Dec. 7, 2007

Four members of the Falcon football team have been named to 2007 D3football.com All-West Region teams.

Tackle Jordan Miller (Sr., Hemphill, Texas) and wide receiver Michael Zweifel (Fr., Whitewater, Wis.) were both named to the second offensive team. End Gregg Neumann (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.) was named to the second defensive team. Running back Nathan Anderson (Sr., Marinette, Wis.) was named to the third offensive team.

Miller, 6-5, 285 pounds, started all 10 games at tackle for the Falcons for the past two seasons. Earlier this year he was named to the first All-WIAC offensive team.

Neumann, 6-4, 240 pounds, led the Falcons and the WIAC with 12 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2007. He is fourth in career sacks at UWRF with 23. He was named the Falcon Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 10, Oct. 1 and Nov. 5. He set a UWRF record with four sacks in the team's game at Stevens Point on Sept. 29. Neumann, who was named to the first All-WIAC team in 2006, finished with 74 solo and 145 career tackles. He had 31.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, seven quarterback hurries, two pass break ups and one blocked kick in his career. Earlier Neumann was named to the first All-WIAC defensive team for the second straight eyar.

Zweifel, 6-1, 175 pounds, set a NCAA record for receptions in a season by a freshman. He led the WIAC in catches (97), yards (1,056) and touchdown catches (9). Zweifel set a WIAC single game record with 18 receptions against La Crosse on Nov. 3. He holds UWRF records for season catches and season receiving yards. He also holds the school record for career catches despite playing only one season. Zweifel was named the WIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Nov. 5 and was the team's Offensive Player of the Week three times (Nov. 5, Oct. 22, Oct. 1). Zweifel was the only freshman named to any All-WIAC team and he was named to the first team.

Anderson, 5-9, 214 pounds, set a school career rushing record finishing his career with 4,220 yards. He led the Falcons with 1,468 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns this season. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry. His 321 carries this year set a single season record and his 960 career carries sets a career record. He had 22 games in which he rushed for more than 100 yards, and five games in which he rushed for more than 200 yards. Anderson was named the team's Offensive Player of the Week five times in 2007 and he was named the WIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 19, 2005. He was a unanimous selection to the 2005 All-WIAC team and was named to the second All-WIAC team this year. Anderson was named the team's Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 when he rushed for 1,265 yards. He scored 24 career rushing touchdowns.

The Falcons finish the season with a 3-7 overall record and they were 2-5 in the WIAC.

Season Stats

Falcon Schedule

D3football.com Site

Nov 14, 2007

Nine members of the Falcon football team have been named to the 2007 All-WIAC teams.

Tackle Jordan Miller (Sr., Hemphill, Texas) and wide receiver Michael Zweifel (Fr., Whitewater, Wis.) were both named to the first offensive team. End Gregg Neumann (Sr., Lakeville, Minn.) was named to the first defensive team. Running back Nathan Anderson (Sr., Marinette, Wis.) and tight end Ryan Hansen (So., Grantsburg, Wis.) were both named to the second offensive team. Linebacker Bruce Baillargeon (Sr., Somerset, Wis.) was named to the second defensive unit. Center Scott Witte (Jr., Cedarburg, Wis.) earned honorable mention to the offensive team. Tackle Sean Wolf (Sr., Jordan, Minn.) earned honorable mention to the defensive team. Cornerback Jamie Bisch (Sr., Roberts, Wis.) was named to the All-Sportsmanship team.

Anderson, 5-9, 214 pounds, set a school career rushing record finishing his career with 4,220 yards. He led the Falcons with 1,468 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns this season. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry. His 321 carries this year set a single season record and his 960 career carries sets a career record. He had 22 games in which he rushed for more than 100 yards, and five games in which he rushed for more than 200 yards. Anderson was named the team's Offensive Player of the Week five times in 2007 and he was named the WIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 19, 2005. He was a unanimous selection to the 2005 All-WIAC team. Anderson was named the team's Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 when he rushed for 1,265 yards. He scored 24 career rushing touchdowns. "Nathan was a very tough, physical and determined player for us this season," said Falcon Coach John O'Grady.

Baillargeon, 6-0, 193 pounds, led the Falcons and the WIAC with 78 solo, 136 total tackles and three forced fumbles in 2007. He had 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. He recovered one fumble. He was named the WIAC Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 8. He was the team's Defensive Player of the Week three times ( Sept. 4, Oct. 8) and the team's Special Teams Player of the Week on Oct. 29. In 2006 he was named to the second All-WIAC team and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Week on Sept.11. He had 149 solo and 274 career tackles. He had seven tackles for loss, one pass break up, one sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions in his career. "Bruce is a very competitive player who always gave us a maximum effort," said O'Grady.

Bisch, 5-10, 180 pounds, made 31 solo and 38 total tackles in 2007. He also recovered two fumbles and intercepted a pass. He was named the team's Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 15. In his career he made 67 solo and 86 total tackles. He had two tackles for loss, two pass break ups, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions in his career. In 2006 he returned two punts for 13 yards and this year he had 11 kick off returns for 171 yards. The league's All-Sportsmanship Team is for individuals that displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season. The team included one member from each school as selected by that school. "Jamie made big strides during his career as a player, student and person," said O'Grady.

Hansen, 6-2, 219 pounds, caught 48 passes for 502 yards and six touchdowns in 2007. He was second on the team in receptions. He had a long catch of 43 yards. He has 52 career receptions for 541 yards and eight touchdowns. "Ryan is a very good athlete who is fast for a tight end. He has good hands and is a very competitive player," said O'Grady.

Miller, 6-5, 285 pounds, started all 10 games at tackle for the Falcons for the past two seasons. "Jordan is a very good athlete. He is a great pass protector," said O'Grady.

Neumann, 6-4, 240 pounds, led the Falcons and the WIAC with 12 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2007. He is fourth in career sacks at UWRF with 23. He was named the Falcon Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 10, Oct. 1 and Nov. 5. He set a UWRF record with four sacks in the team's game at Stevens Point on Sept. 29. Neumann, who was named to the first All-WIAC team in 2006, finished with 74 solo and 145 career tackles. He had 31.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, seven quarterback hurries, two pass break ups and one blocked kick in his career. "Gregg is one of our top defense ends of all time," said O'Grady. "He was a unanimous choice to the All-WIAC team."

Witte, 6-5, 330 pounds, has started at center for the Falcons for the past thee seasons. After the 2005 season he was named the team's Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. He earned honorable mention to the 2006 All-WIAC team. "Scott is big and strong and for a big player moves very well," said O'Grady.

Wolf, 5-10, 235 pounds, had 22 solo and 35 total tackles for the 2007 Falcons. He had 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack. He tied for the team lead with two fumble recoveries. Wolf was named the team's Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 17 and Nov. 12. He finished with 30 solo and 46 career tackles. He had 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack and two fumble recoveries in his career. "Sean is small, but very aggressive," said O'Grady. "He is a quick, tough player."

