Box Score
Five interceptions and five sacks helped lead the Falcon football team to its first victory of the season, winning 26-15 over Stevens Point on Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.
Alex Adams contributed three of those interceptions while also assisting on one of the team's five sacks.
The defense was tough again, limiting the Pointers to just 180 yards. It was the first time in 121 games the Falcons have held an opponent under 200 yards – the last time came in 2000 against Oshkosh.
The Falcons lost a fumble on their first offensive play of the game – reminiscent of the start against Oshkosh. It took the Pointers just six plays to find the end zone taking a quick 7-0 lead.
After the quick strike, the Falcons dominated the final 58 minutes starting with the ensuing kickoff.
Robbie Flom returned the kick 93 yards untouched tying the game at 7-7. Flom's big return was the highlight of another huge day by the special teams.
Chad Blair tied a school record by drilling four field goals for the Falcons over the first three quarters from 20, 33, 35, and another from 33 yards.
Stevens Point entered the game with a league-high 15 turnovers and lost five more with the Falcons secondary intercepting five passes. Aside from Adam's three picks, intercepting one apiece were Flom and
Andy Lundgren, with Lundgren also grabbing a sack in the fourth quarter.
Trevor Semann led the way with six tackles and a sack, while
Nate Smits added another 1.5 sacks – giving him 4.5 on the season.
Offensively, the Falcons had their best game of the year on the ground with both
John Schimenz and
Brad Beeskow setting career highs in yardage. Schimenz had 25 carries for 94 yards, while Beeskow rushed for 72 yards including 35-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Beeskow also set career highs in receptions and receiving yards as he led the Falcons with six grabs for 39 yards.
Moving the chains has been the Achilles heel for the Falcons this year, but were able to turn things around converting 10-of-22 on third downs while holding the ball for nearly 14 more minutes than the Pointers. On the other side, the defense held the Pointers to just 2-of-15 on third downs.
Stevens Point had no answer for the draw play, with the Falcons racking up 113 yards on eight draws. Three times the Falcons were able to convert a third-and-long on a draw, including Beeskow's first touchdown of 2012.
Ryan Kusilek earned his first victory as starting quarterback for the Falcons going 23-37 with 204 yards passing.
The victory is the first for the Falcons at Ramer Field since 2009, putting an end to their 14-game-losing streak. They did so in dominating fashion, by outplaying Stevens Point in nearly every statistical category – including outgaining the Pointers by nearly 200 yards.
Up next, the Falcons head to UW-Platteville where they will take on the No. 13 ranked Pioneers. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.
Box Score
