Box Score



The Falcon football team opened its 2012 season losing a 31-22 decision to Simpson College on Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

For such an early game in the season, both teams' offenses were running in high gear. The teams combined for 818 of total offense and 53 points. Both teams scored touchdowns in the opening quarter and Simpson held a 21-16 lead at the half. The Storm increased its lead to 24-16 after three quarters and both teams added touchdowns in the fourth.

Most of the offense came from the passing game. UWRF was 32-48 for 344 yards and one touchdown while Simpson finished 23-39 for 398 yards and three scores.

There are several big plays that can lead to momentum changes in every game. One such play came in the second quarter with the Falcons leading, 10-7, at the time. UWRF took the ball at its 27 and drove to the Simpson one and they faced a second and goal situation. Falcon quarterback Ryan Kusilek, who was making his first collegiate start, rolled out to his right and tried to hit a Falcon receiver at the goal line. But the ball was tipped and Simpson's Ben Borland intercepted the ball giving his team control at the two.

After the heartbreaking turnover, Simpson ran two running plays that netted just four years. After a time out and facing a third-and-six at the six, quarterback Taylor Nelson hit Billy Weathers for a 72 yard gain to the UWRF 22. On the next play Brad Vogel caught a Nelson screen pass and scored. With the extra point Simpson grabbed a 14-10 lead at the time.

The two possessions  meant a possible 14 point swing.

The Falcons went three and out on their next possessions and the Storm scored a touchdown on its next drive to make it a 21-10 game with 4:43 to play in the first half.

Kusilek showed great poise and a nice touch on his passes. He finished 21-35 for 225 yards and one touchdown. He was intercepted once and sacked just once. Kusilek was forced from the game in the second half, he did return later, and Caleb Hanson showed some more great play from the quarterback spot. He hit his first four passes and finished 11-13 for 119 yards. He was sacked twice.

Seven Falcons caught passes in the game. John Wahlstrom had a strong game with 12 catches for 112 yards. Nathan Brandt caught nine balls for 80 yards and one went for a 10-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Jake Ryan caught seven passes for 89 yards. Brad Beeskow led all rushers with 12 carries for 64 yards.

Simpson's Nelson finished 23-39 for 398 yards and three scores. He was sacked five times. Taylor Rogers was Nelson's main target. He finished with 12 catches for 114 yards. But Brad Vogel did the most damage. He caught six passes for 141 yards and three touchdowns - covering 37, 22 and 42-yards.

The Falcon defense made several big plays in the contest. Linebacker Zach Stuhr had 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss. In all the Falcons had 11 tackles for loss. Lincoln Bjorklund also had 2.5 tackles for loss. The Falcons recovered three fumbles - one each by Nick Zimmerman, Tony Golden and Jake Ryan on a special teams play. Nate Smits, who had five tackles and one sack, also had two hurries.

The Falcons will next play at No. 8 ranked St. Thomas next Saturday at 1 p.m. The Tommies opened their season today with a 27-24 win at Eau Claire.

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