Falcon News

Witte, Zweifel Named to D3football.com Team

Dec. 10, 2008

Center Scott Witte (Sr., Cedarburg, Wis.) and wide receiver Michael Zweifel (So., Whitewater, Wis.) have both been named to the 2008 D3football.com All-West Region third team.

Witte, 6-6, 333 pounds, was a unanimous selection to the first All-WIAC team in 2008. He earned honorable mention to the All-WIAC teams in 2006 and 2007. He has started at center for the Falcons for four straight seasons. After the 2005 season he was named the team's Freshman Offensive Player of the Year.

Zweifel, 6-1, 185 pounds, has been named to the first All-WIAC teams in both of his seasons at UWRF. This year he led the WIAC in receptions with 79 and receiving yards with 974. He caught four touchdown passes. He averaged 12.3 yards per catch and averaged 108.2 receiving yards per game. He was named the WIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 6 after he helped the Falcons beat UW-Stevens Point, 36-30. He caught 16 passes for 139 yards and scored twice on receptions of 17 and 18-yards. He was named the team's Offensive Player of the Week four times and Special Teams Player of the Week once during the season. In his career he has caught 176 passes for 2,030 yards and 13 touchdowns. Zweifel was named to the second D3football.com All-West team in 2007.

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


Scott Witte	Michael Zweifel

Nine Named to All-WIAC Football Teams

Nov 19, 2008

Six members of the Falcon football team have been named to the 2008 All-WIAC teams.

Center Scott Witte (Sr., Cedarburg, Wis.) and wide receiver Michael Zweifel (So., Whitewater, Wis.) were both named to the first team, safety Ben Arata (Jr., Menomonee Falls, Wis.) was named to the second team and quarterback Storm Harmon (Sr., Altoona, Wis.) and defensive tackle Brad Novacheck (Sr., Hillsboro, Wis.) both earned honorable mention. Cornerback Jamie Bisch (Sr., Roberts, Wis. St. Croix Central HS) was named to the All-Sportsmanship team.

Witte, 6-6, 333 pounds, was a unanimous selection to the first team in 2008. He earned honorable mention to the All-WIAC teams in 2006 and 2007. He has started at center for the Falcons for four straight seasons. After the 2005 season he was named the team's Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. "Scott has been a great run and pass blocker for us for four straight season," said Falcon Coach John O'Grady.

Zweifel, 6-1, 185 pounds, has been named to the first team in both of his seasons at UWRF. This year he led the WIAC in receptions with 79 and receiving yards with 974. He caught four touchdown passes. He averaged 12.3 yards per catch and averaged 108.2 receiving yards per game. He was named the WIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 6 after he helped the Falcons beat UW-Stevens Point, 36-30. He caught 16 passes for 139 yards and scored twice on receptions of 17 and 18-yards. He was named the team's Offensive Player of the Week four times and Special Teams Player of the Week once during the season. In his career he has caught 176 passes for 2,030 yards and 13 touchdowns. "Michael is great performer who makes big plays. He's a winner in every sense of the word," said O'Grady.

Arata, 5-9, 176 pounds, tied for the team lead with 47 solo and 66 total tackles. He also led the team with four interceptions. He broke up four passes and recovered a fumble. He had one tackle for loss. In his three-year career he has 103 solo and 158 total tackles. He has six interceptions, 10 pass break ups and five fumble recoveries. He was named the team's Defensive Player of the Week three times. "Ben is a physical and smart player. He has great instincts," said O'Grady.

Harmon, 6-2, 200 pounds, completed 176-291 passes for 1,978 yards and eight touchdowns in 2008. He was second in the WIAC in passing yards per game with a 197.8 per game average. He threw only six interceptions which led the WIAC. He also rushed for 252 yards and scored four times. He was named the WIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 29 after he helped the Falcons to a 25-20 win at Alma. He rushed for a career-high 97 yards and scored one rushing touchdown in the game. He also completed 18-28 passes for 163 yards. In his career he was 383-636 passing for 4,170 yards and 25 touchdowns. All marks are Falcon career passing records. He also rushed for 352 yards and scored eight times. "Storm had a great career with a limited amount of talent around him," said O'Grady.

Novacheck, 6-1, 245 pounds, finished third on the team in tackles with 33 solo and 59 total stops. He had 1.5 tackles for loss and led the team with three quarterback hurries and two fumble recoveries. He finished with 66 tackles, three tackles for loss, three hurries and two fumble recoveries in his career. "Brad was our most consistent defensive player," said O'Grady.

Bisch, 5-11, 180 pound, was named to the All-Sportsmanship team for the second straight season. This year he had 29 solo and 40 total tackles, including three tackles for loss. He led the Falcons with six pass break ups and had two interceptions. He was named the team's Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 6 when the Falcons beat UW-Stevens Point, 36-30. He had five tackles, two passes broken up and an interception. In his career he finished with 96 solo and 126 total tackles. He had five tackles for loss, four interceptions, 12 passes broken up and three fumble recoveries. "Jamie is a total team guy who developed himself into an
outstanding defensive back and team player," said O'Grady.

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


Scott Witte	Michael Zweifel


Ben Arata	Storm Harmon


Brad Novacheck	Jamie Bisch

UWO Scores With No Time Left
to Beat Falcons, 13-12

Nov. 15, 2008

UW-Oshkosh scored a touchdown and kicked an extra point with no time on the clock to steal a 13-12 win over the Falcon football team on Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

Oshkosh won the toss and decided to take the ball to start the game. They went on a time consuming drive that ended in a field goal. The Titans were able to get the ball down to the RF nine-yard line. Jeremy Roach ran the ball down to the two-yard line before Oshkosh had to settle for a field goal. Andy Lindsay hit the 20-yarder for the first points of the game with 6:22 to play in the first quarter.

The Falcons took control after the kick-off and went on a long drive of their own. Converting some key third-downs on the drive kept it alive. The Falcons were four for five on the drive on third downs. They converted the only fourth down attempt. Storm Harmon found the end zone on a one-yard quarterback sneak. The extra point was a low line drive that a Titan was able to get a hand on and knock it down giving the Falcons a 6-3 lead with 14:16 to play in the first half.

Oshkosh continued to run on the ball on the next drive taking another large chunk out of the game clock. They were forced once again to attempt a field goal. The 25-yard attempt was good by Lindsay and the scored was tied at six with 7:09 to play in the half.

Ben Arata gave the Falcons great field position with his kick off return at the RF 43. Facing third and five, Harmon found Greg Klingelhutz for 17-yards into Titan territory. Three plays later, Klingelhutz took off for 21-yards and a touchdown to give the Falcons a six-point lead, 12-6 with 4:09 to go in the second quarter. They Flacons went for two but the run failed.