Zweifel, 6-1, 175 pounds, was the only freshman named to any of the All-WIAC teams. He set a NCAA record for receptions in a season by a freshman. He led the WIAC in catches (97), yards (1,056) and touchdown catches (9). Zweifel set a WIAC single game record with 18 receptions against La Crosse on Nov. 3. He holds UWRF records for season catches and season receiving yards. He also holds the school record for career catches despite playing only one season. Zweifel was named the WIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Nov. 5 and was the team's Offensive Player of the Week three times (Nov. 5, Oct. 22, Oct. 1). "Michael is a great talent," said O'Grady. "He has a great release from the line of scrimmage and tremendous hands. He has a very competitive attitude."

The Falcons finish the season with a 3-7 overall record and they were 2-5 in the WIAC.

Season Stats

Falcon Schedule

WIAC Site

Nathan Anderson	Bruce Baillargeon

Jamie Bisch	Ryan Hansen

Jordan Miller	Gregg Neumann

Scott Witte	Sean Wolf

Michael Zweifel

Nov. 13, 2007

Punter Eric Stoller (Fr., Algoma, Wis.) had another fine day kicking the ball in the Falcons game at UW-Oshkosh on Saturday and he has been named the WIAC special teams Player of the Week according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek.

Stoller punted five times and averaged a season-high 45.2 yards per punt. He had a long of 51 and had one downed inside the Oshkosh 20. The 6-2, 215 pounder averaged 38.9 yards on 41 punts this season. He had nine punts downed inside the opponents' 20.

The Falcons lost at Oshkosh, 23-20, and ended their season with a 3-7 overall record.

Falcon Come Back Comes Up Just Short in 23-20 Loss at UWO

Nov 10, 2007

A Falcon fourth quarter comeback came up three points short as UW-Oshkosh outlasted UW-River Falls, 23-20, at Titan Stadium on Saturday.

The game featured two of the conferences top runners in UWO’s Andy Moriarty who rushed for 214 yards and two touchdowns and UWRF’s Nathan Anderson who rushed for 208 yards and one touchdown.

RF received the opening kickoff and marched 35 yards in five plays down to the UWO 25 yard line. The Falcons’ opening drive ended on the next play when UWO cornerback Josh Wara intercepted junior quarterback Storm Harmon’s pass intended for freshman wide out Michael Zweifel in the end zone.

After the interception the Titans’ first drive started on their own 20 yard line at the 12:02 mark of the first quarter. UWO drove down to the RF 41 yard line in 10 plays before quarterback Joe Patek hit Matt Meronk for a 41-yard touchdown pass that capped the 11-play, 80-yard drive that put the Titans ahead 7-0.

RF gained possession after the kickoff at its own 30 yard line. Senior running back Anderson gained 35 yards on the next possession as the Falcons drove down to the UWO 11 yard line. The Falcons special teams woes continued as they were unable to cash in on a 28-yard field goal after the 14-play, 59-yard drive stalled, leaving the score at 7-0 with 1:01 left in the first quarter.

The two teams began the second quarter by trading punts before RF started its fourth possession of the day on the RF 34 yard line at the 11:52 mark of the second quarter. The Falcons relied on their two top offensive weapons on the drive with Zweifel catching three passes for 28 yards. Anderson rushed for 38 yards on the drive including the final one yard that got the Falcons into the end zone for the first time, bringing the score to 7-7 with 4:54 left before half time.

The score remained tied for only two plays as Patek connected with wide receiver Steve Stoltz for 52 yards all the way down to the RF three yard line. Moriarty punched it in on the next play and put UWO back on top 14-7 only 33 seconds after the Falcons tied it.

Neither team scored again in a first half where the difference was RF’s continued theme of giving up the big play. UWO scored on a touchdown pass of 41 yards and its other touchdown was set up by a 52 yard pass. 

Defense dominated the beginning of the second half with UWO punting on its first three possessions and RF punting on its first two and giving the ball up on a failed fourth down run on its third possession.

UWO broke the scoreless drought on its fourth possession with another big play. Moriarty broke through the Falcon defense on a first-and-ten play from the Titan 32 yard line for a 68-yard touchdown run.  After the Titans missed the extra point kick, the score stood at 20-7.

The Titans began the fourth quarter by pushing their lead to 16 points with a 25-yard Lucas Raschke field goal with 12:20 left in the game.

Harmon was intercepted on the second play of the ensuing drive. From the 50 yard line the Titans drove down to the RF 25 before Raschke missed a 42-yard field goal on fourth and 10.

The Falcons gave the ball to their workhorse running back Anderson and were rewarded with consecutive runs of six, sis and a 47-yard scamper all the way down to the UWO 16 yard line. After a one yard rush, a false start penalty and two incomplete passes Harmon found Zweifel for 14 yards on fourth and 14. Two plays later Harmon found Zweifel again for the first of his two fourth quarter touchdowns. After the two-point conversion failed, the score stood at 23-13.

The RF defense responded to the offensive life by senior defensive tackle James Hansen forcing a Moriarty fumble that was recovered by senior defensive tackle Sean Wolf at the UWO 48 yard line.

The Falcon offense took 1:32 to drive 48 yards in seven plays and score a touchdown to bring the Falcons within three, 23-20. Harmon connected with Zweifel twice on the drive including a 22-yard pass and a four-yard touchdown pass that capped the drive.

Moriarty thwarted the fourth quarter Falcon comeback by gaining 39 of his 214 rushing yards on the next drive that iced the game. The Titans drove 53 yards in seven plays, down to the RF one yard line before kneeling on the ball and killing the final seconds of the game and the Falcon season.

The game was as even as the score stated. The Falcons out-gained the Titans on the ground 223 to 183.The Titans had the edge in the passing game 249-124.

Anderson finished his historic Falcon career with a great game. He carried the ball 34 times for 208 yards and one touchdown, his 14th of the year. Anderson finished the season with a career best, 1468 rushing yards.

Zweifel continued his impressive freshman campaign with 12 catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Zweifel finished the year leading the conference in receptions (96), yards (1055), and receiving touchdowns (9).

With the loss the Falcons finish the season at 3-7, 2-5 WIAC.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Nov. 6, 2007

Wide receiver Michael Zweifel (Fr., Whitewater, Wis.) has been named the WIAC Offensive Player of the Week.

Zweifel set a WIAC single game record with 18 receptions in the team’s 49-34 loss to La Crosse on Saturday at Ramer Field. The 18 receptions broke the WIAC record of 17 that was held by three players. Zweifel had 149 receiving yards and scored on a 3-yard pass play in the second quarter to tie the game at the time, 21-21. He had a long reception of 25. This year the 6-1, 175 pounder has 85 catches for 945 yards and seven touchdowns. The 85 catches and 945 yards are both school records.

