The Peacock football team dropped their season opener at Northern State University on Thursday night in Aberdeen, S.D. The Wolves kept their guests off the scoreboard and posted a 30-0 win at Dacotah Bank Stadium to even the all-time series at five wins a piece.
 
Northern State's defense was the top unit on the field holding the Peacocks to 156 total yards including just 24 rushing yards. The Wolves blocked a punt in UIU territory, registered three sacks, and forced two interceptions including one in their own endzone when Upper Iowa was threatening as the first half closed. In the end, the Peacocks converted eight first downs in the game.
 
The home team was able to pick up 398 yards of offense with 146 rushing yards and 252 passing yards behind quarterback Michael Bonds, who threw for 207 yards and three scores.
 
The Peacock defense was on the field for nearly 38 minutes on the night and defensive back Zacarius Murray was busy recording nine tackles, while Cejai Parrish and Trevor Thompson each notched seven stops and RJ Knaack picked up six.
 
Desean Phillips caught three passes for 50 yards with one swing pass going for 48 yards. Phillips added eight yards on the ground. Isaiah Gray had two catches for 19 yards, while Cole Ewald got loose in the secondary for a 60-yard gain on his only catch of the game. Willy Camacho ran for 17 yards on eight carries and hauled in one quick pass for no gain.
 
Next Saturday, Sept. 10, Upper Iowa will host Minnesota State University Moorhead at Harms-Eischeid Stadium. The Peacocks and Dragons are set for a 3 p.m. kickoff in Fayette as part of the Hall of Fame Weekend celebrations.