Oshkosh then drove inside the RF 20 but defensive tackle Brad Novacheck recovered a Craig McClelland fumble to stop the drive. The half would end with the Falcons leading 12-6.

On the first drive of the second half the Falcons had the ball inside of the Oshkosh 20 and turned it over on downs when Klingelhutz was stopped on fourth down.

That would be the final time either team would enter the red zone until the final drive of the game.

On the final drive of the game following a short River Falls punt, Oshkosh took over with 1:19 to play and no timeouts. With just two second left on the clock, and the ball at the RF two-yard line, the Titans ended their season with a little miracle. Jeremy Roach took a handoff and went up the middle, but the Falcons stuffed his at the two. Roach flipped the ball back to McClelland who found Garrie Fox wide open on the three and Fox dove into the end zone to tie the score. Lindsay knocked down the extra-point to give the Titans the win with no time left.

Playing his final game as a Falcon Harmon completed 12 of 18 passes for 120 yards and he also ran for a touchdown. Klingelhutz ended his freshman year with his best game as a Falcon – he finished with 31 carries for 142 yards and a score. Michael Zweifel fell 26 yards short of his second straight 1000-yard receiving season, he ended up with four catches for 49 yards. Cole Lowell led the Falcons with 13 tackles. Ben Arata and Matt Gajewski both had interceptions.

McClelland completed 13 of 24 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown and interception. Roach had 75 yards on 20 carries.

The Falcons end their season 3-7 overall and lost their final four games. They finish 2-5 in WIAC play.

Game Box
Falcon Schedule


Ben Arata	Matt Gajewski


Storm Harmon	Greg Klingelhutz

Falcons Lose at La Crosse, 49-19

Nov. 8, 2008

UW-La Crosse topped River Falls, 49-13, on a cold, windy afternoon at Maxwell Field in Winona, Minn., on Saturday afternoon

After staying close through the first half, the Falcons could not slow down the Eagle rushing attack in the second half.

The Falcons received the opening kickoff, but were forced to punt after a six-play drive. RF special teams pinned the Eagles at the 1-yard line.

UWL created some breathing room when Eric Donoval broke a pair of 27-yard runs. The RF defense held serve when UWL quarterback Nick Anker overthrew his intended receiver in the end zone on a fourth down play.

RF suffered through a three-and-out, but the ensuing punt was fumbled by the Eagles’ Donoval and recovered by RF junior Ben Arata at the UWL 32. Unfortunately the Falcons could not capitalize on the turnover and punted again after another three-and-out.

UWL promptly marched down the field on a 12 play, 63-yard drive. The drive was finished with a 7-yard run from Donoval for the first score of the game with 1:27 left in the first quarter.

Falcon freshman running back Greg Klingelhutz started the second quarter by snapping off a 41-yard run to the LC three yard line. Freshman fullback Joel Yogerst scored his first touchdown of the game with 13:40 left in the first half when he plunged into the end zone from 3-yards out.

RF senior linebacker Sam Morken ended the next UWL possession with an interception. He returned the pick 18 yards to the UWL 23 yard line with 12:03 remaining in the first half.

RF was not able to move the ball after the interception, however, and opted to go for it on fourth and 12 from the UWL 25 yard line rather than attempt a long field goal in swirling winds. Senior quarterback Storm Harmon scrambled away from pressure and found Klingelhutz who nearly got the first down but came up a yard short. The Eagles took over possession on downs at their own 14-yard line.

RF senior defensive tackle Ambrose Martell registered a sack to start the next possession, but UWL was able to recover the lost yardage and move the ball down the field. UWL’s Reid Oldenburg found pay dirt on a 1-yard run to cap an 11-play, 86-yard drive with 6:16 remaining in the half.

RF moved down the field following the touchdown, but was not able to break through as the half came to an end with the score 14-7 in favor of the Eagles.

The second half opened with a bang for UWL. Anker connected with Travis Bordeau for 32 yards to set up the Eagles on the RF 26 yard line. Anker finished the drive when he found Donoval in the end zone for an 11-yard scoring strike. The touchdown extended UWL’s lead to 21-7 and the scoring drive took only four plays and 1:32 to travel 58 yards.

RF looked to respond by turning to the Harmon to Michael Zweifel Zweifel connection. Four successful passes between the pair and a UWL pass interference penalty in the end zone led to the second Falcon touchdown of the day. Yogerst took the ball in from 2 yards out with 7:35 remaining in the third quarter. The extra point attempt was blocked to set the score at 21-13.

After the ensuing kickoff, Donoval took the first play from scrimmage 79 yards for the touchdown. Just like that, the Eagles moved the score to 28-13.

The Falcons could not sustain a drive and punted back to the Eagles. Two plays later Donoval ripped off a 62-yard touchdown run for his third touchdown of the game. The game score stretched to 35-13 in favor of UWL with 3:36 remaining in the third quarter.

RF did not have an answer as the drive stalled at the UWL 31 yard line before Derek Dreher intercepted Harmon at the UWL nine yard line.

The Eagles first play of the fourth quarter went for 77 yards as Reid Oldenburg broke free for a long touchdown run to extend the lead to 42-13.

UWL’s Jonathan Flancher then tipped a Harmon pass, caught it, and returned the interception seven yards for another touchdown to balloon the lead to 49-13. On the following possession Harmon tossed another interception, his third of the day, when Matt Winney nabbed a pass and returned it 56 yards to the RF 19-yard line with 8:32 remaining in the game.

UWL ran the ball four consecutive times to give the ball back to RF. Sophomore quarterback Ryan Luessenheide saw his first action of the season in the fourth quarter and led the Falcons on a nine-play, 75-yard drive. Luessenheide connected with Yogerst for a 27-yard touchdown strike to move the score to 49-19. The attempted two-point conversion was unsuccessful.

After recovering the on-side kick, UWL (3-6, 3-3 WIAC) ran out the clock to end the game.

Klingelhutz led the Falcons on the ground with 116 yards on 21 carries. Yogerst scored three touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving. Zweifel topped all receivers in the game with 134 yards on 12 receptions. Harmon finished 20-46 passing for 214 yards and three interceptions.

Matt Gajewski and Jesse Goebel led the Falcons defense with six tackles each. Martell had the only sack of the game for RF and Morken recorded an interception.

Next week the Falcons, now 3-6 overall and 2-4 in the WIAC, close out the regular season against UW-Oshkosh at Ramer Field at 1 p.m. The Falcons lead the all-time series between the schools 35-17-1.

