The Wayne State Wildcats opening game at home did not turn out how the team hoped, losing 28-41 with Winona State winning.

WSC had some great plays with Nate Rodgers catching three touchdown passes, Marlon Warren running for 59 total yards and Aaron Bleil throwing for 355 yards. The team only had one tackle for a loss.

“The players played very hard,” head coach Dan McLaughlin said. “They competed the entire game and never gave up, even when they had some tough hurdles to overcome. They never pointed fingers at each other, and the great team chemistry was evident all night.”

“In more concrete terms, we moved the ball with the passing game very effectively. Nate Rogers was spectacular, the offensive line provided good protection, and Aaron Bleil threw the ball well. Marlon Warren had a good game at running back. Tyler Thomsen was tremendous at middle linebacker again for us, and Cody Netusil, our punter, and Ethan Knudsen, our placekicker, were both outstanding.”

McLaughlin is optimistic for the season as many of the players are showing great potential. The team can improve it just takes time and practice.

“We played very well for it being our first game and we fought all game. It was a good fight but we just kicked ourselves with a few big mistakes in the game. Once we cut out the mistakes, we will be one hell of a team to beat.” quarterback Bryan Kunde said.

The ‘cats will need to improve on cutting down mistakes while holding onto and being smart with the ball.

“Taking care of the football is the first thing. Four turnovers are a recipe for disaster in any game, let alone against a top 25 opponent. We need to tackle better. Our kick coverage has improving to do,” McLaughlin said.

The Wayne State Wildcats will be in action again on Saturday, September 8 at Southwest Minnesota State.

“The goal for the next game at Southwest Minnesota State is to take care of the football and to have a lot less turnovers,” Kunde said.

Photos by Emmalee Scheibe and Isaac Baker