by (Vermillion, SD) – The South Dakota Coyotes weathered a furious fourth-quarter comeback attempt by Eastern Washington in securing the win behind a dominant ground game and explosive plays through the air.
Offensive efficiency dictated the rhythm early. After forcing an opening defensive stop, the Coyotes orchestrated a 11-play, 83-yard march capped by quarterback Austyn Modrzewski finding Brayden White for an 8-yard touchdown strike. Modrzewski operated with precision throughout the first half, keeping the Eagles’ defense off-balance with a mix of timely scrambles and short completions.
Eastern Washington struggled to sustain drives against a swarming USD front, anchored by defensive standouts Chris Dixon and Nathan Laperi, who combined for crucial backfield pressure and key sacks. The Coyotes extended their lead in the second quarter when Bohdie Ing converted a 31-yard field goal.
Clinging to momentum just before halftime, Modrzewski delivered a breathtaking 66-yard catch-and-run touchdown connection to Tennel Bryant with only 26 seconds remaining in the half, sending USD into the locker room with a commanding advantage.
The Coyotes didn’t let up after the break. Charles Pierre Jr. erupted out of the backfield in the third quarter, bursting through a seam and racing 72 yards to the house for the touchdown. Minutes later, Modrzewski struck again, finding Bryant for a 48-yard scoring strike.
Eastern Washington refused to fade quietly. Sparked by the dual-threat capability of quarterback Nate Bell, the Eagles mounted an aggressive aerial assault in the final frame. Bell orchestrated multiple scoring drives, highlighted by a 28-yard touchdown strike to Wesley Garrett and a late 2-yard plunge by Malik Dotson that cut the deficit to a single possession with under two minutes remaining.
Trailing late, the Eagles attempted an onside kick, but the Coyote special teams secured the ball. Though Eastern Washington’s defense forced a late punt to give their offense one final chance, the USD secondary clamped down. A game-sealing pass breakup by Asher Tomaszewski and a subsequent sack by Tyler Sapit effectively dashed any hopes of a last-second miracle, allowing Modrzewski to kneel out the clock