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Falcon Schedule


Ambrose Martell	Sam Morken


Michael Zweifel	Greg Klingelhutz

Falcon Lose, 7-0, at UWP in Defensive Battle

Nov. 1, 2008

The Falcon football team lost a 7-0 decision at UW-Platteville in a WIAC matchup on Saturday afternoon.

RF could not get the offense in sync all afternoon against the Pioneers. It was the first time the Falcons were shut out since Sept. 30, 2006 when they lost 24-0 at UW-Oshkosh.

The teams combined for six turnovers - UWRF lost two fumbles and had an interception while UWP threw three interceptions.

The first possession of the game did not last long for the Falcons. Freshman Michael Woodward fumbled on the fourth play of the game to give UWP the ball on its own 43 yard line.

Just five plays later, however, junior Ben Arata intercepted UWP’s quarterback Jake Wiederholt at the RF 29 yard line to take the ball back for RF. Quarterback Storm Harmon led the Falcons into the red zone on a 15-play drive. The drive ended when UWP’s Quincy Hudson intercepted Harmon on the goal line to thwart the RF scoring opportunity with 8:01 to play in the first quarter.

After each team had a stalled drive lead to punt, UWP began to move down the field early in the second quarter. Three straight completions and a 15-yard run by Joe Burkeland placed the Pioneers on the RF four-yard line. A holding penalty backed up UWP to the 14-yard line before Jimmy Spehn’s pass was intercepted in the end zone by RF’s Arata, his second interception of the game.

The Falcons could not capitalize on the turnover, however, and punted the ball after a three-and-out series that included two sacks. After a 29-yard punt, UWP took over at the RF 42-yard line with 9:33 remaining in the half. Joe Burkeland broke free for a 30-yard touchdown scamper 1:30 later to score the only points of the game.

RF would force a third interception in the first half when freshman Matt Guertin nabbed a Burkeland pass and returned it three yards to the RF 28 yard line. But the Falcons offense could not capitalize on the turnovers and went into halftime trailing 7-0.

The second half began much like the first for the Falcons. On the first RF possession of the third quarter, Harmon had the ball jarred loose on a running play by Randy Langer. UWP recovered the ball at its own 19-yard line. This was the second turnover inside the red zone for the Falcons.
The game continued to be a defensive battle. UWP worked down to the RF 30 yard line, but missed a 47-yard field goal attempt with 1:57 remaining in the third quarter. Punters for both teams kept busy as the defenses held strong throughout the end of the third quarter and into the fourth.

The Falcons had one last chance to put together an offensive drive that would tie the game. Harmon hooked up with sophomore Joe Ganske for 23 yards, Woodward for 12 yards, Woodward again for 11 yards, and back to Ganske for another 16 yards to put RF in position to crack the scoreboard. The drive stalled, however, on the UWP 27 yard line when a short run was mixed with three incomplete passes to turn the ball over on downs.

UWP (3-5, 1-4 WIAC) was able to run the clock out to secure its first WIAC win of the season.

Sophomore Michael Zwiefel, who was playing hurt after injuring his ribs last week, led the Falcons with eight receptions for 83 yards. Harmon finished with 192 yards on 18 for 31 passing with one interception. Freshman running back Greg Klingelhutz led RF with 46 yards rushing on 11 carries.

Linebacker Cole Lowell led the Falcons with seven solo and nine total tackles. Tackle Brad Novacheck had four solo and seven total stops, including one tackle for loss. Steve Marich, who had five tackles, had three tackles for loss including two sacks.

Platteville's defense recorded five sacks in the game to go along with the three turnovers.

Next week the Falcons, now 3-5 overall and 2-3 in the WIAC, play UW-La Crosse at Maxwell Field on the Winona State University campus at 1 p.m. in a WIAC matchup. The Falcons trail the all-time series between the schools 57-29-7.

Game Box
Falcon Schedule


Ben Arata	Matt Guertin


Steve Marich	Greg Klingelhutz

Falcon Defense Torched for 340
Rushing Yards in 29-19 loss to Stout

Oct. 25, 2008

The Falcons hosted the Stout Blue Devils in battle of 3-3 teams. River Falls came in with two wins in the conference, sitting in a tie with Stevens Point for the second spot. With Point at Whitewater it appeared a Falcon win would give them sole possession of second place. It wasn’t to be today, as the Blue Devils run game was too much for the Falcons to handle. Stout won the game 29-19.

Both teams would go on lengthy time consuming drives to open the game. They would end with the same result, missed field goals from inside their opponents 20-yard lines.

The Falcons would get the ball for a second time with just 2:54 remaining in the quarter. They were able to convert on third down twice before the quarter ran out. The last play of the quarter was a negative one-yard run by Matt Pollock, setting up second and 11. Storm Harmon was able to find John Bratcher for 11-yards into Stout territory. Pollock picked up two yards on first down, then two straight incompletions brought on the punting unit. Eric Stoller’s punt ran into the end zone for a touchback.

Craig Warminski would shoulder the load on the next drive for the Blue Devils. He carried the ball six times for 51-yards including a nine-yard touchdown run. Warminski would just be warming up. The swinging gate worked to perfection and Kyle Provos hit Patrick Mengelkoch for the two-point conversion.

Kyle Martin’s kick-off went out-of-bounds and gave the Falcons great field position at the RF 45. Pollock took the first carry and rumbled for 16-yard gain into Stout territory. After a pick up of seven on the next carry, Pollock was stopped for one-yard on his next two carries, bringing up fourth down and one. Harmon was able to pick up the needed yard on a quarterback sneak. Joe Ganske dropped a pass on first down and Bratcher hauled one in for seven on the next play. Facing third and three from the Stout 22 Harmon took off and found the end zone for the score. Harmon’s two-point conversion pass to Bratcher failed and the Falcons trailed 8-6.

Stout was able to get into RF territory on the ensuing drive but a third down pass fell incomplete and they were forced to punt. Pollock picked up 11-yards on the first play, but Harmon gave it all back when he was sacked on the next. The Falcons were then content trying to run out the first half and make Stout use their timeouts. River Falls would have to punt with 1:01 left.

The punt was partially blocked and Stout takes control from the RF 36. Provos hit Antawan Walker for six-yards. After a holding call brings up second and 14, Provos takes off for 12-yards. Provos killed the clock to bring up fourth down and two. Ambrose Martell then sacked Provos and the ball was turned over on downs. Harmon then just took a knee to end the half. Stout took an 8-6 lead into the half.

Stout got the ball to open the half and they didn’t waste much time putting some more points on the board. The Blue Devils took it 74-yards in nine plays for the score. Warminski once again had a huge drive, carrying the ball five times for 55-yards and a touchdown. The biggest run came on third and three forom the RF 42, where he picked up 26. The extra-point was good and Stout extended their lead to nine, at 15-6.

