Pioneers Get Big Road Win Against Eau Claire
Platteville outscores Blugolds 35-13 in 2nd half in a high-scoring affair, 55-28, at Carson Park in Eau Claire on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers improved to 3-6 on the season (2-4 in the WIAC) while the Blugolds fell to 3-6 (1-5 in the WIAC).
Photo by: Chico La Barbera
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team defeated Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foe University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in a high-scoring affair, 55-28, at Carson Park in Eau Claire on Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers improved to 3-6 on the season (2-4 in the WIAC) while the Blugolds fell to 3-6 (1-5 in the WIAC).
After falling behind 3-0, UW-Platteville put together first quarter drives of 60 and 80 yards each finishing with scores from WRs Austin Guy and Ben Wilson respectively to pull ahead 13-5. Wilson's touchdown came from fellow wide receiver Jimmy Durocher who threw a 13-yard touchdown strike after a reverse handoff from running back Tyler Lamer. By the end of the afternoon, six different Pioneer players would find the endzone.
Guy wasn't done scoring either as a second quarter touchdown, his second of the half, extended the Pioneer lead to 20-5. The Blugolds answered with a 29-yard field goal and a 73-yard rushing touchdown to make it 20-15 at halftime.
Just five plays into the second half the Pioneers quickly scored again thanks to Colin Schuetz and Durocher connecting on a 15-yard touchdown pass. A Schuetz 1-yard run gave the Pioneers a 34-15 advantage with 8:07 remaining in the third quarter. The Blugolds got a touchdown from Ben Redington to make it a 34-21 game at the end of three quarters.
Platteville pulled away early in the fourth. Two rushing touchdowns from Lamer and Schuetz gave the Pioneers a 48-21 lead with 10:19 left. UW- Eau-Claire added another score but it proved to not be enough as the Pioneers secured the win.
Platteville totaled 503 yards of total offense which included 420 yards through the air.
Schuetz threw for 407 yards and four touchdowns, his seventh game of at least 300 yards passing this season. Schuetz also used his legs in the red zone to run for two more touchdowns.
Lamer led the Pioneers with 45 yards on ten carries including a touchdown while Guy led all receivers with 12 catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Durocher had 10 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown, both career highs. Wilson and WR Jacob Remsza each hit paydirt through the air as well.
On the other side of the ball, linebacker Sam Smith and defensive lineman Tyler Bacon led all Pioneers with seven tackles a piece. Smith also forced a Blugold fumble.
Blugolds running back Austin Belot was a bright spot for Eau Claire, rushing for 201 yards.
The Pioneers return home for their final game of the regular season next Saturday, November 13. The program will celebrate Senior Day prior to taking on UW-Stout. Kick off for the Pioneers and Blue Devils is slated for 2 p.m.