The NCAA Division II Delta State Statesmen notched a huge victory last Saturday in their first game of the season, upending second-ranked Pittsburg (KS) St. 44-31. And in the middle of the action? Former DHS star Chad Schroeder.

Schroeder, an elite kick returner, wide-out, and defensive back for the DHS Tigers during their 2004 championship season, received a scholarship offer from the Statesmen shortly before the 2005 practice season began. But Schroeder has made the most of his time at the Cleveland, MS, school, having already earned a starting spot on punt coverage teams and the “nickel” back position on defense.

The Statesmen took an early 17-0 lead over the favored Gorillas Saturday, and with All-Conference quarterback Steven Eyster on the top of his game for Delta State, the Gorillas began putting the ball in the air themselves at every opportunity. This led to plenty of playing time for nickel back Schroeder, as the Statesmen needed the extra help in the secondary to counter the Gorillas’ attempts to play catch-up.

Schroeder finished the game without a tackle but did record a pass break-up and nearly claimed an interception.

Former DHS quarterback Devin Goodwin is currently listed as the Statesmen’s third-string QB and did not appear in the game.

Delta State will take the field again this Saturday versus the Texas State Bobcats.