EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team held the annual Homecoming game on Saturday as they hosted UW-River Falls. Despite out-passing their opponents, the Blugolds couldn't complete a comeback at home and fell to the Falcons, 41-24.
The first quarter played out as a chess match on both sides of the ball. With 108 offensive yards combined between the teams, neither side found the back of the endzone in the first fifteen minutes of play.
The scoreless tie would be broken at the beginning of the second after a two-yard rush by UWRF's quarterback put the visitors up 7-0 with the successful extra point following the rushing touchdown.
Turnovers for both sides happened early and often as the next two drives would end in interceptions. Sam Burzynski (Sr. – Stanley, WI/Stanley-Boyd) caught his fourth career interception on the fourth River Falls drive of the game with hope to bring some light to the Blugold offense.
The offense clicked later in the quarter after a six play, 25-yard drive ended with a 27-yard field goal from Brady Frantal (Fr. – Appleton, WI/North) to make it 3-14. Frantal's seventh field goal on the year added to his already perfect kicking record. He is now seven for seven for field goals and 21 out of 21 from the extra point spot.
After halftime, the Blugolds added to the scoreboard again after Harry Roubidoux (So. – Winneconne, WI) found Nicholas Kudick (Jr. – Mauston, WI) on a 37-yard touchdown pass to make it
The Blugolds will have a quick turn around as they hit the road on Sunday, October 17th when they travel to Carthage College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM.10-20. Kudick's one handed diving grab in the endzone was his first career touchdown as a Blugold.
The two offenses would trade blows the following drives with a UWRF passing touchdown and a 1-yard Austin Belot (Sr. – Neenah, WI) rushing touchdown to keep the difference at ten points. Belot's score up the middle was his seventh touchdown on the year. On the ground, Belot also picked up his fourth 100+ yard rushing game for the season.
The Falcons pushed their lead again late in the fourth quarter with a 26-yard touchdown rush to extend the Eau Claire deficit to 17.
Roubidoux and the home squad offense would answer with a seven play 63-yard drive ending in a Joe Swanson (Sr. – Osceola, WI) touchdown making it 24-34. Swanson's corner route was completed with a leaping grab over the defensive back for his fourth score of the year.
Offensive leaders for the Blugolds included 119 rushing yards by Belot, 259 passing yards and two touchdowns by Roubidoux, and 64 receiving yards and one touchdown from Swanson.
On the defensive side, Alex Mashak (Sr. – Lodi, WI) led UWEC with ten total tackles and one tackle for a loss. Spencer Van Pietersom (Sr. – Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) and Sam Burzynski were not far behind with eight tackles a piece and the lone Blugold interception by Burzynski. Trevor Nelson (Sr. – Hammond, WI/St. Croix Central) had three tackles for loss and Bryson Wilkins (Sr. – Plymouth, MN/Wayzata) forced two fumbles.
The Blugolds will continue Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play next Saturday, October 23rd when they travel to UW-Oshkosh. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