"Mike was doing the same thing he's been doing all year long," said Falcon Coach John O'Grady. "We can count on him catching the ball and making something happen."

The Falcons play their final game of the season on Saturday at Oshkosh with kick off set for noon.

Falcons Lose 14th Consecutive Game to La Crosse

Nov 3 , 2007

Despite freshman wide receiver Micahel Zeifel’s record-setting day, River Falls was outscored 21-13 in the second half as a tied game at halftime turned into a 49-34 victory for La Crosse.

Zweifel caught 18 passes on the day, breaking the WIAC record of 17 for passes caught in a single game, a record that he tied last week.

The story of the day was RF’s inability to stop the big play. La Crosse scored on touchdowns of 94 yards and 51 yards and racked up 251 kick return yards, averaging 50.2 yards per kick return.

The Falcons began the game with an eight-play 78-yard touchdown drive, capped by senior running back Nathan Anderson’s first touchdown of the day from one yard out, putting the Falcons ahead 7-0.

La Crosse responded by throwing a 51-yard touchdown pass from Griffin Moe to Dan Hall on the second play of the ensuing drive, tying the game at 7-7.

RF’s next drive stalled on the LC 36 yard line and the Falcons were forced to punt and put the LC offense back on field with its drive starting at the LC 22 yard line.

On the fifth play of the next LC drive senior defensive end Gregg Neumann forced a Moe fumble that gave RF the ball back on the LC 38 yard line. Anderson rushed the ball seven times on the ensuing drive for 33 yards, including a four-yard touchdown run that put RF back on top, 14-7 with 1:30 left in the first quarter.

The 14-7 Falcon lead only lasted 12 seconds when LC’s Eric Donoval returned the RF kickoff 80 yards for the touchdown.

The score stood at 14-14 until the 3:23 mark of the third quarter when LC running back Eric Donoval capped a 10-play, 90-yard drive with a 19-yard touchdown run that put the Eagles back on top 21-14.

Junior quarterback Storm Harmon went 5-5 for 65 yards on the next drive, including a 38-yard bomb to freshman wide out Nate Thorseon. That deep ball set up a three-yard touchdown pass from Harmon to Zweifel to tie the score at 21 with only 28 seconds until half time.

RF dominated the first half in nearly every statistic but the score. The Falcons ran 51 plays compared to the Eagles’ 23. RF out-gained LC on the ground and through the air, combining for 296 total yards compared to LC’s 188.

RF also had a 2-1 advantage in time of possession because of touchdown drives of 78 and 73 yards. But LC capitalized on good field position by running quick drives and scoring on big plays. LC averaged 8.3 yards per play in the first half compared to RF’s 5.8.

The second half began just as exciting as the first. LC returned the opening half kickoff 77 yards down to the RF 15 yard line. From there the Eagles took only one play, a 15-yard touchdown pass, to recapture the lead, 28-21.

After the teams traded punts, RF began a drive on the LC 46 yard line at the 9:50 mark of the third quarter. The Falcons took 11 plays to march the 46 yards they needed for the touchdown. The drive was capped by a six yard Anderson touchdown run on fourth and goal that brought the score back to tied, 28-28.

Anderson had another huge day for the Falcons on the ground. He carried the ball 38 times for 143 yards and four touchdowns. Anderson now has 4,010 yards in his career and is the leading Falcon rusher of all time.

LC continued to have great field position as Dan Hall returned the RF kickoff 44 yards to the RF 46 yard line. The Eagles capitalized on the field position again as they marched 46 yards in eight plays. The highlight of the drive was Moe’s 18-yard touchdown pass to Mike Schmidt that put LC ahead 35-28 with 12 seconds left in the third quarter.

The fourth quarter proved to be all Eagles. The first RF drive of the fourth quarter ended with a failed fake punt conversion on fourth and 12 from the RF 26 that led to a four-play, 29-yard LC touchdown drive to put the Eagles ahead 42-28.

The Falcons drove 71 yards in 11 plays on their next drive that ended with a Harmon incomplete pass on fourth and goal from the LC six.

On the very next play from scrimmage LC’s Dan Hall rushed 94 yards from his own six yard line for the definitive touchdown blow that put the game out of reach at 49-28 with 8:51 left in the game.

RF did manage to muster one more long touchdown drive. The Falcons went 76 yards on 10 plays with Anderson capping the drive with his fourth touchdown of the day. After the two-point conversion failed the scoring was over for the day and the Falcons lost their 15th consecutive game to La Crosse, this time 49-34.

LC running back Hall torched the Falcons in all facets of the game. He rushed for 190 yards, received for 88 yards and had another 94 yards on three kick returns. Hall finished with 368 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.

Harmon had a good day for the Falcons. The junior quarterback set a personal record with 340 passing yards. He also threw one touchdown and no interceptions.

Zweifel set the record for passes caught in a game with 18 and also had 149 yards and a touchdown.

The Falcons, now 3-6 (2-4 WIAC), will travel to Oshkosh on Saturday for the final game of the year. Game time is set for 1 p.m., at Titan Stadium.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Falcons win 42-26 in OT

Oct. 27, 2007

Nate Anderson’s 215 yards rushing and three scores helped the Falcons rally from a 15 point half time deficit to beat Platteville 42-24 at Ramer Field on Saturday.

Rushing was the way to move the ball down the field for both teams Saturday afternoon. Platteville had 276 rushing yards off 42 carries, lead by Junior Mike Grenslinger. The Falcons rushed the ball for 244 yards on 52 caries and four scores. Nathan Anderson led the Falcons with 215 and three scores.

The Falcons led the game with explosively, scoring within the first minute on the pursuing drive. Storm Harmon connected with Michael Zweifel for 33 yards on consecutive passes to set up a five yard touchdown pass from Storm Harmon to Ryan Hansen.

Platteville ended their first series with a punt. The Falcons marched all the way to the Platteville 18 yard line, after a return of 13 yards by Shane Hanson, when Harmon’s pass was intercepted.

The Falcons again were knocking on Platteville’s door. With the ball at midfield, Storm Harmon’s pass intended for Michael Zweifel was intercepted by Quincy Hudson for a 63-yard Platteville touchdown.

A muffed snap deep in Falcon territory set up Platteville for their second score of the game. A snap intended for Falcon punter, Eric Stoller, went to his left and was recovered by the Pioneers on the Falcon’s six yard line. After a holding penalty, Mike Grenslinger ran in it for a 16-yard touchdown.

After going three and out on the following series, the Eric Stoller punted the ball 47 yards to the Pioneer 16 yard line. The Pinoeers muffed the catch and the Falcons recovered the ball on the 16 yard line. This set up for a Nathan Anderson 1-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14.

The next drive for the Pioneers was all Mike Greenslinger. Consecutive runs of 8, 19, and 30 yards got him into the end zone for the second time on the day. The Pioneers 2-point conversion was good, 22-14 Platteville.

