Wayne State College came through with a big second half at the Homecoming game to give them a win they needed against Minnesota—Crookston.

WSC was 1-3 this season to Minnesota’s 0-4 record. WSC’s 4-0 record against Minnesota—Crookston may have boosted the team’s morale to help with the win.

During the first quarter, Wayne State scored on a 74-yard drive in five plays, with senior Lorenzo Logwood’s 3-yard touchdown making the score 6-0, followed by a point after. That would be the only score in the first half with WSC defense holding a shutout for most of the game.

Wayne had multiple chances to score in the first half, but fumbles kept the offense from scoring.

“It’s nice to see our defense come together for this win,” Kevin Ransom, strong safety, said. “We can still improve in many ways, but as long as we play together it is going to get better.”

Wayne State came out strong in the second half, marching 69 yards down the field in nine plays. Redshirt freshman Devin Merkuris made a touchdown for a 14-0 score in the third quarter.

Later in the quarter, WSC pinned Minnesota deep, forcing a punt. Wildcat special teams had a big play when linebacker Nicholas Joynt tackled the Minnesota—Crookston punter in the end zone for a safety and a 16-0 lead with seven minutes left in the third quarter. To close out the third quarter, Wayne State’s Deshawn Massey scored on a 19-yard run, making the lead 23- 0.

Minnesota—Crookston got its first point on the board in the fourth quarter with wide receiver Kyler Banks catching a 12-yard touchdown, making the score 23-7.

Wayne State starting cornerback J’von France picked off quarterback Tristan Robbins’ pass and returned it for a touchdown for a final score of 30-7. “Getting the pick, and then to run it back—you can’t ask for a better feeling as a cornerback,” J’von said.

Wayne State offense finished the game with 409 yards, 376 yards on the ground and 33 in the air because of windy conditions. Minnesota—Crookston finished with 313 total yards. Redshirt freshman Tavian Willis ran for 148 yards on eight rushes. Running back Merkuris ran for 106 yards on 18 carries. Senior defensive end Jacob Protzman had seven tackles with 2.5 sacks.