It wasn’t flawless, but it was a victory and it provided the Northern State football team with something it hasn’t had in more than two decades.

The Wolves fought off Winona State 31-16 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference football Thursday night at Dacotah Bank Stadium and improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2003.

“This is the NSIC,” said Northern coach Mike Schmidt after the hard-fought win. “This is what it’s going to be like all the time.”

It appeared that the game would mirror last week’s lopsided win over Chadron when Hank Kraft broke free for a 92-yard touchdown run on Northern’s first possession. The Wolves then scored on their second possession as well when Kraft hauled in a 3-yard TD pass from Ty Englehart.

However, things got a bit more difficult after that.

The Warriors were able to slow down Northern’s offense and slowly inched back into the game.

Winona blocked a punt late in the half to get on the board with a field goal, and then added another one in the second half to make the score 14-6. However, the damage could have been much worse. Kegan Mountain chased a ball carrier down the sideline and prevented a touchdown forcing the Warriors to settle for three points.

“When we made them go down the field, they just couldn’t do it,” Schmidt said. “Our defense has given up one touchdown in two games. Pretty elite what they’re doing right now.”

Northern extended its lead when Joey Dube-Garrett connected with Jacoby Boykins on a 29-yard scoring strike in the corner of the end zone.

“It felt great. When I see man with Jacoby, I love that matchup every time,” Dube-Garrett said. “We have great receivers out there that make plays for us. I had a perfect pocket from the O-line. It was amazing.”

Winona added another field goal and eventually found the end zone for a touchdown that closed the deficit to 21-16 with 9:55 remaining.

That set up what proved to be a crucial play in the contest. The Warriors sacked the Wolves on third down for what appeared to be huge defensive stand. However, Winona was flagged for a taunting penalty which gave NSU a first down.

“I can’t believe they bailed us out in that regard. That was great,” Schmidt said. “We’ll take it. No complaints on my end.”

He said the sequence will serve as valuable lesson for his players.

“I think what we’ll use it as for our team, is like that’s a great learning moment. What a tragedy for them to have that happen,” Schmidt said. “To come out and get the stop they need in a game like that with the score and the way that the momentum was going and all that, it was all on their side. That was huge. I think that’s a great learning lesson for us, to make sure that we’re not in that position.”

The Wolves scored just four plays later to take control when Kraft broke away again, this time for a 53-yard touchdown run.

“He just rips it from anywhere on the field,” said Northern center Ross Rowland. “He’s good.”

Kraft finished the game with 232 yards rushing and scored three times.

Rowland said it’s enjoyable to block when Northern has playmakers like Kraft who are threats to score from anywhere on the field.

“They really run hard and they bring their own blocks when they have to,” Rowland said. “So as long as we give full effort, they’ll give full effort right back.”

Dube-Garrett appreciates his linemen and the protection that they afford.

“I’ve got to give kudos to the guys up front,” Dube-Garrett said. “They play big, they play mean and aggressive, and I love to have it. Every play I feel confident back there.”

Meanwhile, Northern’s defense was up to task, led by All-American linebacker Jake Adams who produced 17 tackles. He was around the ball all game long.

“I’ve got to give props to the guys up front, the D-line up front, and I’ve got to give props to Coach Schmidt on having a very good game plan,” Adams said. “That just makes my job a lot easier.”

Jeremy Caruso kicked a 34-yard field goal with 2:26 left to account for the final margin of difference.

While Kraft produced his second straight game of more than 230 yards of offense on the ground, Schmidt said the Wolves have to find more options on offense.

“We’ve got to find more rhythm on offense,” Schmidt said. “It can’t just be Hank Kraft. It just can’t be.”

The Wolves will try to win their third game in a row to start the season when they head to Marshall, Minn. next Saturday to take on Southwest Minnesota State.

Schmidt said the Wolves will come up with a solid game plan, and look for another big defensive effort.

“When we have the defense here and we have all of our guys on,” Schmidt said, “we’re pretty tough to beat.”

To see a complete box score, click on the following link:

https://nsuwolves.com/sports/football/stats/2026/winona-state/boxscore/14640