Again the Falcons would punt the ball away after a false start and a holding penalty sent the Falcons back 15 yards. The Pioneers took the ball from their own 37 and scored on a 29-yard Joe Burkelund run.

After a three and out, the Pioneers punted the ball to the Falcon 38 yard line. A Nathan Anderson rush of 24 yards to the Platteville 3 yard line set up a Falcon touchdown. Storm Harmon connected with Michael Zweifel for the successful two point conversion that brought the Falcons within seven.

With 7:20 left in the fourth quarter, the Falcons got the ball back. Ryan Hansen caught a fourth down pass for a gain of 14 yards to keep the Falcon drive alive with less than four minutes to play. A Storm Harmon TD run capped off the Falcons drive, but kicker Dan Keller missed the extra point, leaving the Falcons down by one with 2:11 left in regulation

An onside attempt failed as the Pioneers recovered at the Falcon’s 37 yard line. Tyson Droessler ran 17 yards for another Platteville touchdown and after the extra point increased their lead to 36-28 with 1:20 remaining.

Ryan Hansen kept the drive alive for the Falcons. The Sophomore Tight End caught a fourth down pass for a gain of 16 yards and another third down pass for a gain of 15 yards setting up for a Michael Zweifel lob from Harmon for a Falcon score. Harmon connected with Andy Marx for two, tying the game with seven seconds left in regulation.

The Falcons held the Pioneers to only five yards on their first and only overtime series. This set up a 37-yard Pioneer field goal attempt. Nathan Tenut got his hands up and blocked what would have been go ahead field goal.

Instead the Falcons took over on the Pioneer 25. A Michael Zweifel reception of 11 yards put the Falcons on the Pioneer four yard line. Nathan Anderson punched it into the endzone for his third score of the game, and the victory as River Falls defeated Platteville 42-36.

Nathan Andersons 215 yards put him at 1117 yards this season. Michael Zweifel’s 17 receptions tie a WIAC record.

Next, the Falcons take on LaCrosse at Ramer Field. Action starts at 1:00 p.m.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Falcons Lose by One at Stout, 28-27, On Last Minute Field Goal

Oct. 20, 2007

A 52-yard field goal with 45 seconds left in the game was the difference as UW-Stout defeated the Falcons, 28-27, Saturday afternoon in Menomonie.

The kicking games literally made the difference in the contest. The Falcons missed an extra point with 10:04 left in the game, leaving them ahead by two points. After RF called timeout to ice the kicker, ST’s junior kicker Brandon Raciborski nailed the 52-yarder that sealed the Falcons’ fate.

The contest was back and forth all day. Both teams began the first quarter with drives deep into the opponents' territory, only to have both of the drives end with interceptions.

Stout quarterback Tanner Kattre had driven the Blue Devils down to the RF 14 yard line before senior defensive back Joe Simonson intercepted a pass in the end zone.

RF went three-and-out on the ensuing possession and, after a return of 19 yards, Stout began its drive at the RF 46 yard line. The Blue Devils drove down to the RF 20 yard line when running back Andy Reese scampered 20 yards for the first score of the game, capping a 7-play, 46-yard drive. The Blue Devils converted a two-point try and led 8-0.

After the ensuing kickoff RF started on its own 14 yard line. Junior quarterback Storm Harmon completed consecutive passes of 10 yards to freshman wide receiver MJ Bland, and 27 yards to freshman wide receiver Michael Zweifel. The Falcons drove all the way down to the UWS one yard line where, on fourth down, Harmon snuck the final yard for a touchdown capping a 12-play, 86-yard drive. The Falcons were unsuccessful on the two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score 8-6.

RF regained possession on the second play of the next Stout drive when senior defensive back Jamie Bisch recovered a Kyle Provos fumble on the Blue Devil 24 yard line.

On the first play of the second quarter Harmon ended a drive that began with the fumble recovery by throwing a 22-yard touchdown strike to sophomore tight end Ryan Hansen, that made the score 13-8 after the point after kick.

Stout responded by completing passes of 23 and 24 yards on the next drive. The drive stalled at the RF 22 yard line resulting in a 39-yard field goal from kicker Kyle Martin, capping the 9-play, 63-yard drive, and bringing Stout within two at 13-11.

UWS forced the Falcons to punt on their next possession and started its next drive on their 28 yard line with 10:36 remaining in the second quarter. The ensuing drive featured rushes of 22 yards by Kattre and 36 yards by Shawn Korth before Reese punched it in from the RF three yard line to put the Blue Devils ahead 18-13.

RF did get one more chance in the first half after a Reese fumble was recovered by sophomore defensive back Ben Arata on the Stout 15. But senior running back Nathan Anderson was stopped short of the first down on fourth-and-one from the six yard line, forcing the Falcons to turn the ball over on downs.

After RF began the third quarter by missing a 33-yard field goal, the offense quickly got another chance after senior linebacker Ryan Agrimson intercepted a Kattre pass on the next play from scrimmage, and returned it to the UWS four yard line.

The RF offense wasted no time with freshman running back Matt Pollock running it in from the four yard line on the first play of the drive putting RF back on top, 21-18.

After trading a couple of punts, the third quarter ended with the Falcons ahead by three.

The RF lead lasted only three minutes into the fourth quarter after Reese capped a 13-play, 79-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run putting his team ahead 25-21.

RF quickly took the lead back on a four-play, 80-yard drive, capped by Pollock’s second touchdown of the day. The touchdown run was set up by a 71-yard bomb from Harmon to freshman wide receiver Nate Thoreson.

But after going ahead with the touchdown, RF made what would be a costly mistake, by missing the point after kick, keeping RF ahead by two, 27-25.

UWS couldn’t capitalize on the next drive by missing a 37-yard field goal that would have put them ahead. But after RF went three-and-out on its possession, the Blue Devils started the game’s definitive drive on its own 42 yard line with 2:27 left.

Six-plays and 23-yards from where the drive began, the Blue Devils were faced with a fourth and three from the RF 35 yard line. UWS opted to attempt an improbable field goal try from 52 yards away. After a RF timeout the Raciborski kick hit the left crossbar and fell through the goal posts, putting UWS ahead by one point with 45 seconds left.

RF sealed its own fate by fumbling the ensuing kickoff, giving it back to the Blue Devils.

Reese and Kattre combined for 185 of the 236 rushing yards for Stout. RF managed only 85 yards on the ground, roughly half of its average on the season.

With the loss the Falcons drop to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the WIAC. Saturday the Falcons will host UW-Platteville, 2-5 (1-3), at 1 p.m, at Ramer Field.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Falcons End Four Game Skid With Win Over Eau Claire 27-20

Oct. 13 , 2007

UW-River Falls scored 10 points off three UW-Eau Claire first half turnovers as the Falcons ended their four game losing streak, and five game losing streak to EC, by upsetting the No. 16 Blugolds 27-20 Saturday for their first home win of the year.

