The Wildcats battled their rivals from Sioux Falls South Dakota, on Oct. 12. The Wildcats scored right away, going up 7-0 with about four minutes left in the first quarter.

“USF was able to limit our run game with solid defensive line play. They were doing a good job of taking away our receivers and making out QB hold onto the ball longer than he should,” said Scott McLaughlin, defensive coordinator. “That led to them making some plays in the backfield and putting us in poor down and distances,” said McLaughlin.

Sioux Falls were able to score three times in the second quarter, while holding the Wildcats to just seven points in the first half. Going into the first half the score was 17-7 Sioux Falls.

USF got the ball starting the second half. The Cougars were able to drive the ball down the field and score right away with a one yard run by Colton Myles. That possession took 11 plays and 82 yards for a touchdown. The Wildcats were not able to get anything going in the second half and the team was held scoreless midway through the first half and the entire second half. USF was not done in the fourth quarter. They again drove the length of the field and punched it in with a two-yard run by Winston Maxwell. Sioux Falls ended up winning by the score of 31-7.

“Offensively we need to eliminate turnovers and do a better job of staying on blocks,” said McLaughlin. “Special Teams needs to do a better job of limiting opposing returners by tackling better and understanding the leverage positions.”

The Wildcats ended up with 198 total yards and USF had 376 total yards in the game. USF was able to beat the Wildcats in every category and it showed on the field.

“Defensively we didn’t get lined up correctly two or three times, and great teams will make you pay. We need to adjust to the various formations teams are throwing at us, and work to tackle better in the open field,” said McLaughlin.

The Wildcats travel to Winona State next weekend which will be against another ranked opponent. Head Coach Dan McLaughlin talked about the improvement he has seen from last year to this year’s team.

“The improvement since last year has been remarkable. The team chemistry is so much better it’s difficult to find the words to describe it. The kid’s play hard, they play together, and they care about each other,” said McLaughlin. “Just a huge difference. The leadership is better. Unfortunately, injuries have dampered that enthusiasm and potential.”