Pioneers host Falcons on Homecoming

The game: The University of Wisconsin-Platteville reaches the halfway point of its 2018 season when the UW-River Falls Falcons roll into town on Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 6.

Celebrate Ag: The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Athletic Department and School of Agriculture are pleased to announce the fourth annual 'Celebrate Agriculture' football game in partnership with Compeer Financial. Compeer Financial is a member-owned, Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. 

The records: The Pioneers bring a 3-1 overall and 1-0 WIAC record into Saturday's game while UW-River Falls is 1-3 and 0-1 in the WIAC. 

The coaches: Mike Emendorfer is UW-Platteville's all-time winningest coach, compiling a 100-96 record in his 20th season. Emendorfer reached the 100 win mark last weekend with the 20-6 triumph over UW-Stevens Point. He has taken the Pioneers to their only two NCAA III playoff berths in school history, in 2013 and 2016. Emendorfer is the WIAC's active leader in victories. Matt Walker is in his eighth year at UW-River Falls, with an overall record of 19-55 and has coached 49 Falcons to All-WIAC honors.

The Pioneers: UW-Platteville comes off a 20-6 victory over UW-Stevens Point.  With the two blocked punts in last Saturday's game, the Pioneers lead the nation in both blocked kicks (8) and blocked punts (4).  The Pioneers also lead the WIAC in Pass offense averaging 289.0 yards per game and total offense averaging 452.8 yards per game.

On offense, quarterback Colin Schuetz leads the WIAC in passing averaging 281.0 yards per game and is 87-160 in passing completions and attempts. Receiver Mark Johnson leads with 23 receptions for 323 yards and Donald Allender sits with 20 receptions on the year for 325 yards. Running back Sean Studer leads the Pioneers with 40 carries and is averaging 74.7 yards per game.

On defense, Ben Mogilevsky leads with 40 tackles along with a forced fumble and interception. Eric Siedenburg owns 35 tackles with Clayton Becker racking up 30 so far this season.  Defensive back Luke Johnson leads the WIAC in passes defended with eight broken up passes and one interception.

The Falcons: UW-River Falls travels to UW-Platteville after falling 14-48 to #10 UW Oshkosh last Saturday.  The Falcons opened the 2018  season with a 41-0 victory over Minnesota-Morris, but have fallen since to Bethel (27-32) and Missouri Baptist (28-38) and UW Oshkosh.

UW-River Falls' freshman Sam Altena leads the WIAC with 72 carries and is averaging 94.5 yards rushing per game. Freshman Antoin Kealoha also leads the WIAC in kick returns with 8 returns for 218 yards.

On defense, junior Max Praschak leads the conference in tackles with 26 solos and 22 assists while senior defensive back Mitch Dienger has banked up 39 and two fumbles forced.

The Next Game: UW-Platteville travels to No. 10 UW Oshkosh next Saturday to take on the 3-1 2017 NCAA Div. III National runner-up at 2 p.m. as the Titans induct their 2018 hall of fame class at Titan Stadium.