EC fumbled the opening kickoff at its own 36 yard line. But after the ensuing RF drive stalled they couldn’t capitalize and missed a 47-yard field goal attempt.

EC then took the ball and ran it seven consecutive times for 48 yards down to the RF 22 yard line. From there EC quarterback Mitch Schaeuble connected with wide receiver Chris Hull for a 22-yard touchdown pass, taking a 7-0 lead at 10:19 of the first quarter.

After RF had their next drive stall at its own 28 yard line EC fumbled the RF punt and the Falcon offense went right back to work at the EC 37 yard line. From there they went 25 yards on eight plays down to the EC 12 yard line before settling for a 30-yard junior kicker Jesse Finer field goal, bringing the score to 7-3 with 3:33 left in the first quarter.

After EC went three-and-out on its next possession RF marched down to the EC 17 yard line before junior quarterback Storm Harmon had a pass intercepted by EC cornerback Kyle Meulemans on the first play of the second quarter.

EC went three-and-out again and RF regained possession on its own 36 yard line. On the second play of the drive Harmon completed a 27-yard pass to freshman wide receiver Nate Thorseon that set up a 41-yard Finer field goal that made the score 7-6 at the 10:45 mark of the second quarter.

EC committed its third turnover of the game on its next possession when Schaeuble fumbled on his own 25 yard line. The Falcons were finally able to capitalize on a Blugold turnover when senior running back Nathan Anderson gained all 25 yards of the next possession including an eight-yard scamper for a touchdown that put the Falcons ahead 12-7. Harmon connected with junior tight end Connor Graves for the two-point conversion that made the score 14-7 with 8:10 left in the first half.

The first half would end that way after sophomore defensive back Ben Arata intercepted a Schaeuble pass in the RF end zone and returned it out to the RF 44 yard line with 1:26 left in the half. The Falcons only made it three plays on their next possession when Harmon had a pass intercepted at the EC 32 yard line with :46 left in the half.

At the half the Falcons led 14-7 in an evenly matched game. RF not only had a slight edge in the score but they out-gained the Blugolds 163 to 131 total yards and had a 1:46 edge in time of possession. The difference was the 11 RF points off of the four first half EC turnovers.

The two teams each punted twice to begin the third quarter. Nine minutes into the quarter RF began its third possession of the second half at its own 37 yard line. After a one-yard Anderson rush, Harmon completed a 28-yard strike to Thorseon, identical to the first half connection that went for 27 yards, down to the EC 35 yard line. Four plays later from the EC 20 yard line, Harmon scrambled for a 20-yard touchdown run that capped the seven-play, 64-yard drive, putting RF ahead 21-7.

The 14-point lead lasted only 18 seconds. On the second play of the ensuing EC drive Schaeuble connected with Hull for a 63-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 21-14 with 2:42 left in the third quarter.

The Falcons were able to run off 1:19 of the fourth quarter with a drive that began in the third quarter before punting from the EC 33 yard line.

EC drove to midfield before the drive stalled and were forced to punt pinning the Falcons back at their own 12 yard line. RF drove the ball to midfield and chewed up five minutes of the fourth quarter before punting giving the Blugolds the ball at their own 34 yard line with 6:22 left in the game.

EC converted two fourth downs on its next drive that was capped by a 24-yard touchdown pass from Schaeuble to Spencer Kehoe with 1:33 left in the game, pulling the Blugolds to within one point. But RF’s senior lineman Nathan Tenut blocked the extra point kick attempt forcing the Blugolds to attempt an onside kick with just over a minute left in the game.

Freshman wide receiver Michael Zweifel recovered the ensuing onside kick and returned it 41 yards for a touchdown. After RF missed the two-point conversion the score was 27-20 with EC getting one more chance.

After EC gained possession at its own 23 yard line they were faced with a fourth and seven that they had to convert to keep its hopes alive. But Schaeuble overthrew a wide-open Paul Mirr streaking up the middle of the field, turning the ball over to the Falcons and giving the Falcons their first 2007 home victory.

Anderson rushed for 124 yards and one touchdown, for his 19th career one hundred yard game. Senior linebacker Bruce Baillargeon led the Falcons with 16 total tackles, and senior defensive end Gregg Neumann added one sack to bring his conference-leading total to 9.5.

Next week the Falcons, 2-4 (1-2), will travel to UW-Stout to take on the Blue Devils, 2-4 (1-2). Game time is 1 p.m. at Nelson Field.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Oct. 9, 2007

Falcon linebacker Bruce Baillargeon (Sr. Somerset, Wis.) was named the WIAC football defensive Player of the Week, according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek.

Baillargeon led all players in tackles in the team's 38-12 loss at Whitewater on Saturday. The 6-0, 193 pounder finished with 17 solo and 22 total stops. He had one tackle for a loss of five yards. Baillargeon has had double digits in tackles in four of the team's five games this season. He leads the Falcons in tackles this year with 42 solo and 64 total stops. He has forced two fumbles and had two tackles for loss.

The Falcons will host UW-Eau Claire on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Ramer Field.

Falcons Lose WIAC Game at Whitewater, 38-12

Oct. 6 , 2007

UW-River Falls lost its fourth consecutive game Saturday as No. 3 ranked UW-Whitewater won at home, 38-12.

UWW scored touchdowns on three of its first four drives, all in the first quarter, leading them to a 21-0 lead after the first period.

After stopping the Falcons with a three-and-out, the Warhawks marched 59 yards in five plays to take a 7-0 lead when Justin Beaver scored on a 15-yard run.  After a River Falls punt was returned 22 yards by Neil Mrkvicka to the Falcon 33, UWW took five plays to go the rest of the way. Max Wasikowski scored  on a 1-yard run with 3:51 to play in the opening stanza to give UWW a 14-0 lead. The Warhawk defense again stopped the Falcons in three plays and took over at its 49 with 2:57 to play in the quarter. Another five play drive netted the 51 yards needed. Beaver scored from 16 yards out to make it a 21-0 game.

The Falcons used a turnover to score the only points of the second quarter. On a third-and-15 play at midfield, Falcon safety Joseph Simonson intercepted a Warhawk pass and returned it 31 yards to the UWW 37. The Falcons converted two third-and-five situations to keep the drive alive. Nathan Anderson scored from six-yards out to make it a 21-6 game after the point after kick failed.

UWW added 10 third quarter points to take a 31-6 lead.  The first score was set up when a Jesse Finer 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked and recovered at the UWW 31. Eight plays later Danny Jones rambled 19 yards for the score with 10:02 to play in the quarter.

