University of Wisconsin - Stout

On this page:

Schils team MVP; Eskridge gets teammate award

Wendell EskridgeSteve SchilsMENOMONIE (December 10, 2007) - Linebacker Stephen Schils (Sr, Green Bay/Ashwaubenon) was named the most valuable player of the UW-Stout football team, coach Duey Naatz announced at the team's recent awards program.

Defensive back Wendell Eskridge (Sr, Milwaukee/Custer) was given the WE-US-OURS Teammate Award, an award chosen by the players. The award personifies a player who puts team above self.

Kyle MartinShawn KorthSchils was named the most valuable defensive player. Wide receiver Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall) was given the most valuable offensive player and punter/kicker Kyle Martin (So, Hubertus/Kettle Moraine Lutheran) was given the most valuable special teams player award. The program recognized the the team's 16 seniors.

Schils was a second team all-WIAC pick and put up impressive numbers this year as one of Stout’s linebackers, earning him a spot on the second team defense for the third consecutive year. Schils led the WIAC in interceptions with six, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His 84 tackles put him in sixth place and his 11.5 tackles for a loss ranked him fifth in the league. Schils also added two sacks, two pass break-ups, one fumble recovery and a blocked kick.

Eskridge earned first team all-WIAC defensive honors as a defensive back and was picked to play in the Aztec Bowl, a team made up of NCAA Division III players. The all-star team, which defeated a Mexican all-star team, 37-19, selected Eskridge as a team captain and also as a starter. While playing cornerback for the Blue Devils, he led the team in passes broken up with seven, and his three interceptions trailed only Schils’ total of six. Eskridge’s 10 total passes defended put him one back of the conference lead. As a kick returner, Eskridge returned 14 kickoffs for 287 yards, averaging 20.5 yards per return. Eskridge was a third team d3football.com all-west region pick.

Korth was a first team all-conference pick as a return specialist, but also excelled this season at the wide receiver position by leading the Blue Devils in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Korth’s kick return average of 20.6 yards per return ranked third in the WIAC. As a receiver, Korth ranked third in yards per game with 70.4 per contest and his 4.4 receptions per game put him in ninth among all WIAC receivers. Korth finished with three touchdowns.

Martin was a key cog in the Blue Devils' special teams, pinning opponents inside the 20 yard line on punts 19 times. Martin punted 58 times for an average of 38.4 yards per punt. Of the 58 punts, only 15 were returned for an average of 7.9 yards per return. Martin was the team's second leading scorer, finishing with 36 points. He made four field goals and all 24 of his extra point attempts.

Seniors honored were Schils, Korth, Eskridge, wide receiver Ryan Stanton (Janesville/Parker), quarterback Tanner Kattre (Abbotsford), linebacker Andrew Reidinger (Green Bay/Preble), fullback Tony Otto (Chetek), defensive lineman Kevin Stenson (Burlington), offensive lineman Jacob Haag (Maribel/Mishicot), offensive lineman Jamie Hinker (Greenwood), offensive lineman Marko Obrovac (Green Bay/Preble), wide receiver Dustin Lehman (Clintonville), tight end Chase Unbehaun (Chetek), defensive lineman Grant Daigle (Tomahawk) and defensive lineman Matt Kuenzli (Lakeville, Minn).

Wendell Eskridge third team all-region

Also online:

MENOMONIE (December 8, 2007) - UW-Stout defensive back Wendell Eskridge (Sr, Milwaukee) was named to the d3football.com All-West Region third team.

Eskridge earned first team all-WIAC defensive honors as a defensive back. While playing cornerback for the Blue Devils, he led the team in passes broken up with seven, and his three interceptions trailed only Stephen Schils’ total of six. Eskridge’s 10 total passes defended put him one back of the conference lead. As a kick returner, Eskridge returned 14 kickoffs for 287 yards, averaging 20.5 yards per return.

Eskridge also participated in the Aztec Bowl, Saturday, in Chihuahua, Mexico, where he was a team captain and starter.

The USA team defeated Mexico, 37-19, and Eskridge had five tackles, four solo.

