Warriors Fall In Overtime To NMU

The Wayne State University football team lost its annual homecoming contest, 49-46 in overtime, to the Northern Michigan University Wildcats before a crowd of 4,269.

The Warriors trailed 43-36 following an NMU touchdown with 87 seconds left in the fourth quarter but went 54 yards in 10 plays for the tying touchdown and PAT kick. Nate Collins hauled in a two-yard pass from Randy Hutchison with just five seconds left. Stephen Wayne’s point after touchdown kick tied the game.

In overtime, WSU recorded a first touchdown but had to settle for Wayne’s 33-yard field goal. NMU had two incomplete passes but on third down quarterback Kyle Swenor connected with Brandon Munson in the end zone for the winning score.

It was a see-saw game that had both teams leading by at least 10 points during the contest.

The Warriors had 607 yards of total offense (229 rushing and 378 passing) while allowing 455 yards (145 rushing and 310 passing).

Junior tailback Craig Duppong recorded his third 100-yard rushing effort in the last four games with 170 yards on 20 carries. He also scored on touchdown runs of 1 and 55 yards.

Dan Gray (13-21 for 216 yards and two touchdowns), Randy Hutchison (9-20 for 151 yards and two touchdowns) and James Phillips (1-2 for 11 yards) all quarterbacked the Warriors. Kyle Swenor completed 25 of 46 passes for 310 yards and four touchdowns.

Collins (6 receptions for 149 yards and two touchdowns) and Marqus Anthony (four catches for 105 yards and one touchdown) were WSU’s top receivers.

WSU is now 2-6 overall and 2-5 in the GLIAC, while NMU improves to 6-2 overall and 6-1 in the conference. The Warriors play their final road contest of the season next Saturday, Nov. 2, at Northwood. WSU entertains Mercyhurst (Nov. 9) and Saginaw Valley (Nov. 16) to conclude the season.