The St. Cloud State Huskies defeated Hillsdale College Saturday afternoon at Husky Stadium, 42-28. The Huskies got off to a quick start, scoring on a three yard touchdown run by senior running back Dante Steward. The touchdown was set up by a 71 yard pass play from Philip Klaphake to senior wide out Fred Williams. The Huskies later scored on a 1 yard touchdown run by Dante Steward late in the first quarter. St. Cloud took a 14-0 lead into the second quarter
 

Hillsdale’s offense was lead by senior quarterback Troy Weatherford, who ended the game with 400 yards passing. Weatherford hooked up with wide receiver Andre Holmes on a 13 yard touchdown pass. Hillsdale later scored on an Andre Holmes 7 yard touchdown reception from Weatherford. The Huskies never panicked, and scored just before halftime on 30 yard touchdown reception by senior Fred Williams. Williams made a beautiful one-handed catch as he streaked across the field, and Klaphake made a perfect pass, to put the Huskies up 21-14 at halftime.
 

Hillsdale scored on the opening possession of the second half, when Brad Spencer ran in a 13 yard screen pass. After that point the Huskies took over the game in all phases. Philip Klaphake scored on a two yard touchdown run to put the Huskies up 28-21. Steward ran in his third touchdown of the game, pushing the Huskies lead to 35-21 mid-way through the fourth quarter. Hillsdale scored with four minutes remaining to cut the lead to seven, but Steward scored his fourth rushing touchdown to put the game out of reach, and the Huskies advanced to the second round of the NCAA D2 playoffs.
 

Philip Klaphake threw for 252 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for 83 yards and a score. Dante Steward had four rushing touchdowns, while running for 153 yards on 29 carries. Fred Williams had a career day, adding to his brilliant St. Cloud career. Williams had 12 receptions for 236 yards and a touchdown. Williams was too much for the Hillsdale defense to defend, as he was repeatedly getting loose from the coverage.
 

The Huskies will travel to Duluth next Saturday to face the Bulldogs in a rematch of a game that was played three weeks ago. The Huskies played tough, but turnovers cost them the game. The Bulldogs won the game 40-17.