st time, and while the Dragons still hold a 38-30-2 series advantage, the Warriors have dominated of late with 12 straight victories, including a 58-3 blitz at Winona last fall.   

A traditional title contender in the NSIC, Winona State was ambushed 23-6 on opening day by Michigan Tech, a one-time stronghold in the old NIC, and the Warriors are anxious for redemption. Despite the loss, the Warriors retain several tested offensive weapons, including junior halfback Rayon Simmons, 5-10, 210, senior runningback Curtis Dewberry, 5-8, 185, senior offensive tackle Nick Faber, 6-9, 360, and sophomore center Richard Lilla, 6-2, 290. Junior John Tiegland, 6-4, 220, a transfer from the defunct Nebraska-Omaha football program, is the probable at quarterback.    

WSU defensive strongholds include senior free safety Steven Liegel, 6-0, 180, senior cornerback Lucas Wolf, 5-10, 190, junior cornerback Chris Norgaard, 5-11, 180, senior linebacker Jacob Harmon, 5-11, 230, senior end Matt Kaderly, 6-5, 250, and junior end Lewis Johnson, 6-2, 285. Simmons was held to 30 yards on eight rushes in the loss to Michigan Tech while Tiegland completed eight of 20 passes for 114 yards.

Senior quarterback Kevin Koch tossed four touchdown passes and fueled the Dragon offense with 281 yards passing in Saturday's win at Arlington Heights, Ill. Koch completed 22 of 32 passes for 281 yards. Kendall Hendon caught a pair of 10-yard touchdown passes and totaled 123 yards on eight receptions. Shawn Marlowe and Koch combined for the Dragons' first touchdown pass of 16 yards while Alex Pearson had a 27-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.

The victory marked the debut of new head coach Steve Laqua. A former quarterback and assistant coach at North Dakota State, Laqua guided Fargo Shanley High School to back-to-back North Dakota State prep titles before signing on at State.

Following Saturday's date with Winona State, MSU Moorhead will visit Upper Iowa on Saturday, September 17.

PRESS RELEASE LIVE STREAMING LIVE RADIO