The Falcons would go a very quick three and out and give the ball right back to the Blue Devils. Taking over their own 26 the Blue Devils once again wasted no time finding the end zone. Provos ran for 18-yards on the first play of the drive. Then two plays later, on third down Warminski burned the defense for 49-yards and a score. Martin knocked down the extra-point and the Blue Devils lead 22-6.

Michael Woodward would come through on the next drive for the Falcons. Without All-American Michael Zweifel, who was dressed and on the sidelines, but did not play, Harmon had to find a new target. Harmon hit Woodward for 15-yards on the opening play, and once again two plays later for 40-yards all the way to the end zone. Harmon’s two-point conversion was once again unsuccessful and the Falcons trailed by 10, 22-12.

The score wouldn’t change again until the fourth quarter. With 11:51 to go in the game Harmon was picked off by Kendall Wade at midfield. Karminski would carry the ball the next three plays for 16, seven, and 26 respectively. The third one hit pay-dirt. It was Kaminski’s fourth score of the game. The extra-point was good the Blue Devils lead 29-12.

With only 10 minuets remaining the Falcons had to get something going quickly. On the second play of the Harmon found Bratcher for 12-yards down for a first down. A play later he hooked up with Woodward for 34-yards down to the Stout 24. Bryan Penrod got into the action on the next play catching a ball from Harmon for nine-yards. Pollock took the handoff for 13-yards on the next play and put the Falcons inside the Stout one-yard line. Short-yardage specialist Joel Yogerst scored on the next play. Jesse Finer was able to hit the extra-point and the Falcons trailed by 10 once again, 29-19.

River Falls elected to kick the ball deep with eight minuets left and all three timeouts. The Blue Devils went three and out, but were able to take over two minuets off the clock. The punt rolled into the end zone and the Falcons took over at the 20-yard line.

On second down Harmon hit Bratcher for 15-yards, after an incompletion. Then Harmon found Penrod for nine-yards. Harmon was then sacked on each of the next two plays, even fumbling the second one, which was recovered by Ken Kuyath. The Falcon then would be forced to punt which in essence ended any chance of a comeback.

Stout was able to run just about all the time off of the clock, but the Falcons did get the ball back with 13 seconds left. Harmon was hit by Scott Riha forcing a fumble that Riha was also able to recover. Provos then took a knee to end the game.

Harmon was once again the only Falcon with a passing attempt, he threw the ball 24 times completing 15 for 194-yards and a touchdown. Harmon was also picked off once. Pollock lead the Falcons on the ground with 82-yards on 18 carries. Stepping in for Zweifel and coming up with a big day was Woodward. Woodward had five catches for 109-yards and a score. Sam Morken lead the Falcons with ten tackles.

For the Blue Devils the big performer on offense was Worminski who carried it 28 times for 250-yards and four touchdowns. Andy Towner was the leading tackler with nine. Marcus Bell had three and a half sacks on the day.

The Falcons fell into a third place tie in the conference after the loss. Stevens Point was able to pull off the upset at Whitewater, 17-16. Had the Falcons won, they would have been in a three-way tie for first in the conference.

Up next for the Falcons, they travel to Platteville to take on the Pioneers. The Pioneers are 0-4 in the conference. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.

Game Box
Falcon Schedule


Michael Woodward	Ambrose Martell


Storm Harmon	Joel Yogerst

Lowell Named WIAC
Defensive Player of the Week

Oct. 21, 2008

Cole Lowell has been named the WIAC Defensive Player of the Week according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek.

Lowell came up with several big plays in the team’s 27-19 win over No. 7 ranked UW-Eau Claire on Saturday at Carson Park. The biggest play for Lowell, 6-0, 207 pounds, was an interception with just 38 seconds to play. Eau Claire had driven to the RF 26 yard line before Lowell was able to pick off the pass and kill the Blugold drive. Lowell had five solo tackles in the game. This year he is fourth on the team in tackles with 21 solo and 34 total stops. He has one tackle for loss, three pass break ups and one interception.

The Falcons, now 3-3 overall adn 2-1 in the WIAC, will host UW-Stout at 1 p.m., on Saturday at Ramer FIeld.


Cole Lowell

Falcons Knock Off #11 Ranked Blugolds 27-19 in Eau Claire

Oct. 18, 2008

The Falcons went into Carson Park in Eau Claire, WI and knocked off the #11 ranked team in the country. They were able to defeat the Blugolds by a score of 27-19. The win moves the Falcons into a 2nd place tie in the WIAC.

Eau Claire won the toss and elected to receive. Craig Polifka took the opening kick-off back into RF territory at the 46. The Blugolds were able to drive down to the RF 14 before being faced with a 4th down. Quarterback Kyle Paulsen called his own number but was stopped short and the Falcons took over on downs.

The Falcons were unable to capitalize and went a quick three-and-out. Eau Claire wouldn’t fair any better and they were forced to punt it right back.

River Falls would get a drive going the next time they had the ball. Eau Claire came up and stuffed the Matt Pollock for a two-yard loss on the first play, but Pollock would hit for nine-yards on the next. On 3rd and two, Storm Harmon found Michael Zweifel for 25 yards and into EC territory. Pollock found a hole on the next play and rumbled for 14-yards. Three stalled plays later and the Falcons would run out Jesse Finer to attempt a 36-yard field goal, which he missed wide right.

On the next drive, Eau Claire would finally find the end zone. Cory Sartorelli rushed 8 times for 30 yards on the drive, the last one resulting in a 1-yard touchdown plunge. The biggest play on the drive came just as the game flipped to the 2nd quarter, Paulson found Spencer Kehoe for 26-yards. The extra point attempt, also by Sartorelli, was no good.

The teams would each get two uneventful drives before the Falcons would take over and take their first lead of the game. River Falls took over with 4:43 left in the half at the EC 47 after they stopped the Blugolds on the a 4th down attempt.

Pollock fumbled on the first play but Zweifel was able to recover it. Greg Klingelhutz picked up six-yards on the next carry for a first down. A play later Zweifel was open again and Harmon hit him for 26-yards, setting up 1st and goal from the EC 7. Joel Yogerst found the end zone on 2nd down from five-yards away, tying the game. Finer knocked down the extra point to give River Falls a 7-6 lead at the half.

The second play of the 3rd quarter was a big one for the Falcons. Harmon hit Zweifel for a third time of over 25-yards, this one for 35. It set up the Falcons at the EC 27. Pollock would get five of the next six carries taking the ball down to the EC 8. However, Pollock was stopped for no gain on 3rd and two and Finer would be asked to try another field goal. This attempt was also no good and the score remained 7-6.

