DWU football gameday: Tigers head to Jamestown in search of first win

The Daily Republic, Mitchell, S.D.
·2 min read

Sep. 2—After falling to Dakota State last week in its season opener, Dakota Wesleyan heads to Jamestown, North Dakota, to try to get its first win of the season. Here's what you need to know ahead of the contest.

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Where: Hansen Stadium, in Jamestown, North Dakota.

Records: DWU 0-1, Jamestown 1-0.

Coaches: DWU's Ross Cimpl (57-51, 11th season), Jamestown's Brian Mistro (6-25, 4th season).

All-time series: DWU leads 4-0.

Last meeting: DWU 31, Jamestown 25 on Nov. 6, 2021.

Notes: This is only the fifth time the two schools have met, with the Tigers winning the first four matchup ... Last time out was the lowest number of points DWU scored against Jamestown at 31 ... It also marked the closest contest between the two schools, with DWU winning by six ... Both teams were in the bottom half of the GPAC preseason poll, with DWU at No. 7 and Jamestown at No. 9 ... Saturday marks the first GPAC matchup for both teams this season.

About the Tigers: DWU had one of its best offensive performances in recent years against DSU last week ... The DWU offense amassed 25 first downs, the most since a 41-14 win over Jamestown on Nov. 9, 2019 ... Austin Lee threw for 278 yards, which already surpassed DWU's top passing mark of last season (239) ... Kiel Nelson had 12 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown, as well as a rushing touchdown ... The Tiger defense flashed some potential in the second half, too, only allowing 13 points, six of which came when DSU took over on the DWU 3-yard line after a turnover ... DWU also forced five three-and-outs in the second half ... Tigers have only started 0-2 once since 2011, coming in 2020 when they started 0-3.

About the Jimmies: The Jimmies have struggled in recent years, their last .500 record was in 2014 when they went 5-5 ... Jamestown opened its season with a 27-24 win last week against Valley City State University — their Paint Bucket Game rival — in overtime ... Cade Torgerson threw for 175 yards and three touchdowns in the win ... The win over VCSU was the first season-opening win since a 28-26 win over the Vikings in 2018.

Next: DWU at Northwestern at 1 p.m. on Sept. 10 in Orange City, Iowa. Jamestown at Briar Cliff at 1 p.m. on Sept. 10 in Sioux City, Iowa.

Other GPAC action this weekend

Saturday, Sept. 3

Hastings at Midland, 1 p.m.

No. 21 Dordt at Briar Cliff, 1 p.m.

No. 3 Northwestern at No. 1 Morningside, 7 p.m.

Concordia at Doane, 7 p.m.