The Volante’s Athlete of the Week L.J. Phillips

This week’s spotlight athlete is sophomore running back L.J. Phillips Jr., who has been a key piece of the Coyotes’ backfield this season.

The Wichita, Kansas, native has rushed for 555 yards on 83 attempts and scored six touchdowns. Phillip’s most notable outing was his first career start, where he added 301 yards on the ground. He has also added 11 receptions for 83 yards to his 2025 totals.

Phillips has capitalized on his expanded role in the offense, and his production has reflected it.

The Coyotes dropped their game against defending national champion North Dakota State on Saturday, Sept. 27, falling 51-13 in Fargo. The loss moved South Dakota to 2-3 overall and 0-1 in Missouri Valley Football Conference play.

The Bison scored touchdowns on all five of their first-half possessions. The Coyotes answered with two field goals before freshman Carson Fletcher scored a late touchdown to cap the Coyotes’ scoring.

Quarterback Aidan Bouman completed 13 of 21 passes for 208 yards and an interception. North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton went 14-of-18 for 273 yards and two touchdowns while adding 102 rushing yards and another score.

South Dakota split carries in the backfield, with freshman Reid Watkins rushing for 39 yards and Phillips adding 38 yards on 11 attempts.

Junior Tennel Bryant led the Coyotes through the air with two receptions for 50 yards, including a 42-yard catch. Fletcher also hauled in a 46-yard reception.

Sophomore punter Tyler Ebel averaged 50 yards on five punts, with three downed inside the 20-yard line and a long of 57 yards.

The Coyotes return to the DakotaDome next week for their annual Dakota Days game, hosting Murray State in their first home conference matchup. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.