Sartorelli coughed the ball up on the next play and the Falcons were able to recover at the EC 36. Three plays later on 3rd down, Harmon found Zweifel again for 19-yards and a 1st down at the EC 12. Pollock would get the ball on the next few plays and was able to set up 1st and goal inside the two. After some struggles near the goal line, Yogerst got his second touchdown of the day, this one coming on 4th down.

Eau Claire was able to come back and score on the next drive. Facing 3rd and three from their own 47, Paulson found Kehoe for 47 yards. One play later, Sartorelli rushed in from 11-yards away. Sartorelli was able to hit the extra point. Falcons still lead 14-13.

The Falcons took over with just about three minuets remaining in the 3rd quarter. Harmon ran for nine-yards on the second play of the drive to pick up a first down. Two plays later after a Matt Ebner sack the Falcons faced 3rd and long. However, Harmon was able to find Patrick Houlter for 29-yards for a first down, which also ended the quarter. A 14-yard pass inference penalty put River Falls on the EC 12. On third down from the four Joel Yogerst scored for the third time, to take a 20-13 lead. The Falcons went for two, but Harmon’s pass was intercepted.

The Blugolds took control at their own 38. Sartorelli took the first hand off 16-yards and into RF territory. River Falls was called for face masking giving the Blugolds a fresh set of downs after an incompletion. On the very next play, Sartorell ran it in from 26-yards to cut the lead to one. Matt Guertin was able to block the extra point, leaving the Falcons with a one point lead, 20-19.

River Falls was able to take five minuets off the clock with their next drive, before getting stopped on fourth down at the EC 10. Pollock carried the ball seven times for 43 yards on the drive.

Sartorelli would take the next three handoffs for 10, 15, and nine-yards respectively getting the Blugolds out from the shadow of their own goal line. The Falcons Ross Potter then came up with three tackles on the next three plays for a total of negative one yard, stopping the Eau Claire drive in its tracks.

Pollock took off for 13-yards on the next play giving the Falcons first and 10 from the EC 27. Pollock was stopped for one yard on each of the next two carries. His next run of 6-yards would be called back because of holding, setting up 3rd and 18 from the 35. Harmon was able to once again hook up with Zweifel for 32-yards, down to the EC 3. Yogerst scored on the next play with 1:38 left. That was only Yogerst’s fifth hand off, but his fourth touchdown. The extra point was good making the score 27-19.

Brett Schreiner returned the kick off to the 44 to set up Eau Claire with one last chance to tie the game. Paulson hit Schreiner for only three yards on first down forcing the Blugolds to use a time out. Paulson took off on the next play picking up 11-yards and a first down. The Blugolds failed to convert on the next three plays, all incompletions. Facing 4th and 10 from the RF 42 Paulson hit Kehoe for 13-yards. Schreiner caught the next pass for 3-yards and was able to get out of bounds to stop the clock. The game would end on the next play when Cole Lowell stepped in front of Paulson’s pass at the 12-yard line. The Falcons put the victory formation on the field, Harmon took a knee to finish off the upset.

Harmon completed 10 of 17 passes for 185 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. Pollock lead the Falcons run game with 29 carries for 133 yards. Yogerst ran the ball only five times for 13 yards, but scored four touchdowns. Zweifel caught five balls for 137 yards, 19-yards was his shortest catch. Brad Novacheck lead the defense with eight tackles

Paulson threw the ball 30 times and completed 15 with one interception. Sartorelli had a day running for the Blugolds, 164 yards on 28 carries along with three scores. Kehoe caught six balls for 89 yards. Dave Wicklund lead the Blugolds in tackles with nine.

The Stout Blue Devils come to Ramer Field next week to take on the 2nd place Falcons. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m.

Game Box
Falcon Schedule


Matt Pollock	Cole Lowell


Michael Zweifel	Joel Yogerst


Brad Novacheck	Ross Potter

Falcons Fall 52-24 At Ramer Field

Oct. 11, 2008

The Falcon football team lost a 52-24 decision to UW-Whitewater in a WIAC matchup on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field.

RF opened the game with a touchdown on its first possession. Senior Storm Harmon connected with senior Ryan Hansen for a 37-yard touchdown pass 4:14 into the first quarter. Hansen’s first touchdown catch of the season capped off an impressive nine-play, 75-yard drive for the Falcons.

On the ensuing kickoff, Aaron Samplawski gave the Warhawks great field position, at the UWRF 40, with an explosive 46-yard return. WW ended its opening drive with a five-yard plunge by freshman running back Levell Coppage. It was the first of six rushing touchdowns for WW on the day.

After a three and out by the RF offense, WW quarterback Jeff Donovan completed four straight passes and Coppage handled the rushing load as they marched down the field on an efficient eight-play drive. Coppage finished the drive with his second touchdown of the day on an eight-yard run with 3:04 remaining in the first quarter.

After a second three and out by the RF offense, WW was faced with a third and nine on the 50-yard line to start the second quarter. RF freshman Matt Gajewski raced in off the edge for a big sack and forced a punt.

The following drive stalled for the Falcons before they could cross midfield. WW seized the opportunity and moved back down the field. Coppage gashed the Falcon defense for 43 yards on five carries. Donovan completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Nick Slupski to conclude the drive.

With the score 21-7 and only 7:24 to go before halftime, the Falcons offense embarked on a 10-play drive led by Harmon. He rushed for nine yards and passed for 42 yards on the drive, including a four-yard touchdown pass to freshman Michael Woodward that cut the lead to seven.

WW took over on offense with 2:25 remaining in the half. They drove the ball down to the RF two-yard line and threatened to score another touchdown with only seconds left in the half. On third and goal from the two, RF senior Sam Morken dropped WW’s Donovan at the one-yard line to force a field goal attempt. The 18-yard field goal gave WW a 10-point lead at halftime, but the Falcons had taken some momentum into the half with a strong defensive stand.

The Falcons started the third quarter with a defensive stop. They then traveled down the field on offense riding the arm of Harmon. He completed a pair of passes to sophomore Michael Zweifel, 30 yards and 13 yards, to set up a field goal attempt. Senior kicker Jesse Finer nailed the 40-yard field goal to pull RF with a touchdown, 24-17, of last season’s NCAA Div. III National Champions.

WW would not allow RF the chance to get any closer, however, as they immediately responded with a touchdown on its next possession. Coppage completed the drive with a six-yard touchdown run to put the Warhawks back up by a pair of touchdowns.

After another three and out by the RF offense, WW added to its lead with another Coppage touchdown run, his fourth of the game. His one-yard plunge came with 13:42 remaining in the fourth quarter and gave the Warhawks a 38-17 lead.

