Football

Warriors Drop Season Opener to St. Thomas in Close Contest

A late touchdown by Anthony Policare seals a 15‑9 defeat for Winona State

A Late Surge Falls Short

Winona State University opened its 2026 campaign on home turf against the University of St. Thomas, only to watch a narrow lead evaporate in the final minute. The Warriors surged ahead early, but a decisive drive by the Tommies turned the tide.

The game’s opening drive stalled, forcing a punt, but a 34‑yard pass from Jackson Flottmeyer to Deion Prolo set up a 3‑0 advantage. A subsequent field goal by Evan Swanstrom extended the lead before St. Thomas answered with a 75‑yard march capped by a quarterback sneak.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Jahmani Muhammad’s touchdown run trimmed the deficit, tying the contest with just over three minutes remaining. The momentum shifted, yet the Warriors could not convert the opportunity.

St. Thomas’s offense outgained Winona State 322 to 260 yards, with Anthony Policare delivering a 47‑yard strike that sealed the victory. Policare’s pass came just 58 seconds before the final whistle, leaving the Warriors scrambling for a response.

Next Challenge on the Horizon

The Warriors will travel to Aberdeen, South Dakota, to face Northern State University on September 3. The upcoming matchup offers a chance to rebound after a hard‑fought loss that highlighted both the team’s potential and the need for tighter execution in critical moments.

Published by SocketNews.com powered news Editorial Team Structured news coverage generated from verified editorial data fields. About Editorial Policy Contact