Wendell Eskridge captain, to start in Aztec Bowl

Also online:

CHIHUAHUA, Mexico (December 7, 2007) - UW-Stout defensive back Wendell Eskridge (Sr, Milwaukee) was named as a team captain and as a starter in the Aztec Bowl, Blue Devil defensive coordinator Clayt Birmingham reported from the site of the game, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 8.

The Aztec Bowl pits a Division III all-star team against the Mexican National Team. Both the starting line-ups and the team captains were selected by a blind draw.

"It's quite an honor," Eskridge said, "even though it was luck of the draw. It's an awesome feeling and I am excited to walk out there for the coin toss."

Birmingham, who will be the American team's defensive coordinator, reports from Chihuahua, Mexico:

Wendell Eskridge and Clayt Birmingham"Hello from Mexico,

"Things in Mexico are still going great.  We have been here for four days now and yesterday was our last two-a-day practice.  We had one practice this morning and then the head coach gave the entire team off this afternoon to tour the city of Chihuahua.  (yes, just like the dog). 

"We will have a walk through practice tomorrow and then play in the 11th annual Aztec Bowl on Saturday at 5pm.  The game will not be televised, but you can listen to the game on the web at www.aztecbowl.com .  I have been coordinating the defense and will call the game on defense.  Obviously by only having the players for a week, we are going to keep things simple and rotate personnel a lot.  It should be fun.  We have a great bunch of young men who have gelled very quickly.

"I attached a picture of Wendell Eskridge (our player from UW Stout) and myself.  He is doing a great job down here along with Kasey Morgan (UW Stevens Point).  These two are the only ones selected from the WIAC.  In fact, both will start the game on Saturday due to luck of the draw.  Being that they are all great players, we made it fair and drew names to select the starters.  This was the players idea.

"AFCA along with USA Football have been doing a great job of doing everything first class.  From the nice hotel right downtown, to the meals, practice fields, etc, etc....  Everything has gone well and is done with class."

Coach Birmingham to join Eskridge at Aztec Bowl

Also online:

MENOMONIE (November 28, 2007) - Wisconsin-Stout defensive coordinator Clayt Birmingham will join Blue Devil defensive back Wendell Eskridge (Sr, Milwaukee) at the 2007 Aztec Bowl. The Aztec Bowl pits a Division III all-star team against the Mexican National Team. The coaching staff and team is selected by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the game will be Saturday, Dec. 8 in Chihuahua, Mexico.
 
Clayt BirminghamWendell EskridgeBirmingham, who is in his first year as defensive coordinator at Stout, will be joined on the coaching staff by current and former Division III coaches J.R. Bishop (Wheaton), Wally Hood (Otterbein), Nick Mourouzis (DePauw), and Wayne Perry (Hanover), U.S. Head Coach Bill Manlove announced recently.
 
Manlove is making his second head coaching appearance in the Aztec Bowl. One of the winningest coaches in college football history, Manlove served as an assistant coach on the U.S. staff in the 2002, 2003 and 2004 Aztec Bowls. In 32 years at Widener, Delaware Valley and La Salle, Manlove compiled a 212-110-1 record, including an impressive 182-53-1 record at Widener.
 
Birmingham is making his first coaching appearance in the Aztec Bowl. He completed his first season as defensive coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2007. Earlier this year he was a member of the coaching staff that led the United States to the gold medal at the 2007 World Championship of American Football in Kawasaki, Japan. Birmingham is the first Stout coach to coach at the Aztec Bowl.

Bishop is making his fifth coaching appearance in the Aztec Bowl. He served as an assistant coach on the first U.S. team in 1997 in Toluca and returned to the staff in 2004. He spent 23 seasons at Wheaton from 1982-2004, the last nine as associate head coach and offensive coordinator. As Wheaton’s head coach from 1982-95, Bishop guided the program to a record of 84-43-1. Wheaton had won just five games in the three years before his arrival.
 
