Issued: October 12, 2002

FOOTBALL RUNS OVER RIVER FALLS

EAU CLAIRE - Proving it had a ground attack of their own, the UW-Eau Claire offense racked up yards on the ground and time off the clock to defeat UW-River Falls 34-12 here today for Homecoming at Carson Park.

The win moves the Blugolds to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference standings. The win puts the Blugolds into a second place tie with UW-Stout who both trail conference leader UW-La Crosse who is 2-0. The Falcons fall to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in WIAC play.

The Blugold ground game outgained the run-orientated Falcons 339-190 averaging 7.1 yards per carry.

Starting the game from there own 28 yard line, the Blugolds marched down the field on a 12 play, 67-yard drive that ended with a Nick Diciaula (Jr.-Brookfield/Central) 22-yard field goal to make the score 3-0. The Blugolds moved the ball down to the Falcon one but lost four yards on the ensuing play and had to settle for the field goal.

The Falcons answered back with a scoring drive of their own going 70 yards on 12 plays but had the extra point attempt blocked to give the Falcons a 6-3 advantage.

Taking advantage of good field position, Joe Gast (Fr.-Waconia, MN) rushed in from one yard out to put the Blugolds back on top 10-6. The scoring run was set up by a 31-yard scamper from Gast earlier on the drive.

Getting the ball back with 45 seconds left in the first half, the Blugolds went 73 yards in 6 plays to set up Diciaula's second field goal of the half, this time from 24 yards out, to extend the Blugold lead to 13-6.

The Blugolds outscored the Falcons 21-6 in the second half showcased by two Brad Newton (Sr.-Baldwin/Baldwin-Woodville) third quarter touchdown receptions of nine and one yard that put the game out of reach. Gast ended any hopes of a Falcon comeback with his second touchdown of the game that saw the Blugolds go 80 yards on 11 plays chewing up seven minutes of clock to seal the victory.

The only Falcon points of the second half came off a blocked punt that was recovered in the end zone.

Gast led a balanced ground game gaining 102 yards on nine carries. Tail back Dave Garrison (So.-Apple Valley, MN) made the most of his first start of the season gaining 101 yards on 19 carries. After a 300 yard passing game a week ago, quarterback Nels Fredrickson (So.-Burnsville, MN) used his legs to keep several Blugold drives alive finishing with 70 yards on the ground.

Jason Foemmel (Sr.-Marshfield) led all receivers with four catches for 44 yards followed by Newton hauling in three receptions for 47 yards.

The Blugold defense limited the vaunted Falcon wishbone attack to 181 yards on 47 carries. The Falcons committed four turnovers on the day, losing three fumbles and throwing one interception.

The defensive line duo of Austin Crow (Jr.-Woodbury, MN) and Nick Goeser (Sr.-Scandinavia/Iola-Scandinavia) was pivotal in slowing down the Falcon ground game. Both players finished with 10 tackles as Goeser made nine solo tackles.

The Blugolds receive a well-deserved week off next week before returning to conference play October 26 when they travel to Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium to take on UW-Platteville. Kickoff is set for 1:00 P.M.