WHITEWATER, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire fell to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 51-10 on Saturday at Forrest Perkins Stadium. Despite a challenging outing, UW-Eau Claire's
Max Marty led the Blugolds with 14 tackles, one interception, and two pass breakups. The Warhawks capitalized on their running game, amassing 311 rushing yards and scoring five touchdowns on the ground.
UWEC matched the Warhawks in scoring early, with both teams converting field goals to tie at 3-3. However, the Warhawks capitalized on a 67-yard touchdown run in the closing seconds of the quarter to take a 10-3 lead. The Blugolds' offense found some rhythm with 50 yards passing and a successful 36-yard field goal, but their efforts were hampered by a false start penalty and a sack yielding a five-yard loss.
The Warhawks capitalized on UWEC's turnovers in the second quarter, converting two interceptions into touchdowns, including a 12-yard rush at 11:25 and an 11-yard rush at 10:03, to extend their lead. The Blugolds struggled offensively, completing just three of twelve passing attempts and suffering three interceptions, which hindered their ability to close the gap. The first half ended with the Warhawks leading 34-3.
UW-Eau Claire capitalized on a turnover to score a touchdown in the third quarter. After recovering a fumble forced by
Nate Majewski,
Paxton Rothmeier rushed for a four-yard touchdown at 5:12, cutting into the deficit.
Ayden Helder contributed with 32 passing yards, completing four of five attempts, as the Blugolds trailed 41-10 at the end of the third quarter.
The Warhawks extended their lead early in the fourth quarter converting a 25-yard field goal, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 51-10. UWEC responded with a sustained drive, highlighted by
NaKiye Mercado's consistent rushing gains totaling 55 yards in the quarter. However, the drive was halted by an interception at the three-yard line, sealing the final score.
Max Marty led the defense with 14 tackles and one interception, returning it for 12 yards. Helder completed 14 of 31 passes for 127 yards but was intercepted four times. On the ground, Rothmeier rushed for 43 yards on 15 carries and added a touchdown.
Brady Hoffner contributed with seven tackles and recovered a fumble.
Jack Scheldroup tallied five tackles, including the Blugolds lone sack of the afternoon.
The Blugolds hold a 3-6 overall record and are 0-6 in conference play. The Warhawks stand at 7-2 overall and 4-2 in the conference.
Looking ahead, UW-Eau Claire will face UW-Platteville on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m. at Carson Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at
Blugolds.com or on our app,
Blugold Sports, and on social media on
Twitter,
Instagram, and
Facebook.
