RIVER FALLS, Wis. (uwrfsports.com) - UW-River Falls blew out the UM-Morris Cougars 41-0 in their season opener at Ramer Field on Saturday night. A huge crowd turned out to David Smith Stadium to watch two new Falcons combine for an impressive five touchdowns.

Senior Alex Herink made his transition from leading the men's basketball team to being a starting receiver seem easy, catching two passes for 53 yards and two touchdowns in his first football game since high school. Freshman running back Sam Altena, a transfer from Northern State, did his best impression of departed running back Michael Diggins by rushing for 152 yards on 19 carries and scoring three touchdowns on his debut. Sophomore Anthony Silva also had 77 yards on 15 carries as UWRF outrushed Morris 326-34. 

The Falcons started out the game rusty, going three-and-out on their first drive and allowing the Cougars to march down the field on a 10-play, six minute drive that included three Falcons penalties. Defensive back Alex Wood bailed out the Falcons when he picked off Justin Masloski's pass in the end zone on 4th and 3 to keep the game at 0-0. UM-Morris would turn the ball over on downs later in the period before UWRF began an 11-play drive at the end of the first quarter that marched 66 yards in the span of only three minutes. Altena capped off the drive with an eight yard touchdown run and scored his second only three minutes later.  The Falcons converted an onside kick after Herink's 37-yard touchdown reception, and he took advantage of a huge mismatch on his 16-yard touchdown reception only a few minutes later. After a 10-play opening drive, the Cougars failed to put together more than a seven-play drive the rest of the game.

Ben Beckman had a solid day at quarterback for UWRF, completing 14 of his 23 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns and no turnovers. The offensive line also had a great performance, opening holes for running backs all night and only allowing one sack.

Masloski was 8-23 with five interceptions and no touchdowns on a difficult night for the Cougars. Linebacker Drew Shipley was all over the field for UM-Morris and recorded 15 tackles.

Mitch Dienger led the Falcons with five tackles, and Alex Wood had two of the team's five interceptions. The defensive unit only gave up nine first downs and 130 yards in the season opener.

The second half was a much slower paced game, as the Falcons were more content to run the ball and wind down the clock after a 28-0 halftime lead. Altena added his third touchdown and Andy Metcalf scored in the fourth quarter to cruise to a 41-0 victory. Two Falcons kickers attempted extra points on Saturday, with Jacob Lytle going 3-3 and Dylan Swerig going 2-3.

The Falcons will travel to Arden Hills, Minn. next Saturday to take on the Bethel Royals. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m.