Pioneers blow past Blugolds on Senior Day

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Battling rain and 30 mph winds with 50 mph wind gusts, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team pulled ahead after a tied game at halftime to defeat UW-Eau Claire 38-14 on Senior Day at Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium.

The Pioneers (5-4, 4-2) gained the momentum early in the second half thanks to a blocked punt, recovery and return for a touchdown. The defense then stunned the Blugolds (2-7, 1-5) again three plays later as senior Dayne Friday recorded the first of two interceptions on the day to run it back for another touchdown, totaling 14 points all within a one-minute window.

With a 7-7 deadlock at the half and leading 21-14 at the end of the third quarter, UW-Platteville never allowed the Blugolds past their own 42-yard line in the final 15 minutes and banked a 13-yard pass and touchdown, 39-yard run into the endzone and 42-yard field goal to add 17 unanswered points in the final quarter.

The Pioneers held a 303-291 edge in total offense yards with the Blugolds sending 156 yards through the air to UW-Platteville's 154 yards as the teams battle the winds. 

Sophomore Michael Priami was 17-of-31 on the blustery day for 154 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. The quarterback ran in another touchdown as he rushed for 47 yards off five carries with a 20-yard long.

Sophomore Will Lawrence netted 75 yards off 20 carries and a touchdown.

Sophomore Jimmy Durocher had 5 receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Senior Andrew Schweigert was 5-for-5 on PATs and knocked in a 42-yard field goal to stay perfect on the day. The Pioneer also registered four touchbacks on six kickoffs and averaged 35.3 yards off seven punts, placing one inside the 20.

Friday's two interceptions and three pass break-ups highlighted another solid game by the Pioneer defense. Senior Colton Ingram totaled 12 tackles to lead the Pioneers. Senior defensive ends Justin Blazek and Tyler Bacon each recorded three QB hurries.

In all, the Pioneers tallied seven hurries and pass breakups and six tackles for loss of 18 yards.

Harry Roubidoux finished 11-of-33 for 141 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions thrown. Ivan Ruble rushed for 125 yards on 33 attempts. Nick Kudick finished with a game-high 110 receiving yards on eight catches.

Ryan Kuechle led the Blugolds' defense with 12 tackles including one for a loss of seven.

The Pioneers went 88 yards off 18 plays in 7:10 in the first quarter with Priami running one yard in for the touchdown to put the Pioneers on the board first with seconds left in the fist quarter. UW-Eau Claire tied the game 7-7 with a three-yard pass from Roubidoux to Ben Redington with 3:29 remaining in the first half.

Special teams and the defense then teamed up to ignite the Pioneer sideline and dedicated fans early in the second half. A blocked punt by freshman Andrew Bowles at UW-Eau Claire's 31-yard line was recovered by sophomore Ryan Doherty who took it all the way in for a touchdown. The Blugolds took over from their own 25-yard line and three plays later on third and three, Friday intercepted Roubidoux at the UW-Eau Claire 41-yard line and ran it all the way back for a touchdown to jump ahead 21-7 with 10:13 to go in the third quarter.

The Blugolds forced a turnover on downs on fourth and one the next drive, but junior Rece Shelton had a huge stop on fourth and two at the Pioneers' 28-yard line with 1:07 remaining in the third to force another turnover on downs, this time handing possession back to UW-Platteville.

The Pioneers cashed in on Shelton's stop going 69 yards in 11 plays and Priami hit Durocher for a 13-yard touchdown to pull ahead 28-14 with 11:45 left in the game.

UW-Eau Claire went three and out on their next drive and a punt set up UW-Platteville to take over at midfield. The Pioneers only needed two plays, an 11-yard pass from Priami to junior Lucas Petersen and then a 39-yard rush by Lawrence to extend their lead to 35-14 with 9:31 remaining in the game.

Schweigert punched in a 42-yard field goal with 2:28 on the clock for the final 38-14.

Prior to the game, the Pioneers recognize thirteen players and five support staff on Senior Day. Individuals recognized were:

Jack Dietzen

Tristan Jindra

Dayne Friday

Ben Wilson

Tyler Lamer

Tanner Knaak

Lucas Johnson

Austin Dowty

Evan Gates

Bryce Trask

Sawyer Westra

Daquan Nathaniel

Aidan Wallace

Eric Mackey – Student Coach

Jackson Robbert – Student Coach

Alex Steinfest – Manager

Ellie Windl – Filmer

Sydney Byas – Filmer

Next up, the Pioneers will conclude their 2022 schedule at No. 7 UW-La Crosse. Kick off is TBD at Roger Harring Stadium.