Defense remains strong in pivotal match-up

Twenty-second ranked Northwestern’s defense recorded its first shutout since 2008 as the Raiders defeated No. 23 Dakota Wesleyan 34-0 to improve to 7-2 (5-2) on the year.
The Raiders took a 28-0 lead into the half. On the offensive side of the ball, sophomore Davis Bloemendaal opened up the scoring when he threw his first score of the day to junior receiver Eli Groenendyk.
The game remained a defensive battle until DWU began to concede to the relentless NW attack.
“Our defense and special teams played lights out,” said junior offensive lineman Nathan Nieuwendorp.
Junior Brandon Smith rushed for a 24-yard touchdown with just under three minutes remaining in the half, which was then followed by sophomore  linebacker Nate Van Ginkel returning an interception 37 yards for a pick six on DWU’s next possession.
The Raider special teams did not let up. Junior Craig Follete blocked a punt to after a DWU three-and-out and Bloemendaal found Groenendyk on a short-yardage slant to score with 18 seconds left in the second quarter.
“We had them on their heels,” Nieuwendorp said. “That blocked punt was the kicker that put them under.”
The final points were put on the board when Smith rushed for his second touchdown of the game on a drive that ate up 10:30 of the fourth-quarter clock.
Sophomore  linebacker Isaiah Twitty led the NW defense with six stops, 2.5 of which were for losses. Junior Aaron Jansen and sophomore defensive back Jerel Kyles had 5.5 and four tackles, respectively.
“We’re a good team,” Nieuwendorp said. “We know that we’re better than what our rating says. We never feel like we are underdogs in any match-up.”
The Raiders will go for their seventh straight win this Saturday against Hastings. This will be the final home game for 11 seniors on the roster. Kick-off will be at 1 p.m.