EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire secured a decisive 29-7 victory over Carroll University on Thursday at Carson Park. The Blugolds capitalized on three field goals and two passing touchdowns, including a notable 69-yard touchdown pass. The Pioneers managed a late touchdown in the fourth quarter but struggled to convert in the red zone throughout the game.
Wis.-Eau Claire opened the first quarter with a calculated offense, methodically advancing the ball 74 yards over an 18-play drive that consumed over nine minutes.
NaKiye Mercado and
Ayden Helder were instrumental, combining for key rushes and a significant 26-yard pass completion to
Matt Kuczaj, setting up
Reece Perry's successful 16-yard field goal at 5:16. Defensively, the team held Carroll to minimal gains, highlighted by
Brady Puls's tackle for a loss, maintaining a 3-0 lead at the quarter's end.
The second quarter saw the Blugolds making strategic advances, highlighted by Helder's 20-yard pass to
Levi Pooley and a 12-yard completion to
Eli Thompson, setting the stage for a 24-yard field goal by Perry at 7:51. Following a defensive interception by
Gyanni Kanellakis at the 3:07 mark, Helder connected with
Yaach Chuol on a remarkable 69-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 12-0 as the period concluded.
UW-Eau Claire took control in the third period, bolstered by a key turnover recovery by Mercado at the Carroll 19-yard line following a muffed punt, setting up a short drive that ended in a touchdown pass from Helder to
Vince Hanz at the 10:14 mark. Perry's successful extra point extended the lead to 19-0. Later in the quarter,
Kendon Krogman spearheaded a methodical drive, rushing for 11 and 8 yards consecutively, before capping the possession with a 6-yard touchdown run with 1:46 remaining, solidifying UWEC's commanding 26-0 advantage.
The fourth quarter began with Wis.-Eau Claire converting a critical fourth-down play as Helder's 12-yard rush advanced the ball to Carroll's 27-yard line. Despite some setbacks, such as a 2-yard loss on a rush and incomplete passes, Perry successfully kicked a 35-yard field goal at 11:36 to extend the lead to 29-0. Carroll managed to respond with a touchdown and extra point, but the Blugolds controlled the tempo with Nick Scott's 14-yard run, securing the victory by maintaining possession until the final whistle.
Chuol made a significant impact with a 69-yard touchdown reception. Thompson contributed with a 12-yard catch. Krogman added a rushing touchdown, accumulating 46 yards on six carries. On defense, Kanellakis recorded an interception and returned it for 16 yards.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire begins the season with a 1-0 record following their win. The Pioneers start their campaign at 0-1 after the loss.
In their next game, UWEC will travel to Gambier, Ohio, to face Kenyon College at McBride Field. Kickoff is set for Saturday, September 13, at noon.