UWRF then put together a nine-play drive and had a first down at the UWW 15. But Storm Harmon’s pass was intercepted by Matt Blaziewske at the UWW 10. He returned it to midfield. From there the Warhawks drove 44 yards in eight plays before the Falcon defense stiffened. Jeff Schabler kicked a 23-yard field goal with 4:48 to play in the third quarter to give UWW a 31-6 lead.

The teams traded fourth quarter touchdowns.

UWW scored first when Jace Rindahl intercepted a Harmon pass to give his team a first down at the UWRF 10. Two plays later Jones scored his second rushing touchdown of the day on a 6-yard run to make it a 38-6 game.

But the Falcons took the ensuing kick off and marched 80 yards in six plays that ended in the team’s biggest play of the game. Backup quarterback Ryan Lessen hit wide receiver Michael Zweifel with a 52-yard pass play that went for a touchdown.

On UWW’s next possession UWRF cornerback Jamie Bisch intercepted a Jones pass to stop the drive. But Luessenheide threw two interceptions in the team’s last two drives.

The story of the day was the rushing game. Two of the conference’s top three rushers were featured;  UWW’s Beaver and RF’s Anderson. Neither senior runner disappointed, with both going over the 100-yard mark.

Anderson carried the ball 23 times for 126 yards and a touchdown.  But it was Beaver who scored on the 15-yard and a 16-yard runs. He rushed the ball 25 times for 233 yards and those two touchdowns.

Altogether WWW finished with 291 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on the day.

The RF offense moved the ball well, gaining 346 total yards, but was unable to maintain, or finish off, drives by throwing four interceptions. RF also had a season high 10 penalties for 62 yards.

The top receiver in the conference,  Zweifel, had another big game catching six passes for 100 yards and a 52-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter .

Zweifel leads the conference in receptions (42), yards (574), receiving touchdowns (5), and receptions per game (9).

Senior defensive end Gregg Neumann added two sacks to his conference-leading total, now up to 8.5 sacks on the year. Senior linebacker Bruce Baillargeon had 17 solo tackles and five assists, for 22 total stops.

RF, now 1-4 (0-2 WIAC), will try to regroup next week when they host UW-Eau Claire, 5-1 (2-1 WIAC). Eau Claire topped La Crosse, 31-29, on Saturday at home. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Ramer Field.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Falcons Open WIAC Season With 45-42 Loss at UW-Stevens Point

The Falcons put six touchdowns on the board but lost at UW-Stevens Point 45-42 on Saturday afternoon in the WIAC season opener.

The final definitive blow came from a 25-yard touchdown run with just 2:17 left in the fourth quarter by UWSP quarterback Jake Swank.

RF began the scoring in the first quarter on a 1-yard senior running back Nathan Anderson rush at the 9:26 mark. That score was set up when linebacker Bruce Baillargeon forced a fumble it was recovered by Ben Arata at the UWSP 39.

SP came right back as Kasey Morgan returned the ensuing kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown.

UWRF’s Josh Grover returned the kickoff 43 yards to the UWSP 43 to set the Falcon offense up in great field position. Junior quarterback Storm Harmon found his favorite receiver, freshman Michael Zweifel, for a 15-yard touchdown strike on the next drive to take the lead back 14-7.

Senior defensive end Gregg Neumann, who finished with four sacks, recovered a SP fumble with 1:12 left in the first quarter letting the RF offense set up shop at the SP 35 yard line. From there it took five plays for RF to punch it in; two of the pass were passes to Zweifel, including a 15-yard touchdown play for his second scoring reception of the day.

SP added a field goal and a touchdown, with seven seconds left before the half, to bring SP to within five. RF took a 21-16 lead into halftime.

RF saw their first half lead last only 2:04 as SP drove 73 yards on eight plays to take the lead 24-21. The touchdown came from a 33-yard rush by running back Mike Ferron. Ferron finished with a game-high 199 yards and two touchdowns.

Harmon led the Falcons back going 3-4 for 54 yards on the next drive, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to sophomore tight end Ryan Hansen. The RF defense held SP to a three-and-out on its next possession. On the ensuing RF possession Harmon, for the third consecutive week, threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown. Luke Frisch returned the pick 33 yards for the score to give UWSP a 31-28 lead with 8:37 to play in the third quarter.

RF converted a fourth-and-four from the SP-18 yard line on the next drive, keeping a 14-play, 68-yard drive alive that ended with a touchdown that gave RF a 35-31 lead going into the fourth quarter. Harmon scored the touchdown on a 2-yard run with 3:09 to play in the third quarter.

In a hectic fourth quarter SP took the lead, 38-35 with 10:23 to play when Ferron scored on a 4-yard run.

UWRF’s Anderson scored his second touchdown of the day, on another 1-yard run, with 5:16 to play to give UWRF a 42-38 lead.That score was set up when senior corner Shane Hanson intercepted a UWSP pass and returned it 25 yards to the UWSP 25. It was Hanson's second interception of the year.

Swank scored what proved to be the winning points with just 2:17 to play. He scored on a 25-yard run that capped a 60-yard, eight-play drive.

RF got the ball back but gained only seven yards on their final drive attempt, turning the ball over on downs after they were unable to convert a fourth-and-eight from the RF 31.

The RF offense gained 406 yards on the day. Harmon was 21-43 for 218 yards, but did get intercepted for a touchdown for the third consecutive game. Anderson continued to tear through defenses gaining 141 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. And Zweifel had another big day catching 12 passes for 144 yards and two touchdowns. It was Anderson’s 18th career 100+ rushing game. Zweifel set a record for receptions in a game with 12. He help the previous record, 10, set in games against Hope and Pacific Lutheran this year.

Baillargeon led the Falcon defense with nine tackles and Sean Wolf had six.

SP just proved to be too much. The Pointers scored on a kickoff return, an interception return, a pass and three rushes. SP also out-gained the Falcons on the ground 210 yards to 188.

RF has given up 114 points and scored 89 points in the last three games, going 0-3 in that span, and putting them at 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the WIAC. The Falcons stay on the road next week in a match-up at UW-Whitewater at 1 p.m.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Falcons Lose to PLU, 48-37

The Falcons were unable to overcome giving up 28 first quarter points to Pacific Lutheran University losing 48-37 at Ramer Field on Saturday.

RF outscored PLU 30-20 over the final three quarters but the difference was in the first quarter when the RF defense gave up more than 200 yards of total offense to PLU.

PLU drove 63 yards in eight plays on their first drive to take a 7-0 lead with 11:01 left in the first quarter. RF’s first play after that was a 17-yard pass from junior quarterback Storm Harmon to freshman wide-out MJ Bland, who then fumbled and PLU recovered. But PLU’s drive stalled on its own 37 yard line. 

RF then appeared to gain some momentum, driving 67-yards in 10-plays that included a 4-yard Harmon touchdown pass to junior tight end Ryan Hansen for the first of his two touchdown catches on the day, with 4:47 left in the first quarter. RF recovered a PLU fumble on the next kickoff and started its next drive at the PLU 22-yard line. After gaining just two yards however, junior kicker Jesse Finer missed a 37-yard field goal attempt.