Harmon responded on the next possession by throwing his third touchdown pass of the game. This time he connected with Zweifel for a 25-yard strike on fourth down to keep the Falcons' hopes alive. The Falcons faced a fourth-and-15 situation at the WW 25 when Harmon hit Zweifel down the field for the score.

WW proved too strong on this day as they scored another pair of touchdowns in the final 9:28 to put the game out of reach. WW, ranked No. 2 in the nation in the AFCA Coaches Poll, ran for 411 yards on 51 carries to hand RF its first WIAC loss of the season. Harmon finished the game with 288 yards passing, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. Zweifel led the team with 152 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Ben Arata led the Falcons with 12 total tackles. Gajewski was next with 11 stops, including the sack that wen tor a loss of seven yards. Sam Morken finished with 11 tackles.

Next week the Falcons travel to Eau Claire for a WIAC matchup against the Blugolds at 1 p.m. The Falcons lead the all-time series between the schools 47-33-7.

Game Box
Falcon Schedule


Ben Arata	Matt Gajewski


Michael Zweifel	Storm Harmon


Sam Morken	Jesse Finer

O'Grady Earns 100th Career Win

Oct. 5, 2008

With UWRF's 36-30 win on Saturday over UW-Stevens Point, Falcon football Coach John O'Grady earned his 100th career win.

O'Grady, who is in his 20th year with the Falcons, has a 100-91-3 overall record. His teams are 71-63-3 in WIAC play.

O'Grady was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) Hall of Fame on April 5, 2008. He was honored with the prestigious award based on a combination of his coaching record, longevity and service to the WFCA.

He ranks second in all-time football wins among WIAC active coaches. He is seventh in all-time wins of all WIAC coaches. In WIAC play, O'Grady has led the Falcons to one first place finish (1998), three second-place finishes (1994, 1995, 1996) and five third place finishes (1989, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2001). He has had winning seasons in 10 of his 19 seasons with the Falcons.

O'Grady, 54, was named the 1995 WIAC Coach of the Year.

He played for the Falcons as a linebacker from 1972-75 and earned four letters. He was the team's captain and voted most dedicated in 1975 when the Falcons won their first WIAC title in 18 years.

O'Grady earned his 25th win with a 49-23 win over UW-Platteville in the 1993 season; he got his 50th win with a 41-21 win over Platteville in 1996 and his 75th win with a 48-20 win over UW-Oshkosh in 2000.

The Falcons, now 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the WIAC, will host UW-Whitewater on Saturday at Ramer Field. Kick off is set for 1 p.m.

River Falls-Stevens Point Game Box
Falcon Schedule


John O'Grady

Guertin's Pick Secures O'Grady's 100th Win; Falcons top Pointers, 36-30

Oct. 4, 2008

The Falcons knocked off the undefeated UW-Stevens Point, 36-30, in a shoot out at Ramer Field on Saturday afternoon.

Matt Guertin intercepted Jared Beckwith with 1:49 to go to put away the Pointers for good. It was Coach John O’Grady’s 100th win and also Homecoming on the UWRF campus.

The Falcons were able to strike first. Taking the ball 69-yards in exactly four minuets to put the first points on the board. Matt Pollock found the end zone from five yards away to put River Falls in the lead 6-0. Jesse Finer’s extra point was no good. On the drive John Bratcher fumbled, but Michael Zweifel was there to scoop up the miscue and keep the drive alive.

Both teams would go a quick three and out on the next two drives. Stevens Point got the ball back with just over seven minuets left in the quarter. They received great field position after Eric Stoller’s punt from deep in RF territory was downed at the RF 40. On the second play of the drive Beckwith found Brad Kaslow for 21-yards down to the RF 18. Jack Marx was given three straight carries and he was able to pick up a first down. From there the Pointers drive stalled. They would be forced to attempt a 24-yard field goal. Ryan Graboski knocked down the field goal and put Stevens Point on the board, 6-3.

Greg Klingelhutz would get the Ramer Field crowd on its feet on the ensuing kick-off. Klingelhutz returned the kick-off 86-yards for the score. The extra point was blocked and the Falcons lead, 12-3.

Beckwith took to the air on the first two plays on the ensuing drive. He completed passes of 34 and 26-yards to put the Pointer deep in Falcon territory. Stevens Point would stall again and have to settle for another field goal. Graboski knocked down his second field goal of the game - this one from 25-yards.

Zweifel fumbled on the Falcons second play from scrimmage on the next series, setting up the Pointers in great field position as the game moved into the second quarter. The Pointers were unable to capitalize on the good field position, but the punt by Luke Fisch more than made up for it. Fisch’s punt was downed at the RF 1. On third and six Storm Harmon fumbled in the end zone and Charlie Dercks fell on it for a Pointer touchdown. Stevens Point took its first lead of the game, 13-12.

The Falcons wouldn’t stay silent long and neither would their All-American. After fumbling on his last touch Zweifel had a huge drive. Zweifel caught six balls for 53 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown on this drive alone. Harmon would hit Darron Sherrill on the two-point conversion to give the Falcons a 20-13 lead.

River Falls wouldn’t hold the lead very long. About three minuets later Beckwith found Jared Jenkins open in the end zone from five yards away. The extra point was good and the score was tied, 20-20.

On the following drive the Falcons were able to pick up a quick first down, but from there the drive stalled. The Pointers took over with just over a minuet left and were thinking about six more. Beckwith hit Kaslow for 20-yards but made a mistake on his next throw. Matt Gajewski intercepted Beckwith, returning it to the SP 38.

Harmon hit Patrick Houlton for 19-yards on the first play, and 19-yards on the second. The second play resulting it a River Falls touchdown. That touchdown came with :15 remaining in the half. Finer’s extra point was good and the Falcon took a 27-20 lead into the half.

On the opening drive of the second half the Pointers would once again settle for a field goal. Graboski hit his third of the day from 32-yards.

You wouldn’t have guessed it at the time but on the next drive the Falcons would put up the last points they needed to beat the Pointers. River Falls would face third and 10 from the SP 46, but Harmon was able to come through, finding Michael Woodward for 17-yards. Another third down conversion, this time to Zweifel, put the Falcons on the doorstep. They wouldn’t need much more time, on the next play Harmon hit Zweifel again for 18-yards and the score giving the Falcons a 34-23 lead with 7:42 to play in the third quarer.

An unsportsmanlike penalty on the Falcons moved the kick-off back 15-yards and the Pointers would take control near mid-field. But this drive wasn’t meant to be for Stevens Point; Jamie Bisch stepped in front of a Beckwith pass collecting the interception at the RF 14.