Hood is making his fourth coaching appearance in the Aztec Bowl. In 24 seasons at Ohio Northern, Otterbein and Fairmont State, Hood compiled a 112-112-8 record. He earned Ohio Athletic Conference co-Coach of the Year honors in 1982 at Ohio Northern when he led the Polar Bears to a divisional championship.
 
Mourouzis is making his third coaching appearance in the Aztec Bowl. In 23 seasons at DePauw, Mourouzis compiled a 137-87-4 record. He is the winningest coach in school history. The Miami (Ohio) graduate was inducted into the school’s “Cradle of Coaches” in 2003, joining legendary coaches Woody Hayes, Paul Brown and Ara Parseghian among others.
 
Perry is making his first coaching appearance in the Aztec Bowl. He retired at the end of the 2007 season after 26 seasons at Hanover College. He ended his career as the winningest coach in Indiana college football history with a record of 176-97-2. He led the Panthers to eight conference titles, nine NCAA/NAIA playoff appearances and four 10-win seasons.

Click here for more information about the Aztec Bowl.
 

Wendell Eskridge tabbed to play in Aztec Bowl

Also online:

MENOMONIE (November 15, 2007) - Wisconsin-Stout defensive back Wendell Eskridge (Sr, Milwaukee) has been selected to play for the American Football Coaches Association’s (AFCA) Division III all-star team that will represent the United States against the Mexican National Team in the 2007 Aztec Bowl on December 8 in Chihuahua, Mexico.
 
Wendell EskridgeEskridge, a senior from Milwaukee, finished 2007 with 47 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass break-ups. Eskridge, a first team all-WIAC selection, also averaged 20.5 yards per kickoff return for the Blue Devils.
 
Eskridge is one of 50 NCAA Division III seniors from around the country who will make up this year’s team. Former Widener, Delaware Valley and LaSalle Head Coach Bill Manlove will coach this year’s team.
 
Event Information: This year’s game is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. CST on December 8 at Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Chihuahua.
 
The Aztec Bowl is the traditional season-ending game for Mexico’s college football season. The game has been played 36 times since 1947 with the last 10 contests featuring the United States-Mexico match-up. The United States is 9-1 in the series and defeated Mexico, 28-7, in the 2006 game in Aguascalientes.
 
USA Football Teams With AFCA: USA Football, the sport’s national governing body leading its development on a grassroots level, will team with the American Football Coaches Association for the first time to co-sponsor the United States Division III National Team at the Aztec Bowl.
 
USA Football’s involvement is part of its broader international program that includes organizing the first U.S. senior national team in the sport of football earlier this year. That team captured the gold medal at the 2007 World Championship of American Football in Kawasaki, Japan. Five members of the 2006 Aztec Bowl squad were members of that team.

Korth, Eskridge lead 12 Blue Devils to All-WIAC team

Also online:

MENOMONIE (November 14, 2007) - Twelve Blue Devil players were selected to the 2007 All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) football team for their outstanding performance over the past season, including return specialist and wide receiver Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall) and defensive back Wendell Eskridge (Sr, Milwaukee/Custer), who earned first team honors.

Wendell EskridgeShawn KorthKorth made the first team as a return specialist, but also excelled this season at the wide receiver position by leading the Blue Devils in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Korth’s kick return average of 20.6 yards per return ranked third in the WIAC. As a receiver, Korth ranked third in yards per game with 70.4 per contest and his 4.4 receptions per game put him in ninth among all WIAC receivers. Korth finished with three touchdowns.

Eskridge earned first team defensive honors as a defensive back. While playing cornerback for the Blue Devils, he led the team in passes broken up with seven, and his three interceptions trailed only Stephen Schils’ total of six. Eskridge’s 10 total passes defended put him one back of the conference lead. As a kick returner, Eskridge returned 14 kickoffs for 287 yards, averaging 20.5 yards per return.

Second team honors went to offensive lineman Marko Obrovac (Sr, Green Bay/Preble), quarterback Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford), linebacker Stephen Schils (Sr, Green Bay/Ashwaubenon), and defensive linemen Scott Riha (Jr, Green Bay/Bay Port) and Grant Daigle (Sr, Tomahawk).

