LA CROSSE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire faced off against the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse on Saturday at Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field. Despite a valiant effort, UWEC fell to UW-La Crosse with a final score of 41-21. The Blugolds' offense was highlighted by two passing touchdowns, while the home team's ground game proved dominant, accumulating 370 rushing yards.
Wis.-La Crosse capitalized on early momentum in the first quarter, scoring three touchdowns to take a 21-0 lead over UWEC. A 38 and 40-yard touchdown run were pivotal for the Eagles, highlighting UW-La Crosse's dominant ground game, which amassed 171 rushing yards in the opening frame. UW-Eau Claire struggled to advance, earning only two first downs and committing three penalties, but managed a defensive highlight with
Max Marty's interception return of 16 yards.
UW-Eau Claire capitalized on a strong passing attack in the second quarter, with
Ayden Helder connecting on a key 31-yard completion to
Paxton Rothmeier, setting up a 12-yard touchdown pass to
Levi Pooley. Despite two false start penalties, the Blugolds managed to secure 59 passing yards and converted two out of three third downs, reducing the deficit to 24-7 at the half. La Crosse added to their lead with two field goals, including a 45-yarder with seconds left in the half, maintaining a 27-7 advantage.
UWL capitalized on their strong ground game in the third quarter with a 45-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 34-7. UWEC answered with a balanced drive, featuring a 16-yard rush from
Kendon Krogman and an 18-yard reception by
Yaach Chuol, culminating in Helder's eight-yard rushing touchdown and his first career rushing touchdown. The quarter concluded with La Crosse maintaining a 34-14 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, the Eagles capitalized on an early 34-yard pass to set up a 23-yard touchdown pass, extending their lead to 41-14. UWEC responded with a determined drive, highlighted by a 12-yard completion to
NaKiye Mercado and a 19-yard touchdown pass from Helder to Chuol, narrowing the deficit. Despite UWEC's 79 passing yards and a touchdown in the quarter, UWL maintained control, concluding the game with a 41-21 victory.
Chuol led the offense with four receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown. Helder completed 16 of 28 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns, adding 35 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Pooley contributed with a 12-yard reception for a touchdown. On defense,
Connor Durand recorded an interception with a 16-yard return, while
Keagan Christy tallied nine total tackles.
UW-Eau Claire holds a 3-2 overall record and is 0-2 in the WIAC. UW-La Crosse improved to 4-0 overall with a 2-0 mark in WIAC play.
The next challenge for the Blugolds arrives on Saturday, October 18th, as they travel to Oshkosh, Wis., to face UW-Oshkosh at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
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