Iowa Wesleyan football falls to first-place Blue Hawks

DICKINSON, N.D. — The Iowa Wesleyan football team had its work cut out for it on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers were on the road at first-place Dickinson State, playing a perennial power in the North Star Athletic Association, and the Blue Hawks showed why they are.

Dickinson State dominated from start to finish in a 55-6 win, the Blue Hens’ fourth win in the North Star, and the Tigers’ second loss in league play.

The Blue Hawks got the ball first, and it took just nine plays to get the ball into the end zone. Dickinson State quarterback Boedecker threw an 8-yard pass to Kellen Ray, and after the PAT it was 7-0 early.

That score was the first of four Dickinson State touchdowns in the first quarter. The Blue Hawks burned the Tigers thrice in the air and once on the ground to take a 27-0 lead into the second quarter.

With 12 minutes of play in the rearview mirror, Dickinson State was setting up another score when the first quarter ended. On the first play of the second quarter, the Blue Hawks scored again, and by halftime, it was 48-0.

Iowa Wesleyan’s first touchdown came in the final minute of the third quarter. After the Tiger defense stifled the Blue Hawks for the entirety of the period, backup quarterback Humberto Arizme connected with Asaivien McWilliams for an 8-yard touchdown pass. After three, Dickinson State held a 48-7 advantage.

The Tigers wouldn’t score again. The offense as a whole gained just 178 yards on the day.

Iowa Wesleyan threw for just 104 yards. Arizme threw for 60 yards and a touchdown, and Gavin Esquivel finished with 44 yards and an interception.

McWilliams caught four passes for 68 yards and a score in the loss. Jaden Harris was the Tigers’ second-leading pass-catcher with one reception for 29 yards.

Running back Kam Cole led Iowa Wesleyan in yards from scrimmage. He rushed the ball 18 times for 59 yards.

Iowa Wesleyan is now 1-6 overall and 0-2 in the NSAA. The Tigers’ two losses have come against the top two teams in the league, Valley City State and Dickinson State.

The Tigers will look to earn their first win in conference play when they hit the road again next weekend. Iowa Wesleyan will take on Dakota State (4-3, 3-2) next Saturday.