WAYNE, Neb. – Rayon Simmons rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown to become the NSIC’s all-time leading rusher as the Winona State football team posted a 17-13 victory over Wayne State Saturday in Wayne, Neb.

Statistics

Simmons, who entered the game needing 94 yards to become the conference’s career rushing leader, set the record midway through the fourth quarter. The Warrior senior passed former Concordia-St. Paul standout Chris Washington (2000-03) to become the most accomplished runner in league history. Simmons now has 4,255 yards during conference games in his career.

Simmons also passed the 1,000 yard mark for the third consecutive season, the only player in Winona State history with three straight seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards. Simmons has 1,036 yards through seven games this season.

Wayne State took an early lead on a 38-yard Max Martin field goal but the Warriors came right back, getting a 20-yard touchdown from John Teigland to Jay Adams. A second Martin field goal sent the Warriors into the half with a 7-6 lead.

The Wildcats took a 13-7 lead in the third quarter on a seven-yard rushing touchdown by Charlie Davidson. Winona State’s offense took over from there, capping an 11-play, 75-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown by Simmons to regain a 14-13 advantage. Simmons reached 100 yards on the ground for the fifth consecutive game and the 20th time in his career, with the Warriors holding a 19-1 record in those games.

Winona State added a 39-yard field goal by Jake Vercher midway through the fourth quarter to reach the final 17-13 score.

The Warrior defense kept Wayne State in check throughout the game, allowing just 262 total yards and 112 yards through the air. The team recovered two fumbles while also blocking a field goal attempt. Tyler Kubler and Alex Coulter each sacked the WSC quarterback while Kubler and Ryan Williams recovered fumbles.

Sean Hertz led the Warrior passing game with four catches for 94 yards while Adams had two grabs for 39 yards and a touchdown. John Teigland completed 10-of-24 passes for 163 yards and a score while Bryan Bradshaw completed his lone pass attempt for 30 yards.

Winona State remained atop the NSIC South standings with a perfect 3-0 record while moving to 6-1 overall on the season. The Warriors will play their next two games at home, beginning with a Homecoming showdown with Minnesota State next Saturday.