EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team was back at Carson Park on Saturday as the team, University, and alumni celebrated Homecoming. During celebration weekend, UW-Eau Claire continued Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play as they hosted the #5 ranked UW-River Falls Falcons and looked to climb the WIAC standings. A close first quarter was overshadowed by consistent UWRF offensive success as the Blugolds dropped their first WIAC game of the season, 49-7.
UW-Eau Claire controlled the clock in the opening quarter, as they prevented the high-power offense of UWRF to just three possessions. Despite surrendering 14 points to the visitors in the first, Eau Claire cut the deficit to seven points before the end of the quarter.
Harry Roubidoux (Jr. – Winneconne, Wis.) capped off a 44-yard drive with a 13-yard pass touchdown pass on 4
th down to
Nolan Stans (Jr. – Spring Valley, Wis.). Roubidoux's touchdown pass to Stans was his sixth touchdown of the season and Stans's third receiving touchdown of the year.
In the second quarter, the Blugolds kept the Falcons to a single score during their four possessions. With just under six minutes left in the opening half,
Ryan Kuechle (Sr. – Mankato, Minn./Mankato East) forced a fumble that was recovered by UW-Eau Claire's
Marcus Banks (Jr. – Cannon Falls, Minn.) for UWEC's only forced turnover of the day. The Blugolds couldn't capitalize on the opportunity before half as they hit the locker room with a 28-7 deficit.
The second half went in favor of the visitors as UWEC punted three times and couldn't convert on fourth down twice.
Ivan Ruble (Jr. – Clear Lake, Wis.) gathered 46 of his 79 total yards in the second half. UWRF found the endzone three times before the final whistle to deal the 49-7 defeat to UW-Eau Claire.
Leading the offense was
Ivan Ruble with 135 all-purpose yards on 26 carries and 5 receptions.
Landon Tonsager (Fr. – Eagan, Minn.) was close behind with 113 total yards from three receptions and four returns.
Harry Roubidoux finished the game with 128 yards through the air and one touchdown. The defense was led by
Ryan Kuechle who collected 16 total tackles and one forced fumble.
Gyanni Kanellakis (Jr. – Cary, Ill./Cary Grove) recorded 12 total tackles and
Noah Nephew (Jr. – Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville North) had 9 on the day.
The Blugolds (2-3, WIAC 1-1) will continue WIAC play next Saturday as they head to Oshkosh, Wis. to take on the UW-Oshkosh Titans. Kickoff from J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium is set for 1:05 p.m.
