Augustana holds off late Winona State rally for Homecoming victory
No. 8-ranked Augustana built a commanding lead and held off a late Winona State push to secure a 34-26 homecoming win on Saturday afternoon at Kirkeby-Over Stadium.
The Vikings (5-0, 4-0 NSC) piled up 527 yards of total offense — their highest output since 2021 — while remaining unbeaten in front of a crowd of 4,486. Quarterback junior Gunnar Hensley was efficient, completing 29 of 34 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns.
Two of those scores went to junior wide receiver Klayton Sattler, who finished with five catches for 96 yards, including a 41-yard strike as time expired in the first half. Senior tight end Jacob Remmert also caught a 15-yard touchdown, while sophomore defensive back Levi Teetzel punched in a 10-yard score on the ground.
“We would have had even more if we didn’t have two fumbles that stopped drives,” head coach Jerry Olszewski said. “Collectively our guys have embraced their roles and are operating our offense efficiently. The evolution of our run game has made us more difficult to defend.”
Redshirt freshman and running back Breylon Blount led the rushing attack with 87 yards on 10 carries, highlighted by a 57-yard burst. The Vikings finished with 197 rushing yards as a team, averaging 5.6 yards per carry.
On defense, Augustana applied consistent pressure, recording four sacks and eight tackles for loss. Senior co-captain and defensive lineman Gradee Sherman notched one of the sacks and said the unit’s mindset was steady in late-game moments.
“I would say calm and collective,” Sherman said. “Defensively we stay pretty calm on just doing our job. In the big games, it just makes it easier because you just have to work hard and there’s no option not to.”
Winona State (2-3, 2-2) kept the game interesting with three fourth-quarter scores, including a pair of touchdown passes from quarterback Jackson Flottmeyer, who threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns overall. But the Vikings’ lead — which reached 34-10 after three quarters — proved too much to overcome.
With the win, Augustana kept its Homecoming streak intact, adding another victory in front of alumni, students and community members.
“The homecoming game is different from a normal Saturday because of the buildup and excitement of the week,” said sophomore Paige McAreavey, a student in the crowd. “The parade and tailgating before the game creates a fun atmosphere that is elevated compared to a normal game day.”
The Vikings now turn their attention to Saturday’s “Key to the City” matchup at Sioux Falls, looking to retain the traveling trophy for a third straight year.
“USF is always its own special game with records going out the window,” Olszewski said. “I don’t believe there is pressure but rather an excitement to compete in an environment that is special in collegiate athletics.”
Kickoff against USF is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Bob Young Field.
