By Jake Steen, UWEC Sports Information
STEVENS POINT, Wis. --The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Football team (0-4, 0-1 WIAC) opened up the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) seaon on Saturday with a 38-28 loss to UW-Stevens Point at Goerke Park.
Box Score | Photos | Chico La Barbera Photo Gallery
The Blugolds played well offensively, collecting a season-high 23 first downs on 388 total yards. UW-Stevens Point scored on the first possession of the game of their homecoming but the Blugolds came ready to play by responding with an 80-yard touchdown drive – capped off by a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback JT Denhartog (Fr. – Duluth, MN) to wide receiver Tyler Korth (Jr. – Menasha, WI) that evened the score.
The Pointers scored to open the second half and take a 28-7 lead over Eau Claire. But the Blugolds would score on back-to-back possessions and bring themselves within a touchdown.
Wide receiver Matt Knapp (Jr. – Eau Claire, WI) would score two second half touchdowns on seven catches for 98 yards. But it wouldn't be enough as the Pointers were able to fight off the Blugold comeback.
Denhartog finished 22-38 through the air with 286 yards and three touchdowns. Toure Wallace (Fr. – Chicago, IL) continued his breakout freshman campaign with 90 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown.
The Blugold defense was strong with two sacks on the afternoon. Carl Lightfoot (So. – Chicago, IL) was lights-out getting in on 12 total tackles and one sack. Jayden Dobbs (Sr. – Athens, WI) and John Endres (Jr. – Eau Claire, WI) combined for another sack.
The Blugolds return to Carson Park on Saturday, Oct. 10, for their homecoming game. The UW-River Falls Falcons come to town as the Blugolds search for their first win of the year. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
