EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire faced a challenging contest against the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, falling 55-28 on Saturday at Carson Park. UWEC's offense displayed moments of efficiency, converting all four of their red zone opportunities into touchdowns. Despite a balanced attack, with three rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown, the home team was unable to keep pace with the Pioneers' high-scoring offense, which delivered five passing touchdowns.
UW-Platteville capitalized on an early turnover by the Blugolds, recovering a fumble at the 10-yard line and converting the opportunity into a touchdown within four plays. The Blugolds responded with a balanced drive, moving 75 yards in eight plays, highlighted by
Ayden Helder's 13-yard touchdown pass to
Paxton Rothmeier. Despite UWEC's offensive efforts, the Pioneers' strong rushing attack, totaling 54 yards and two touchdowns, allowed them to maintain a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Blugolds opened the second quarter with a scoring drive highlighted by Helder's seven-yard touchdown run at 12:18. Despite this early momentum, UW-Platteville responded with a pair of quick touchdowns, including a 35-yard pass from Nathan Uselding to Kristian Gavric at 9:43 and a rushing score by Zackary Bothun at 7:57, extending their lead. UWEC countered with a touchdown drive, narrowing the deficit to seven points, but UW-Platteville's 36-yard touchdown pass in the final seconds left the Blugolds trailing 34-21 at halftime.
The Pioneers extended their lead with two touchdown passes in the third quarter, capitalizing on their efficient passing game, completing seven of eight attempts for 123 yards. The Blugolds struggled offensively, managing only 47 passing yards and a net of negative three rushing yards due to a sack. Despite two first downs from the passing game, their drive ended on a turnover on downs, leaving the score at the end of the period 48-21 in favor of UW-Platteville.
UWEC started the fourth quarter with a promising drive extended by a UW-Platteville pass interference penalty, but it was halted by an interception at the Blugolds' 32-yard line. Defensive resilience was highlighted by
Evan Rettkowski's interception at the Blugolds' 2-yard line, returning it 11 yards. The offense capitalized later with Helder rushing for a four-yard touchdown, concluding the quarter with a score of 55-28 in favor of UW-Platteville.
Helder delivered a strong performance, completing 21 of 35 passes for 245 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 43 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries.
Levi Pooley contributed on offense with three receptions totaling 59 yards. On defense, Rettkowski made an impact with an interception and returned it for 11 yards.
Keagan Christy led the team in tackles, finishing with eight total.
UW-Eau Claire finishes the season at 3-7 overall and end winless in conference play at 0-7. UW-Platteville holds an 8-2 overall record and is 5-2 in conference competition going into the playoffs.
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