Issued: November 9, 2002

FOOTBALL FALLS IN FIRST PLACE SHOWDOWN TO UW-LA CROSSE

LA CROSSE - The UW-Eau Claire football team was unable to overcome an early deficit to UW-La Crosse and fell out of a tie for first place as the Eagles won 26-9 here today at Roger Harring Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Blugolds fall to 7-2 overall and are now in a four-way tie for first place at 4-2 in the WIAC. The Eagles are in sole possession of first place at 6-3 overall and 5-1 in conference play. La Crosse has clinched a share of their 31st conference championship and can claim the league title outright with a win at UW-Stout next weekend.

La Crosse jumped out to a 7-0 lead when Matt Makaryk completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Scott Burnoski at 2:50 of the first quarter. The Eagles increased their lead to 14-0 when Ross Moline hit paydirt from one yard out at 11:19 of the second quarter.

The Blugolds mounted a comeback beginning with a Nick Diciaula (Jr.-Brookfield/Central) 20-yard field goal with 5:11 remaining in the first half cutting the lead to 14-3.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Blugolds cut the lead to 14-9 when tailback Joe Gast (Fr.-Waconia, MN) scampered in from six yards out with 10:26 to go in the fourth quarter. The Blugolds took advantage of excellent field possession after the defense forced the Eagles into a three-and-out. The Blugold scoring drive went 46 yards on eight plays taking 2:09 off the clock.

The Blugolds got the ball back after forcing another La Crosse three-and-out, but strongside linebacker Dustin Powell picked off a Nels Fredrickson (So.-Burnsville, MN) pass and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown to increase the Blugold lead to 20-6.

On their next possession the Blugolds drove down to the Eagle 30 yard line before Fredrickson was picked off for the third time. The Eagles added an insurance touchdown while the Blugolds turned the ball over on downs on their final two possessions.

On the day the Blugolds outgained the Eagles 338-268 while running 10 more offensive plays than La Crosse. However, the Blugolds committed four turnovers against one Eagle turnover while the Eagles converted 11-of-18 third downs to win the time of possession battle 33:43-26:17.

Fredrickson completed 16-of-40 passes for 198 yards throwing three interceptions and being sacked three times. Gast led all rushers on the day gaining 99 yards on 25 carries. Wide receiver Jason Foemmel (Sr.-Marshfield) led all receivers with six receptions for 74 yards while tight end Brad Newton (Sr.-Baldwin/Baldwin-Woodville) hauled in four catches for 54 yards.

The Blugolds can still claim back-to-back conference titles for the first time since 1963-64 with a win over UW-Stevens Point next Saturday coupled with a La Crosse loss at Stout. The Blugold-Pointer match-up is slated for a 1:00 PM kickoff at Carson Park.