The next few drives were uneventful, until the Pointers took control with 8:31 left in the fourth quarter and the ball on their own eight-yard line. Beckwith dropped back to pass, and was hurried by Mike Larson and forced to throw the ball away. But, Beckwith was standing in the end zone and there was no receiver in the area. Intentional grounding was called resulting in a safety that gave the Falcons a 36-23 lead with 8:27 to go.

After the free kick, the Falcons were unable to get anything going offensively and were forced to punt. The punt was snapped over the head of Stoller and he was able to cover it up at the RF 11. Three plays later, after a defensive pass interference call, Beckwith hit Jenkins for a six-yard score. The Pointers still trailed by six, 36-30.

River Falls took over with 4:49 left, looking to run out the clock. Facing fourth and one from mid-field the Falcons decided to go for it. A first down would end the game. However, Harmon was stopped on his quarterback sneak attempt. The Pointers took over with 2:07 left looking for a potential go-ahead score. On the second play Matt Guertin picked off Beckwith to seal the Falcons win. Three kneel downs ended the game and O’Grady was doused in water in celebration of his 100th win.

Harmon completed 26-33 for 241 yards and three scores. He did not throw an interception. On the ground, Pollock led the Falcons with 74 yards on 21 carries. Zweifel had another great day in his young career for the Falcons finishing with 16 catches for 139 yards and two scores.

Jared Beckwith was 21- 38 for 234 yards and two touchdowns, but he was intercepted three times. Jack Marx was the Pointers leading rusher with 18 carries for 62 yards. Jenkins also had double-digit receptions for the Pointers with 11 for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

Ben Arata and Sam Morken led the Falcons in tackles with seven. John Jones was the top tackler for the Pointers with 11.

Next week, the defending Div. III National Champs come to Ramer Field, the UW-Whitewater Warhawks. The Warhawks are 4-0 and 2-0 in the WIAC. Three weeks ago, the second ranked team in the land was just barely able to escape Eau Claire with a 16-14 victory. Kick-off is set for noon at Ramer Field.

Game Box
Falcon Schedule


Matt Guertin	Matt Gajewski


Michael Zweifel	Storm Harmon


John O'Grady	Greg Klingelhutz

Harmon Named WIAC Player of the Week

Sept. 30, 2008

Falcon quarterback Storm Harmon has been named WIAC offensive player of the week according to league Sports Information Director, Matt Stanek.

Harmon, a senior from Altoona, Wis., led the Falcon offense to a productive day in the team’s 25-20 win at Alma College on Saturday. Harmon, 6-2, 200 pounds, had a career-high rushing day. He rushed for 97 yards and scored on a 3-yard run with just 10 seconds to play in the first half to give UWRF a 16-13 lead at the time. He completed 18-28 passes for 163 yards with no interceptions. This year he has rushed for 125 yards and two scores. He has completed 52-83 passes for 544 yards and one touchdown. He has been intercepted just once.

UWRF opens WIAC play on Saturday hosting UW-Stevens Point at Ramer Field. Kick off is set for 1 p.m.


Storm Harmon

Falcons Notch First Victory

Sept. 27, 2008

The Falcons picked up win No. 1 this weekend with a 25-20 victory at Alma on Saturday afternoon.

The Scots were able to strike first, taking the ball on the opening drive 58 yards to the house. Alma quarterback Mackenzie McGrady was a perfect 4-4 for 49 yards, including a 9-yards touchdown pass to Jeremy Stephens.

The Falcons went a quick three and out on their first drive, but a good punt by Eric Stoller pinned the Scots inside their 20-yard line. McGrady hit Stephens on the first play for 15 yards. On the next play he took the ball himself for a 16-yard gain. From there the Scots drive would stall. Three straight incompletions led to a punt.

River Falls took over on its own 20-yard line after the punt. The Falcon drove 80 yards, taking almost seven minutes off the clock, to get their first score. River Falls faced three third downs on the drive, converting all of them. The big play was a 20-yard hook up from Storm Harmon to Michael Zweifel on third-and-four from the Alma 42. Matt Pollock was able to pick up seven on the next play. Harmon then found a lane and rushed for 11-yards setting up first and goal from the four. On third down Joel Yogerst found the end zone from two yards out, but the extra point failed.

On the next drive for Alma they faced fourth-and-two from its own 43 yard line and decided to go for it. The attempt came up short and the Falcons took over with great field position.

On the second play from scrimmage on the drive, Harmon found Patrick Houlton for 23 yards to put RF at the Scots 15. The Falcons were able to pick up nine yards but faced a fourth-and-one. Jesse Finer knocked down the 24-yard field goal and the Falcons led 9-7 with 13:19 to play in the first half

The teams traded possessions before Alma was able to take back the lead. The Scots went 93-yards in 11 plays, but only took 2:45 off the clock before Tyler Periard ran it in from 1-yard out. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful. Periad had a rush of 30-yards in the drive.

The Falcons answered right back. Scoring with just 10 seconds left in the half. Harmon scored on a 3-yard run. Two of the first three plays of the drive went for over 15 yards. Harmon hit Zweifel for 16 yards, and Pollock took a handoff for 18. River Falls would take a 16-13 lead into the half.

River Falls took over to start the second half at its own 28. They went 55-yards in 13 plays to set up Finer with his second field goal attempt. This one from 35-yards away was also good. Harmon carried the ball four times on the drive for 27-yards.

The Scots took over looking to take back the lead, and they would do just that. Going 74-yards in just over two minuets, before McGrady found the end zone with his legs from three yards away. Alma led, 20-19, with 6:23 to play in the third quarter.

The Falcons were forced to punt after taking the ball into Scots territory behind some big runs by Pollock. He carried the ball five times for 39 yards. After the punt the defense was able to hold to get the ball back for the offense. Zweifel returned the punt 42-yards to the Scots 37 yard line.

The last play of the quarter was a 15-yard run by Harmon to set-up first down from the 22. Pollock’s number would be called on the next three plays; he rushed fro three, eight, and 11 yards with the run of 11 ending in a touchdown. Greg Klingelhutz’s two-point conversion attempt failed.

Alma had some life on the next drive, before Ben Arata picked off McGrady. Neither team reached the opposing territory on the next few drives, before Alma took over with 2:56 to go looking for the win. The drive started at their 31.

THe first play was a 10-yard run by Periard. Two completions by McGrady set up first down from the RF 39. Back to back incompletions brought up third down. McGrady hit Stephens for 8 yards. On fourth down a run by McGrady was short and the Falcons were a first down from victory. They were able to get the first down and seal the win.