PLU took the ball and proceeded to drive 80 yards in three plays, ending the drive with a 30-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brett Gordon to wide-receiver Craig Chiado. After RF went three-and-out on its next possession Gordon, connected on a pass for 48 yards, and then two plays later, a touchdown pass of 11 yards, in a drive that lasted only three plays and 34 seconds.

With a commanding 21-7 lead the PLU offense was done for the quarter, but the defense was not, and on the third play of the ensuing RF drive PLU cornerback Jeff Ebel stepped in front of a Harmon pass and returned it 39-yards capping a first quarter that saw 35 points and 325 total offensive yards between the two teams.

RF showed determination all day and started the second and third quarters with touchdown drives. To start the second quarter RF went 64 yards in six plays, ending with a 16-yard Harmon to Ryan Hansen connection, for Hansen’s second touchdown of the day, RF missed the extra point try. RF added a field goal and PLU added a touchdown and both teams went into halftime with PLU owning a 34-16 lead.

Even with a better second quarter, the RF defense was dominated in the first half, giving up 292 yards of total offense to PLU and nearly 10 yards per play.

The RF offense, trying to keep pace with PLU, gained 271 yards in the first half. Harmon was 15-26 passing for 194 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Michael Zweifel had 78 of his 116 receiving yards in the first half, and senior running back Nathan Anderson had 90 of his season-high 203 rushing yards in the first half.

But even with the enormous yardage totals RF found itself down by 18 points due to sub-par defensive play, and the mistakes of a missed field goal, missed extra point and an interception returned for a touchdown.

The efficient PLU offense continued to click as they opened the second half with a 61-yard touchdown drive that lasted only 2:11. After the next RF drive stalled near midfield, the next PLU offensive possession ended with a lost fumble on its 10 yard line. RF handed the ball to Anderson three consecutive times, the final one being a touchdown run of one yard.

After capitalizing on one of the few PLU mistakes of the day, RF found itself down, but not out of the contest, trailing PLU 41-24 at the end of the third quarter.

After the defense stiffened in the third quarter, RF was able to trim the deficit down to a two-possession ball game at 13:44 in the fourth quarter due to a massive 14-play, 88-yard drive that Harmon ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Josh Grover. After missing the extra-point, the Falcons were down a mere 11 points, 41-30.

With 12:36 left in the fourth quarter RF had all the momentum. PLU was forced to take a time-out, staring at a third and 20 from their 24 yard line after a sack by junior defensive end Michael Mueller, and a false start penalty. But on third and 20 PLU was able to connect for a 76-yard touchdown pass that all but ended the Falcons’ hopes for a comeback.

RF was able to put one more score on the board after a 66-yard kickoff return by Grover, down to the PLU 18. Anderson punched in the score from six yards out for his second touchdown of the day with 10:40 left to play.

The RF defense held strong and the offense got the ball back with 8:45 left in the game. The offense was able to drive all the way down to the PLU eight yard line. But on fourth and five and down by a 11 points, RF elected to attempt a 25-yard field goal, into the wind, that missed wide left, keeping the score at 48-37, right where it ended five minutes and 32 seconds later.

With the loss the Falcons now go into their bye week with a record of 1-2. Their next game will be a WIAC away game against UW-Stevens Point on Sept. 29. Action starts at 1 p.m.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Falcons Lose to St. John's, 21-10

It was a tale of two halves at Ramer Field Saturday afternoon.

The ending had St. John's earn a come-from-behind 21-10 win over the Falcons in front of about 4,500 fans.

In the first half the Falcons scored 10 points to take a 10-0 lead into the locker room.

In the second half the Johnnies scored 21 points in the third quarter to take control of the contest.

The Falcon offense was completely shut down in the second half against the Johnnies, who entered the game as the nation's No. 3 ranked team.

The Falcons controlled play in the first half. After the Falcons went three and out to start the game, Falcon senior cornerback Shane Hanson intercepted a pass in the UWRF end zone that stopped a four-play, 29-yard SJU drive. SJU got the ball back after blocking a UWRF punt and taking over at the Falcon 13. But the Falcon defense stiffened and SJU missed a 27-yard field goal with 9:39 to play in the first quarter.

The Falcon offense then took control. Junior quarterback Storm Harmon completed 5-7 passes on the next drive including a 14-yard strike to freshman wide-out Michael Zweifel for the only Falcon touchdown of the day.

A 22-yard field goal by junior kicker Dan Keller was the only other scoring in the half as the Falcons took a 10-0 lead into halftime. The Falcons out-gained the Johnnies 213-91 in total offense and had the ball for nearly two-thirds of the first half.

The second half proved to be a different story with the Johnnies scoring three unanswered touchdowns in the third quarter. The first was a 1-yard Aaron Blackmore run that capped an 8-play, 61-yard opening half drive. Later in the quarter senior quarterback Alex Kofoed, who became St. Johns' all-time leader for total offense and passing yards during the game, completed a 36-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Brian Weber. Then Johnnies senior cornerback Sam Gervais returned an interception 20 yards to end a quarter when the Johnnies only had the ball for 3:46 but scored 21 points.

The Falcons had chances in the fourth quarter. They started drives at the SJU 37, the UWRF 46 and the SJU 38. But the Johnnies defense didn't allow a point.

UWRF's Harmon completed 20-39 passes, a personal record for attempts, but was also intercepted three times, throwing two of them in the key third quarter. He passed for 210 yards. Senior running back Nathan Anderson had a good day gaining 125 yards on the ground. Sophomore tight end Ryan Hansen led the Falcons with seven receptions for 71 yards. Senior linebacker Bruce Baillargeon had 13 total tackles, 10 of them solo, and forced a fumble.

But in the end the No. 3 ranked Johnnies proved to be too much. St. John's Blackmore, a senior running back, gained 171 yards on the ground, the most by a SJU player since 2002.

Next week the Falcons, now 1-1 overall, are at home against Pacific Lutheran at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at Ramer field.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Harmon Named to D3football.com
Team of the Week

Storm Harmon (Jr., Altoona, Wis.) had a near record setting day in the team's 54-24 win at Hope College on Saturday afternoon and has been named to the D3football.com Team of the Week.

Harmon came within four yards of setting a school record for passing yards in a game. He tied the school record for touchdown passes in a contest. The 6-1, 195 pound quarterback finished 17-24 for 306 yards and four touchdowns. He connected with four different receivers for touchdowns and he did not throw an interception. His long completion covered 45 yards. "Storm had a great day; he was very accurate on almost every throw. He got in a rhythm and was able to find and hit the open receiver," said Falcon Coach John O'Grady.

The Falcons will next host No. 3 ranked St. John's at 1 p.m., on Saturday at Ramer Field. Game Preview (PDF File).