Kattre earned second-team offense as an all-purpose player. Kattre’s passing numbers were not spectacular, throwing five touchdowns to his nine interceptions, while earning a pass efficiency of 105.43. His rushing numbers and receiving numbers were much better. Kattre ranked ninth in the conference in rushing yards per game, good for second among quarterbacks and his six rushing scores were better than anyone else at his position. Also, Kattre consistently played receiver for the Blue Devils, a task asked of very few starting quarterbacks. He ended the season with 10 receptions for 70 yards.

Obrovac also earned second team offensive honors for protecting quarterbacks Kattre and Kyle Provos and his outstanding run blocking. Obrovac played tackle on an offensive line unit that allowed only 22 sacks all season, joining La Crosse and Eau Claire for second best in the conference.

Schils put up impressive numbers this year as one of Stout’s linebackers, earning him a spot on the second team defense for the third consecutive year. Schils led the WIAC in interceptions with six, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His 84 tackles put him in sixth place and his 11.5 tackles for a loss ranked him fifth in the league. Schils also added two sacks, two pass break-ups, one fumble recovery and a blocked kick.

Riha and Daigle each earned second team defensive honors by anchoring the defensive line. Both were key components of the Blue Devils’ extremely solid run defense, which ranked second in the WIAC. Riha tied Greg Towner for the team lead in sacks with 4.5, while also adding seven tackles for a loss. Daigle recorded five tackles for a loss and one sack.

Tight end Chase Unbehaun (Sr, Chetek), running back Andy Reese (Sr, Lodi), linebacker Kyle Seiler (Jr, Rockford, Minn) and Jake Pomputis (Jr, Owen/Owen-Withee) all earned honorable mention honors.

Unbehaun caught 13 balls for 164 yards and a touchdown this season while Reese ran for 437 yards on 124 carries for five touchdowns in only seven games.

Seiler was all over the field this season, recording 90 tackles, good for fifth in the conference, and his 12 tackles for a loss put him in a tie for third best in the WIAC. Pomputis recorded 74 tackles, two picks and two pass break-ups.

Marshall Lehman (Jr, Edgar) was selected to the all-sportsmanship team. The team was selected for individuals that displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the season. It included one member from each school as selected by that school. Lehman recorded an interception and a forced fumble to go with his 69 total tackles this year.

The Blue Devils team ended their season with a 4-6 overall record. Their 3-4 record in conference play earned them a sixth place finish in the WIAC.

Stout wraps up season with loss at Eau Claire

Also online:

EAU CLAIRE (November 10, 2007) - UW-Eau Claire scored a touchdown with 1-minute, 24-seconds remaining in the game and defeated UW-Stout, 17-14, Saturday in the season finale at Carson Park.

While the Blue Devils (4-6, 3-4) lost the game, they may have seen a glimpse of the future as Kyle Provos (So, Brooklyn Center, Minn) took over at quarterback for an injured Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) early in the game, getting his most snaps of the snaps. Provos responded by completing 22-of-33 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns.

Provos spread the ball around, completing passes to nine different receivers, but none played as big a part as Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall). The senior captain hauled in a career-best 11 passes for 150 yards and a score.

The Blugolds (8-2, 5-2) got a big day from their quarterback as well, converted punter Mitch Schaeuble who completed 18-of-33 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown. Blugolds' receiver Tony Hull snagged 12 catches for 213 yards and a score.

And it was the Schaeuble-to-Hull connection that put Eau Claire on the board first with a 40-yard connection at 7:52 in the first quarter.

Stout knotted the score in the second quarter on a 75-yard drive in 12 plays when Provos found a wide open Korth in the end zone. It was Korth's third touchdown in three games.

Stout took the lead in the third quarter after linebacker Stephen Schils (Sr, Green Bay) got his conference-leading sixth interception of the season, picking off Schaeuble at the Stout 48.

Provos led Stout on 10 play, 52-yard drive, capping it off with a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Chase Unbehaun (Sr, Chetek) to take a 14-7 lead at 8:27 in the third quarter. Kyle Martin (So, Hubertus) booted the extra point. Martin was perfect in extra points on the season, making all 24 chances.

