The Wayne State Wildcats suffered a staggering 26-13 loss at the hands of the Augustana Vikings this past Saturday in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Vikings dominated in the second half after closing the first half down 13-3, scoring 23 unanswered points to hand the Wildcats their second loss of the season.

In the first half, the Wildcats had double the yards of their opponent Vikings (235-117). The ’Cats also held the Vikings to just four rushing yards in the first half, while WSC worked on scoring a touchdown from junior Taurean Grady and two contributing field goals from freshman kicker Ethan Knudson to finish off the first half with a score of 13-0.

With the start of the second half it was still a stale mate and no one was moving the ball not scoring then the Vikings found a way to drive the field a bit where the Wildcats defense held up and forced only a field goal making the game 13-6 with around three minutes left in the third quarter. The Vikings got the ball back and end up scoring a touchdown on a nice pitch and catch from quarterback Kyle Saddler to wide receiver Brett Shepley for a four-yard touchdown pass.

On the following kickoff, the Wayne State Wildcats had fumbled the possession with the Vikings landing on it at the 11 yard line where the Wildcats defense stood tall only allowing a field goal making the score 16-13 in favor of the Vikings.

On the next possession for the Wildcats it was a three and out where the Wildcats had to punt and then the Vikings took control with a 4 play 50 yard drive capping it off with a 23-yard touchdown pass making it 23-13. With a little time left and not much opportunity the Wildcats failed to score with three different opportunities with two ending with an interception and the other with a turnover on downs. The Vikings went on to score three more points on a 25-yard field goal making the end game score 26-13 victory for the Augustana Vikings.

“During the game we made too many mistakes as a collective group putting ourselves in bad situations,” said wide receiver Jason Hawkins. “All this week they will focus on finishing strong and executing plays”.

Top players and stats for Wayne State College quarterback Andy McCance threw for 246 yards with 21-46 passing one touchdown and 2 interceptions. Leading rusher for the Wildcats was Devin Merkuris with 9 carries for 17 yards. Top pass catchers were Mason Lee with 8 catches for 54 yards, Jason Hawkins 4 catches for 52 yards and Tauren Grady with three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown catch.

The next game for WSC will be against the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears and will be hosted by the Wildcats this Saturday at 6 p.m.