WAYNE, NEB. - The Sioux Falls Cougars (7-2, 6-2 NSIC) continued their dominance at Memorial Stadium, securing a hard-fought 23-13 win against Wayne State (6-2, 5-2 NSIC). Key defensive stops and crucial turnovers led the way, while kicker Nick Hernandez set a personal milestone with a career-long 47-yard field goal. 

SCORING RECAP 

The Cougars took charge early, orchestrating a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a 20-yard touchdown run by Carlson Tann III, giving the Cougars a 6-0 lead after a missed two-point attempt. Continuing the offensive momentum, quarterback Camden Dean connected with Carter Slykhuis on a 24-yard touchdown pass, pushing the lead to 13-0. 

Wayne State responded quickly, with quarterback Nick Bohn finding Latravious Boyd on a deep 75-yard touchdown pass to close the first quarter at 13-7. 

In the second quarter, Sioux Falls struck again. Dean and Slykhuis connected for their second touchdown of the day—a 7-yard pass that ended a sustained 10-play, 81-yard drive. Minutes later, kicker Nick Hernandez extended the lead with a career-long 47-yard field goal, sending the Cougars into halftime ahead 23-7. 

The defenses held strong through the third quarter, but Wayne State mounted a late effort in the fourth. Bohn hit Ashten Schmaderer for an 11-yard touchdown, though a failed two-point conversion attempt kept the score at 23-13, where it would stay, securing the Sioux Falls victory. 

KEY MOMENTS 

Defensive Takeaways: Sioux Falls' defense forced three interceptions on Wayne State, with Connor Aldrich, Cain McWilliams, and Alex Macksam each snagging a pick. 

4th Down Stops: The Cougars' defense held Wayne State to just 1 of 5 on fourth-down conversions, making several high-stakes stops. 

Career-Long Field Goal: Kicker Nick Hernandez set a new personal best with a 47-yard field goal in the second quarter. 

KEY COO

• Camden Dean: 6-14 passing, 113 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions 

• Carlson Tann III: 6 carries, 40 yards, 1 touchdown 

• Carter Slykhuis: 3 receptions, 82 yards, 2 touchdowns 

• Nick Hernandez: Career-long 47-yard field goal, 2 extra points 

• Scott Dickson: 5 punts, 188 yards, with a long of 48 

• Connor Aldrich: 8 tackles, 1 interception (14-yard return) 

• Brendan Holt: 6 tackles, 1 sack for 12 yards, 1 QB hurry 

• Cain McWilliams: 1 interception 

• Alex Macksam: 1 interception (6-yard return) 

• Andy Henson: 7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss 

UP NEXT 

Sioux Falls will look to extend this winning streak as they prepare for cross-town rival Augustana in the annual Key to the City showdown. The Cougars, who have been on a tear with back-to-back victories, will take on the Vikings at Kirkeby-Over Stadium November 9th at 1:00pm.