South Dakota Coyotes Triumph in a Gripping Five-Overtime Victory Against Southern Illinois
CARBONDALE, Ill. — In an electrifying display of skill and perseverance, Larenzo Fenner dazzled fans by catching six passes for 130 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-sealing two-point conversion. This remarkable performance led the South Dakota Coyotes to defeat the Southern Illinois Salukis 53-51 in a marathon five-overtime contest on Saturday.
South Dakota, a state renowned for its rich history and vast landscapes, houses a dedicated fanbase devoted to the Coyotes—a team now proudly sitting with an 8-4 record and 22nd rank in the FCS. The victory not only amplifies the state’s prominence in college football but also highlights the local community’s resilience and passion for the sport.
Ranked 22nd in the FCS, the Coyotes demonstrated their tenacity by rallying from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to regain the lead. Will Leyland’s pivotal 32-yard field goal with just over a minute remaining in regulation pushed South Dakota into a precarious 34-31 lead.
However, Southern Illinois wasn’t done. The 23rd-ranked Salukis marched swiftly downfield, with Paul Geelan securing a level score through his own impressive field goal from the 36, ensuring the clash would enter overtime.
Larenzo Fenner
This game proved to be a crowd-puller, with each team exchanging touchdowns in the first two overtime periods. Both the Coyotes and the Salukis fell short on their crucial two-point conversions in the third overtime, resulting in continued suspense. It was in the fifth overtime when the Coyotes’ defensive prowess finally shone, opening a window for Fenner to seize victory with his game-winning catch.
Quarterback Aidan Bouman was instrumental in this victory, finishing with 21 completions out of 30 attempts, amassing 300 yards, and delivering five touchdowns despite a singular interception. His synergy with Fenner stood out, fortifying an attack that left spectators in awe.
Will Leyland
The ground game was bolstered by Carson Fletcher, who tirelessly rushed for 104 yards on 19 carries. The Coyotes’ balanced offensive strength was on full display against the resilient Southern Illinois defense.
South Dakota is experiencing a football awakening, with local interest climbing due to the Coyotes’ impressive conference record of 6-2 in the Missouri Valley. The team’s style of play, characterized by resilience and strategic ingenuity, is reflective of South Dakota’s spirited culture and commitment to success. This victory further cements their place as Eastern contenders in the FCS arena.
DJ Williams, representing Southern Illinois, matched stride for stride with 303 passing yards, four touchdowns, and an added personal rushing achievement of 89 yards on 16 carries. Despite his exceptional performance, the Salukis now find themselves at 6-5, eyeing potential adjustments going forward in the competitive Missouri Valley conference.
Aidan Bouman
The win for South Dakota is more than just a tally in the victory column; it is a testament to their strategic planning and persistence in face of adversity. It is a beacon for the state’s devoted fans and a point of pride for the broader community, showcasing their talent and determination at a national level.
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As South Dakota continues to etch its name deeper into the annals of college football, both players and supporters can celebrate a hard-fought triumph that resonates far past the sporting world, embodying the spirit and tenacity of the state itself.