No. 8 University of Wisconsin- Whitewater was unable to keep pace with No. 9 UW-River Falls on Saturday in River Falls, losing 52-14.
The Falcons snatched an early lead and held the Warhawks to just 46 yards on the ground.
Whitewater (6-2 overall, 3-2 WIAC) started with two consecutive three-and-outs, which UW-River Falls capitalized on with touchdowns. The Warhawks were able to march down the field, but missed a field goal to end the first quarter in a 14-point deficit.
Tyler Vasey then caught a 13-yard TD pass from Justin Klinker in the second quarter to close the gap.
However, UW-River Falls responded with a 75-yard TD throw followed by an 85-yard scoring pass. The Falcons added on a field goal right before the end of the half, scoring 17 unanswered to take a 31-7 lead.
Whitewater running back Brian Stanton was able to power through a Falcons defensive back to snag an end zone catch after the break, but the Warhawks offense stalled after.
The Falcons went on to score 21 more points to put the game out of reach.
Darrick Hill led the Warhawks on the ground with 16 yards on three carries. Klinker threw for 193 yards and 2 touchdowns while picking up 13 yards on the ground. Jacques Brooks was Klinker’s main target, catching five passes for 102 yards.
Defensively, Ethan Gallagher led the Warhawks with 10 tackles and Kartsen Libby added eight, three of which were for a loss.
The Warhawks return to Perkins Stadium for their final home game of the regular season on Nov. 8 to face UW-Eau Claire.
