RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The No. 13-ranked UW-River Falls football team defeated UW-Eau Claire 59-22 Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field, using a strong second half to improve to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in WIAC play.
The Falcons trailed 14-10 in the second quarter before Peter McDevitt connected with Ben Wesolowski for a 16-yard touchdown with 31 seconds remaining in the first half, giving UWRF a 17-14 lead at the break.
UWRF extended its lead early in the third quarter when Taylor Sussner returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown. On the ensuing UWEC possession, Jared Schultz intercepted Blugold quarterback Ayden Helder, setting up Cade Fitzgerald's two-yard rushing touchdown to push the lead to 31-14. McDevitt then connected with Austin Rush for a 42-yard touchdown, increasing the advantage to 38-14.
The Blugolds answered with a touchdown late in the third quarter, but the Falcons added three more scores in the fourth. Fitzgerald threw touchdown passes to Jaylen Johnson and Drew Kuempel, each recording the first touchdowns of their careers, before Frank Daniels capped the scoring with a five-yard rushing touchdown.
McDevitt completed 15 of 26 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns. Fitzgerald completed all eight of his pass attempts for 55 yards and two touchdowns, while also adding a rushing score. Rush led the receiving corps with 10 catches for a career-high 149 yards and two touchdowns. Wesolowski added five receptions for 62 yards and a score. Kicker Johnny Figgins connected on a career-long 47-yard field goal, tying for the second-longest field goal in UWRF history, and converted all eight of his extra-point attempts.
Defensively, Levi Bolstad recorded four sacks, tying the WIAC and UWRF single-game records. He shares the program record with Gregg Neumann, who recorded four sacks against UW-Stevens Point in 2007. Taylor Sussner, Jared Schultz and Braden Jones each intercepted a pass, with Sussner's 39-yard return resulting in a touchdown. The Falcons limited UW-Eau Claire to 256 total yards and forced three interceptions, helping fuel the 37-point victory.
Up next, the Falcons remain at home to face UW-Stout Polytechnic on Saturday, Oct. 31. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Ramer Field.