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Falcons Open Season With Big Win at Hope College

The Falcon football team exploded for 54 points in a 54-24 season-opening win at Hope College in Holland, Mich., on Saturday afternoon.

Sophomore quarterback Storm Harmon's first collegiate start was a memorable one. He completed 17-24 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns. He finished just three yards short of setting a single game passing record. Jerry Trooien passed for 309 yards in a game against Whitewater in 1969. The four touchdown passes ties a single game mark. Adam Kowles threw four touchdown passes in a 1995 game against Eau Claire.

Freshman wide receiver Michael Zweifel also put his name in the records book while playing in his first collegiate game. He caught 10 passes for 158 yards. The 10 receptions breaks the school record of nine set by Joe Rozak against Whitewater in 1969.

The Falcons scored the first three times they had the ball to grab a 22-0 lead. On the team's first possession, Harmon hit tight end Ryan Hansen over the middle for a 43-yard scoring play that capped a five-play, 73-yard drive. Running back Nathan Anderson scored the two-point conversion. Fullback Cory Danielson scored on a at three-yard run with 8:08 to play and with Dan Keller's extra point the Falcons led 15-0. The drive covered 76 yards in nine plays. Just three minutes later Zweifel caught a 21-yard pass from Harmon to cap a seven-play, 49-yard drive. With just seven seconds to play in the first quarter, Hope got on the scoreboard on a 32-yard field goal.

The Falcons scored 11 points in the second quarter to take a 33-3 lead into halftime.

At 10:59 wide receiver Josh Grover and Harmon connected on a 45-yard pass play. The Falcons took just two plays to go 47 yards for the score. Tight end Connor Graves scored on a two-point conversion pass play. Keller then booted a 28-yard field goal with 6:38 to play in the first half.

Hope got some life in the second half when they scored on a four-yard touchdown pass to make it a 33-10 game. But the Falcons struck back with 2:03 to play in the third quarter when Graves grabbed a six-yard pass from Harmon to make it 40-10.

The teams didn't let up in the fourth quarter with each club scoring two touchdowns.

Hope climbed to within 40-17 on a five-yard pass play with 11:54 to go in the game. But freshman quarterback Ryan Luessenheide, in her first collegiate series, led the Falcons on a 12-play, 48-yard drive. Luessenheide scored on a one-yard run to give UWRF a 47-17 lead.

The Flying Dutchman scored with 3:40 to play on a 34-yard passing play that culminated a 10-play, 63-yard drive. The Falcons got the ball back one more time and didn't waste the opportunity. Running back Brandon Trzebiatowski scored on a 40-yard run with 2:38 to play to end the offensive onslaught.  

UWRF gained 505 total yards with 336 coming throw the air and 169 on the ground. Anderson led the Falcon rushing attached with 94 yards on 17 carries. Luessenheide completed 4-6 passes for 30 yards. Grover had six catches for 108 yards, Hansen three for 60 and Graves two for 10. Grover returned two kick offs for 53 yards.

The Falcon defense also played well in limiting Hope to 116 rushing and 344 total yards. Linebacker Bruce Baillargeon led the Falcons with three solo and 10 total tackles. End Michael Mueller had nine tackles. Strong safety Joe Simonson and defensive back Ross Potter each had eight tackles. The Falcons have seven tackles for loss led by end Steve Marish who had two and one-half, including a sack. UWRF had four total sacks - Potter, linebacker Jesse Goebel and tackle Mike Larson had the others.

The 54 points is the most scored by a Falcon team since a 65-44 win over Eau Claire on Oct. 14, 2000. The season-opening win for the Falcons is the first since the 1996 season.

The Falcons will next host No. 3 ranked St. John's at 1 p.m., on Saturday at Ramer Field.

Game Stats

Falcon Schedule

Falcons Open Season at
Hope College on Saturday

The Falcon football team opens its season on Saturday and that will give Coach John O'Grady a chance to see his team in action against a quality opponent.

The Falcons play at Hope, Mich., with game time set for 1 p.m. (ET). "Hope has been picked to win their league title. They are a very good team with a lot of speed and quickness - they remind me of St. John's that way. We will be a bigger team than Hope. I think our defense will have to play well since we will have some younger players competing on the offensive side," said O'Grady. Hope won the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship last year and finished with a 7-4 overall record.

The Falcon secondary is a veteran group and will be looked upon to help lead the team. Cornerbacks Shane Hanson and Jamie Bisch started all of last year and third and fourth in tackles last year. Hanson (49 tackles) led the Falcons with five interceptions. Bisch (46 tackles) had one pick. Joe Simonson has been moved from free to strong safety and Ben Arata has taken over at free safety. "Bisch and Hanson are staples in the secondary. Simonson has had a great pre-season and Arata has a lot of speed," said O'Grady.

Gregg Neumann returns at one of the end spots after being named to the 2006 All-WIAC first team. The senior had 37 tackles and led the Falcons with 7.5 sacks. Mike Mueller will be at the other end. Tackles Mike Larson (13 tackles), Sean Wolf (three tackles) and Brad Novacheck will do the work on the inside.

Bruce Baillargeon, who was named to the second All-WIAC team in 2006, will be the leader of the linebackers. He finished second with 84 tackles last year and had two interceptions. Ryan Agrimson (36 tackles) will also be at linebacker.

"We all felt that we needed to improve on defense," said O'Grady. "I know we improved our depth and speed with our recruiting."

The Falcon offensive line is a team strength with several key players back. Scott Witte, who earned honorable mention to the 2006 All-WIAC team will anchor the line at center. Jordan Miller will be at a tackle spot and O'Grady said he has had an outstanding pre-season. Nate Tenut is back at a guard spot and Pete Kolpack returns at tackle. Ryan Hansen, who has also had a great pre-season according to O'Grady, will be at tight end.

Storm Harmon is the No. 1 quarterback. He played in five games last year but has completed only 3-5 for 29 yards in his college career.   Senior Nate Anderson will be the top running back. In seven games he led the Falcons with 611 rushing yards.

Josh Grover returns at wide receiver after leading the team with 30 catches for 509 yards and four touchdowns. He has great speed and is a deep threat. O'Grady said that freshman Michael Zweifel has caught nearly every ball thrown to him during camp and will see extended action.

"We're going to throw the ball more and our offense is a little different than last year," said O'Grady. "And, that will take time. Our offensive system is very controlled right now. I think our offense is going to be better and score more points than in 2006." The Falcons scored 131 points in 10 games last year.

O'Grady mentioned that the team's offensive coaches, led by coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, have been doing an excellent job. "I feel we are so much more organized. The players are getting a better feeling and understanding of what we're trying to do."

After this week's game in Michigan, the Falcons will host perennial NCAA power St. John's on Sept. 8 and will be at Ramer Field again on Sept. 15 when they host Pacific Lutheran.

Falcon Schedule