STEVENS POINT, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team hit the road on Saturday as they continued their Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) schedule with a matchup against UW-Stevens Point. The Blugolds fell to the Pointers 39-36 in a closely contested game on Saturday at Community Stadium at Goerke Field. Despite a strong offensive performance from the Blugolds, amassing 510 total yards, their efforts were overshadowed by a decisive fourth-quarter push from the Pointers. Notably, UW-Eau Claire's offense found their highest gear of the season tallying 510 total offensive yards.
Eau Claire capitalized on a balanced attack in the first quarter to secure an early lead, with
Ayden Helder's six-yard touchdown run at 5:34 concluding a 76-yard drive. Helder also connected for three completions, including a 24-yard pass to
Levi Pooley that helped sustain momentum. Although UW-Stevens Point responded with a 55-yard touchdown run, the teams ended the quarter tied at 7-7.
The Blugolds capitalized on special teams to secure their first lead of the game on a safety when
Jack Scheldroup blocked a punt at 12:35 in the second quarter. However, the Pointers responded with two touchdowns, including a 20-yard pass with one second remaining, resulting in a 21-12 halftime deficit for UWEC. Despite Helder's 76 passing yards and
Satchel Johnson's 22-yard field goal, UW-Eau Claire was outscored 14-5 in the period.
UW-Eau Claire opened the third quarter with a 43-yard field goal by
Connor Radaj, narrowing the deficit to 21-18. Helder then shifted momentum with a 60-yard rushing touchdown at 6:01, putting the Blugolds ahead 22-21. However, the Pointers responded with a 56-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead. The period ended with the Pointers ahead 29-22.
In a tightly contested fourth quarter, UWEC mounted a strong comeback effort, scoring twice on the ground courtesy of Helder's rushing touchdowns at 7:28 and 1:43. Helder led an efficient passing attack, completing 16 of 21 attempts for 164 yards, which included key completions to convert all three third-down opportunities. Despite the offensive surge, UW-Stevens Point matched with a field goal and a touchdown to maintain their lead, capitalizing on a pivotal interception during the final minute to secure a 39-36 victory.
Helder completed 28 of 43 passes for 332 yards and added four rushing touchdowns on 13 carries.
Paxton Rothmeier carried the ball 16 times, accumulating 102 rushing yards. Pooley led the receiving corps with five receptions for 74 yards. On the defensive side,
Keagan Christy recorded 10 tackles, showcasing his involvement in the team's defensive efforts.
The Blugolds hold a 3-5 overall record and are 0-5 in conference play. Stevens Point stands at 4-4 overall, with a 1-4 mark in conference games.
In their next game, UW-Eau Claire will face UW-Whitewater on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. The matchup will take place at Perkins Stadium in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
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