The Blugolds pulled to within four points on a 27-yard field goal at the 4:25 mark of the third period.

Neither team really got anything going until late in the fourth quarter. The Blugolds missed a field goal and Stout turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing series.

Eau Claire got the winning score with 1:24 remaining when Cory Sartorelli ran in from the two-yard line, finishing off a three minute, 10-play, 54-yard drive.

Stout got as close as midfield and had a pass intercepted on the Eau Claire 27 with about 30 seconds remaining, and the Blugolds ran out the clock.

The name of this game turned out to be passing with Provos and Schaeuble slinging the ball. Stout finished with 264 yards in the air, while Eau Claire rolled up 283 passing yards.

The rushing game was way in the background, as Stout tallied 70 yards and the Blugolds 69 total rushing yards. Sartorelli led the way with 74 rushing yards on 25 carries for Eau Claire. Stout's Ron Fricke (So, Monticello) came off the bench for an injured Andy Reese (Sr, Lodi) to lead the Blue Devils with 41 yards on 15 carries. Reese was limited to 17 yards on eight totes.

Kyle Seiler (Jr, Rockford, Minn) had 10 tackles for Stout, six solo, and Schils wrapped up his Stout career with nine tackles, four solo, and two tackles for loss. The Blugolds' Sam Cummings had 14 tackles, seven solo.

Blue Devils wrap up season at Eau Claire

Also online:

MENOMONIE (November 5, 2007) - UW-Stout (4-5, 3-3) will close out the regular season when they make that short travel to Carson Park to take on UW-Eau Claire (7-2, 4-2) in Eau Claire, Saturday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. With UW-Whitewater's 26-10 win over Stout last week, the Warhawks clinched the WIAC title outright, but that doesn't mean this game is meaningless. With a win, the Blugolds would still have a chance at an NCAA Division III at-large playoff berth. And, of course, there is the I-94 rivalry that goes with the two schools being only 25 miles apart.

LAST TIME OUT: UW-Stout: With a glance at the stats and the score, it may not look like the Blue Devils held UW-Whitewater in check, but coach Duey Naatz and staff can take some comfort away from the 26-10 loss. The Blue Devils denied the Warhawks the end zone several times, including once from their own 1-yard line when they stuffed All-American running back Justin Beaver on fourth down. The Blue Devil defense limited the Warhawks high powered offense to two touchdowns and four field goals. Stout's offense turned the ball over six times, four on fumbles, twice on interceptions, and could never quite get going after Tanner Kattre's 11-yard touchdown pass to Shawn Korth in the first quarter.

LAST TIME OUT: UW-Eau Claire: The Blugolds' Tom Dohr returned a blocked punt 32-yards for a touchdown, then, on the next drive, Kyle Meulemans returned an interception 35 yards for a score as the Eau Claire defense put away UW-Stevens Point, 28-7, in Stevens Point. The Blugold defense, which the week before against UW-Platteville had two scores, forced five turnovers. Eau Claire's offense coughed the ball up four times, but produced scores on Mitch Schaeuble's 20-yard touchdown pass to Tony Hull in the first quarter and Matt Olson's short run in the second quarter. The Pointers cut the lead in half with a touchdown in the third quarter before the Blugold defense kicked into gear.

LAST TIME THEY MET: The Blue Devils picked up their only conference win last season with a 14-6 win over the Blugolds, Oct. 14, 2006, at Williams Stadium. With Stout leading 7-6 with two minutes left in the game, Ryan Englebert scored from yard out for the final score. In the 15-play, 65-yard, six-minute drive, Englebert carried the ball 10 times for 40 yards. Stout got on the board first with a one-yard run by Tanner Kattre early in the game. The Blugolds' special team got Eau Claire's only touchdown of the game when Zach Paul returned a blocked punt 37 yards to the end zone. The two-point attempt failed. Englebert tallied the majority of Stout's yardage, gaining 134 yards on the ground as the Blue Devils finished with 261 total yards, 230 by rush. Eau Claire finished with 259 total yards, 168 on the ground with Edward Kaiser getting 104 yards.