Harmon completed 18-28 passes for 163 yards. McGrady was 21-36 for 198 and a touchdown. On the ground Pollock led the charge for the Falcons with 131 yards on 25 carries. Periard led the Scots with 115 rushing yards on 15 tries.

Zweifel led all receivers with nine catches for 80 yards. Stephen had the lone touchdown reception for the Scots and he led his team with seven catches for 66 yards.

Matt Guertin had eight tackles to lead the Falcons. Arata had seven to go along with his interception. Three Scots had double-digit tackles Brent Willis (15), Zach Comer (12) and Travis Martin (11).

Next week for the Falcons, they will host Stevens Point in the WIAC opener for both teams. Last year in a shoot out, the Falcons lost at Stevens Point 45-42. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., at Ramer Field.

Game Box
Falcon Schedule


Matt Pollock	Ben Arata


Michael Zweifel	Matt Guertin

Falcons Drop High Scoring
Game; Last Second Play Falls Short

Sept. 20, 2008

The Falcon football team lost a 41-34 decision to Northwestern College on Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field after a last second play fell just short of drawing the Falcons to within a point.

The Harmon-Zweifel duo connected then on a big play, a 39-yard pitch and catch, down the right sideline to give the Falcons a first down at the NC four. There were seven seconds to play in the game. Harmon then threw a fade route to the right corner of the end zone where Zweifel made the catch, but was not able to come down in bounds. On the final play of the game, Harmon was rushed out of the pocket and just missed hitting Thoreson in the NC end zone with a pass that would would have made it a 41-40 game.

The first quarter was filled with scoring. Each team scored touchdowns on three drives in the quarter.

The Falcons scored on their first touchdown on a 2-yard plunge by fullback Joel Yogerst. Yogerst carried the ball twice on the drive for 34 yards. Zweifel, who finished with 11 receptions for 162 yards, had the first catch of what would be a big day for the Pre-Season All-American.

Northwestern answered right back going down the field and scoring on a Zach Tarter 15-yards touchdown pass to Ryan Long. The extra point was no good and the Falcons led, 7-6 with 10:56 to play in the quarter.

River Falls got another big run by Yogerst, this one a 50-yarder, setting the Falcons up at the Eagle 14. Two plays later halfback Greg Klingelhutz took a carry 10-yards to the house giving RF a 14-6 lead with 9:01 to play.

The teams traded possessions before a Harmon fumble at the RF eight gave the Eagles excellent field position. Dan Prusinski would take it from 2-yards out to cut the deficit to one, after Cody Crum added the extra point.

The longest drive of the quarter lasted only 2:53. It ended when Harmon found Zweifel for a 14-yard touchdown putting the Falcons back up by 21-13 with 2:24 to play in still the first quarter.

Tarter hooked up with Kyle Thomforde for 74 yards and a score on the ensuing drive. Ross Potter blocked the extra point. The quarter would end with the Falcons leading, 21-19.

The only score of the second quarter was a 2-yard run by Prusinski. This extra point was good and the Eagles took their first lead at 26-21 with just 1:20 to play in the first half.

The Falcons would take the lead back with 6:15 left in the third quarter when Klingelhutz found the end zone from 2-yards out. Zweifel had two catches on the drive for 32 yards. The quarter would end with the Falcons up 27-26, setting a great final 15 minutes.

Northwestern would come out and take control getting two scores on its first two drives. Rehnee Dennard scored the first on a 3-yard scamper with 12:20 left. Tarter would complete a pass to Jason Rusinkovich to convert a two point play and put his team ahead, 34-27.

River Falls went three and out on its next possession and was forced to punt. Northwestern took over at its 44 yard line and the Falcon defense stopped NC just short of a first down at the UWRF 19.

But on the next play, the Falcons fumbled giving NC the ball at the RF 30 with 8:21 to play. The Eagles took advantage of the turnover when Tarter hit Thomforde with a 27-yard pass for a touchdown with 7:03 to play. Tarter scrambled to his left and hit Thomforde in stride for what proved to be the winning points. The score gave NC a 41-27 lead.

But the Falcons battled back to get to within 41-34. UWRF started its drive and their 20 with 7:03 to play. They went 80 yards in 10 plays and took just 3:12 off the clock. Yogerst scored his second rushing touchdown of the day on a 2-yard run to make it a 41-34 game with 3:51 to play.

NC moved 17 yards in five plays and took 2:55 off the clock before the Falcons got the ball back for their last minute drive that came up just short.

Yogerst led the Falcons in rushing with 96 yards and the two scores. Klingelhutz rushed for 76 yards and two scores. Zweifel's 162 receiving yards was a career high.

Tarter was 14-23 passing for 218 yards and three touchdowns. Thomforde caught seven passes for 160 yards and two scores. Ryan Long led NC with 111 rushing yards.

Linebacker Curtis Johnson led the Falcons with five solo and 12 total tackles. Safety Sam Morken, who had three tackles and a pass break up, returned an interception 25 yards. The Falcons had no sacks and just two tackles for loss.

Andrew Magaard led NC with 13 tackles. The Eagles had three sacks and five tackles for loss. They recovered two Falcon fumbles and intercepted a pass.

The Falcons, now 0-2 overall, will play at Alma College on Saturday with action starting at 1 p.m. (ET).

Falcons Drop High Scoring
Game; Last Second Play Falls Short

Sept. 20, 2008

The Falcon football team lost a 41-34 decision to Northwestern College on Saturday afternoon at Ramer Field after a last second play fell just short of drawing the Falcons to within a point.

Trailing 41-34, the Falcons took control of the ball at their 34 yard line with just 56 second to play. Falcon quarterback Storm Harmon was sacked by NC's Ty Crabree on the first play giving the Falcons a second-and-14. Harmon, who finished 22-33 passing for 264 yards, hit wide receiver Michael Zweifel with an 11-yard gain. On third-and-three at the RF 41, Harmon then hit wide receiver John Bratcher over the middle for four yards and a first down at the UWRF 45. Harmon then hit wide receiver Nate Thoreson with a 6-yard pass to put the ball at the NC 49. RF took a timeout with 26 second on the clock before Harmon hit running back Matt Pollock with another 6-yard gain to give the Falcons a first down at the NC 43.

The Harmon-Zweifel duo connected then on a big play, a 39-yard pitch and catch, down the right sideline to give the Falcons a first down at the NC four. There were seven seconds to play in the game. Harmon then threw a fade route to the right corner of the end zone where Zweifel made the catch, but was not able to come down in bounds. On the final play of the game, Harmon was rushed out of the pocket and just missed hitting Thoreson in the NC end zone with a pass that would would have made it a 41-40 game.