EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire dominated Martin Luther College with a 42-6 victory on Saturday at Carson Park. This win marked UW-Eau Claire's best start to a season since 2007 with their third straight win. The Blugolds scored all six of their touchdowns on the ground, with four coming from within the red zone. UWEC's 390 rushing yards is the most by the team since September 4, 2021.
UWEC surged to an early 21-0 lead in the first period against the Knights, highlighted by a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by
Yaach Chuol on the opening kickoff.
Paxton Rothmeier and Nick Scott each contributed a rushing touchdown, as the home team amassed 128 rushing yards on 15 carries. The Blugolds' defense stifled Martin Luther, limiting them to minus-three rushing yards and zero first downs while securing two tackles for loss.
In the second quarter, the Blugolds extended their lead to 35-0, highlighted by a dominant rushing performance from Rothmeier, who broke free for a 63-yard run and later scored a four-yard touchdown. The offensive momentum continued as
NaKiye Mercado added a 19-yard rushing touchdown, capping a 77-yard drive. Defensively, UW-Eau Claire's
O'Maryo Krause-Nururdin intercepted a pass in the end zone, preventing the Knights from scoring and maintaining a strong defensive stance throughout the period.
In the third period, the Eau Claire maintained their commanding lead despite a 64-yard touchdown rush by Martin Luther's Brady Turriff, which cut the deficit to 35-6. The Blugolds' defense was effective, highlighted by
Max Marty's interception return for a touchback, and
Dalton Hoehn's tackle for a loss against the Knights. UWEC's offense managed to maintain possession and run the clock with Scott contributing 37 rushing yards in the period.
The Blugolds secured a dominant victory, with the fourth quarter capped by a 47-yard touchdown run from
Jacob Donohue that brought the score to 42-6. UW-Eau Claire excelled on the ground, amassing 125 rushing yards in the period, highlighted by Scott's 31-yard carry. The Blugolds' defense was solid, allowing only 17 rushing yards and securing a crucial turnover on downs late in the quarter.
Scott led the offense with 123 rushing yards on 16 carries and added a touchdown to his performance. Donohue contributed with 47 rushing yards on four attempts and scored a touchdown. Mercado also found the end zone, rushing for 79 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. On defense,
Wyatt Schauder was notable with four total tackles, including one sack.
UW-Eau Claire improved to 3-0 overall following their victory. The Knights fell to 2-1 on the season with the loss.
The next challenge for the Blugolds is Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletics Conference play and a home matchup against UW-Stout on Saturday, October 4, at Carson Park in Eau Claire, Wis. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. UW-Eau Claire will be celebrating 100 years of Homecoming that weekend. For more information on homecoming festivities, visit
https://www.uwec.edu/about/campus-events-and-calendars/uwec-homecoming.
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