RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The UW-River Falls football team bounced back into the win column this weekend, defeating UW-Stevens Point 45-17 at Smith Stadium at Ramer Field.
The Falcons forced five turnovers and held a 422-253 advantage in total yardage. The victory improved UWRF's record on the season to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in WIAC competition.
On the opening drive of the game, UW-Stevens Point marched down the field and benefited from three UWRF penalties, which allowed for a two-yard rushing touchdown by Brycen Cashin to give the visitors an early lead. The 7-0 scoreline proved to be the Pointers' largest lead of the game, as UWRF came back to win convincingly.
The Falcons found their rhythm in the second period, as a sack-fumble returned for a 30-yard touchdown by Jack Olson put UWRF on the board early in the second. UWRF forced two punts and one fumble on the next three UW-Stevens Point drives, which resulted in rushing touchdowns from Michael Krueger and Cade Fitzgerald, as well as a 10-yard passing touchdown from Riley Warzynski to Stephen Reifenberger. The scores extended the Falcons' lead to 28-7 at halftime.
UW-Stevens Point capitalized off a 70-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the third quarter, while both teams also exchanged field goals in the third frame. The Pointers cut the deficit to 31-17 heading into the fourth quarter, but the Falcons put the game away in the final 25 minutes of action.
UW-River Falls extended the final score to 45-17 thanks to a 13-yard passing touchdown from Warzynski to Krueger and a 21-yard rushing touchdown by Trevor Asher.
The Falcons totaled 170 team rushing yards and 252 team passing yards. Warzynski finished with 178 yards through the air and two touchdowns. Krueger contributed 77 rushing yards and one of three UWRF rushing touchdowns — his rushing total is a single-game career high. Ben Wesolowski was a steady target for UWRF in the passing game, catching six receptions for a career-high 93 yards on the day.
Defensively, Brayden Wolf led the team with nine total tackles, a new career high. Gage Timm recorded six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one blocked punt. Michael Brown and Riley Ashburn recorded interceptions for UWRF, while Carson Steen and Evan Oehlke both recorded sacks.
Up next, the Falcons are set to close out the regular season with a home game against UW-Oshkosh on Nov. 16. The game, which kicks off at 1 p.m., will celebrate Senior Day for UWRF. Tickets can be purchased here.
