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Jackrabbits win season opener
CHRIS SOLARI
csolari@argusleader.com
Published: 09/4/05
BROOKINGS - Anthony Watson provided the crew operating Coughlin-Alumni Stadium's new scoreboard system with plenty of highlights to work out the kinks in their flashy production.
Watson took the game's opening handoff for a 55-yard score, finishing with 183 yards and three touchdowns for South Dakota State in its season-opening 42-13 victory over Wisconsin-LaCrosse on Saturday night.
In front of the razzle and dazzle of the massive Daktronics video board and 5,737 fans, the Jackrabbits owned their home turf. SDSU rushers combined for 357 ground yards, often bursting through crater-sized holes blown open by the offensive line.
"If we can run the ball like that every game, I'd be the happiest guy on earth," SDSU coach John Stiegelmeier said. "That is so demoralizing for a defense."
Typically a stronger second-half runner, Watson got off to a stylish start to the season Saturday.
Taking the handoff from quarterback Andy Kardoes, the All-Great West Conference first-teamer zipped through a massive hole carved out by linemen Paul Keizer and Mitch Erickson, then turned up the right sideline. When it looked as if he was stopped, Watson spun away from one Eagles defender, then slipped two other tackles as he reversed field and headed to the end zone just 22 seconds into the game.
"You've got to give it up to the offensive line," said Watson, a junior who needed just 15 carries in three quarters of work to do his damage. "It was complete dominance, and that first run set the tone for the whole game. I haven't been part of a line like that for a long time."
With 4:37 to play in the opening quarter, after a Wisconsin-LaCrosse punt, the Jacks coughed up their lead. Eagles defensive end Jeff Kratcha stripped SDSU running back Cory Koenig of the ball, and cornerback Steve Teeples snatched the ball out of midair and dashed 32 yards untouched for the TD. Ryan Corneiller's kick knotted the score at 7-7.
But SDSU answered on the following drive, set up at midfield after a 46-yard kickoff return by redshirt freshman JaRon Harris. Eight plays later, Watson skied over the pile and goal line from the 1, landing ball-first on the grass and tucking into a celebratory roll.
Watson was virtually unstoppable in the first half, finishing with 112 yards on 10 carries despite alternating with Koenig.
"I always tell the line that I just need a seam, and they give me tunnels," Watson said.
Kardoes, the junior who took over at quarterback, threw his second career touchdown late in the half, a 4-yard strike to tight end Chris Wagner that split double-coverage to send SDSU into halftime ahead 21-7.
LaCrosse inched back into the game early in the second half, as Cody Jenson pulled in a 21-yard scoring pass from quarterback John Schumann.
Any Eagles momentum proved short-lived, as Watson again pounded their defense on the next drive. Carrying the ball on all five plays, Watson barreled 71 yards, finishing it off with another scintillating score from 30 yards away before heading to the sidelines for good.
"Watson's just a unique runner - he can make you miss or he can run through you," Stiegelmeier said. "He's a phenomenal talent."
Koenig, who finished with 93 yards on 14 carries, added a 25-yard score late in the third quarter.
SDSU's defense held the Eagles to just 52 yards rushing for the game, despite yielding 338 through the air.
Harris, a former sprinter from Washington High who played just one year of high school football, scored on a 50-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Reed Burckhardt late in the game. It was Harris' first career reception.
Reach Chris Solari at 977-3923.
Jackrabbits win season opener
CHRIS SOLARI
csolari@argusleader.com
Published: 09/4/05
BROOKINGS - Anthony Watson provided the crew operating Coughlin-Alumni Stadium's new scoreboard system with plenty of highlights to work out the kinks in their flashy production.
Watson took the game's opening handoff for a 55-yard score, finishing with 183 yards and three touchdowns for South Dakota State in its season-opening 42-13 victory over Wisconsin-LaCrosse on Saturday night.
In front of the razzle and dazzle of the massive Daktronics video board and 5,737 fans, the Jackrabbits owned their home turf. SDSU rushers combined for 357 ground yards, often bursting through crater-sized holes blown open by the offensive line.
"If we can run the ball like that every game, I'd be the happiest guy on earth," SDSU coach John Stiegelmeier said. "That is so demoralizing for a defense."
Typically a stronger second-half runner, Watson got off to a stylish start to the season Saturday.
Taking the handoff from quarterback Andy Kardoes, the All-Great West Conference first-teamer zipped through a massive hole carved out by linemen Paul Keizer and Mitch Erickson, then turned up the right sideline. When it looked as if he was stopped, Watson spun away from one Eagles defender, then slipped two other tackles as he reversed field and headed to the end zone just 22 seconds into the game.
"You've got to give it up to the offensive line," said Watson, a junior who needed just 15 carries in three quarters of work to do his damage. "It was complete dominance, and that first run set the tone for the whole game. I haven't been part of a line like that for a long time."
With 4:37 to play in the opening quarter, after a Wisconsin-LaCrosse punt, the Jacks coughed up their lead. Eagles defensive end Jeff Kratcha stripped SDSU running back Cory Koenig of the ball, and cornerback Steve Teeples snatched the ball out of midair and dashed 32 yards untouched for the TD. Ryan Corneiller's kick knotted the score at 7-7.
But SDSU answered on the following drive, set up at midfield after a 46-yard kickoff return by redshirt freshman JaRon Harris. Eight plays later, Watson skied over the pile and goal line from the 1, landing ball-first on the grass and tucking into a celebratory roll.
Watson was virtually unstoppable in the first half, finishing with 112 yards on 10 carries despite alternating with Koenig.
"I always tell the line that I just need a seam, and they give me tunnels," Watson said.
Kardoes, the junior who took over at quarterback, threw his second career touchdown late in the half, a 4-yard strike to tight end Chris Wagner that split double-coverage to send SDSU into halftime ahead 21-7.
LaCrosse inched back into the game early in the second half, as Cody Jenson pulled in a 21-yard scoring pass from quarterback John Schumann.
Any Eagles momentum proved short-lived, as Watson again pounded their defense on the next drive. Carrying the ball on all five plays, Watson barreled 71 yards, finishing it off with another scintillating score from 30 yards away before heading to the sidelines for good.
"Watson's just a unique runner - he can make you miss or he can run through you," Stiegelmeier said. "He's a phenomenal talent."
Koenig, who finished with 93 yards on 14 carries, added a 25-yard score late in the third quarter.
SDSU's defense held the Eagles to just 52 yards rushing for the game, despite yielding 338 through the air.
Harris, a former sprinter from Washington High who played just one year of high school football, scored on a 50-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Reed Burckhardt late in the game. It was Harris' first career reception.
Reach Chris Solari at 977-3923.
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