Whitewater gets past Blue Devils

Also online:

MENOMONIE (November 3, 2007) - A couple of big plays by UW-Whitewater in the first half, an workman's day by an All-American running back and several turnovers by UW-Stout spelled the difference as the Warhawks defeated Stout, 26-10, to win their third consecutive WIAC title.

After the Warhawks took a 3-0 lead on a Jeff Schebler field goal, All-American running back Justin Beaver broke loose down the home sideline for a 63-yard touchdown scamper with four minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Stout (4-5, 3-3) answered right back as Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) threw five passes, two to Calvin White (Fr, Benton Harbor, Mich), one to Eric Cieslak (So, Rochester, Minn) and two to Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall), including an 11 yard touchdown strike to a leaping Korth and Stout trailed 10-7.

The Warhawks (8-1, 6-0) came back when Danny Jones found Aaron Rusch for a 57 yard pass to the Stout 19. Three plays later Jones hooked up with Rusch again, this time for a 16-yard touchdown pass and the Warhawks led, 17-7, just four seconds into the second quarter.

That would be the last of the touchdowns for the game, as Stout scored a field goal in the second quarter and Schebler added one field goal in each of the last three quarters, giving himself four on the day, and the game ended 26-10.

Beaver carried the workload for Whitewater all day long, collecting personal season highs in carries with 44, and rushing yards with 194 to go along with his touchdown run. "He's a great player and a great kid," head coach Duey Naatz said of Beaver, "In the history of this league, there's never been a better [running back]."

The Blue Devils' offense struggled to find a rhythm all game as they fumbled the ball away four times and threw two interceptions. Stout's offense was out-gained 429 to 198, losing the rushing yards battle 301 to 43.

Kattre and backup quarterback Kyle Provos (So, Brooklyn Center, Minn) combined to complete only 15 passes on 44 attempts, scoring one touchdown and throwing two interceptions. Running back Andy Reese (Sr, Lodi) ran for a mere 27 yards on seven attempts.

On the defensive side of the ball, Stout was led by linebacker Stephen Schils (Sr, Green Bay), who tallied a game-high 20 tackles, eight solo, one tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery.

Stout's loss today put them out of contention for post-season play, so they will wrap up their season next Saturday, Nov. 10, when they travel to Eau Claire to play the Blugolds.

 

Tony Otto receives Burger King academic award

Tony OttoMENOMONIE (November 3, 2007) - UW-Stout senior running back Tony Otto (Sr, Chetek) was awarded the Burger King/Warren Bowlus Academic Achievement Award during halftime of the UW-Stout/UW-Whitewater football game Saturday, Nov. 3.

Otto, a four-year player for the Blue Devils, is a business administration major with an emphasis in information technology information and holds a 3.67 grade point average. Otto has six times received the Chancellor's Award for Academic Excellence and has been named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll.

A team captain, Otto has been involved in a local reading program at one of the area elementary schools, has been involved in the athletic department food drive and campus clean-up programs.

Gene Hatfield, of the Menomonie Burger King, presented the $500 award, which will be presented to the UW-Stout Foundation in Otto's name, to Otto and his parents.

Otto is the son of Chris Fruth and Pete Otto.

Blue Devils still in conference race

Also online:

MENOMONIE (October 28, 2007) - While UW-Whitewater (7-1, 5-0) has clinched at least a share of the WIAC title, UW-Stout (4-4, 3-2) is one of two teams that can wrest the NCAA Division III automatic bid away from the Warhawks. Many things have to happen for Stout to take their second conference title since 2000. First, they must beat the Warhawks, Saturday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. at Don & Nona Williams Stadium. Then, the following week, the Blue Devils must defeat UW-Eau Claire, Whitewater must lose to visiting UW-Platteville and Stevens Point must lose one of their remaining games. The Warhawks, the two-time NCAA Division III runner-up, has run roughshod through the WIAC this year, either coming from behind for a devastating win, or simply devastating their opponents throughout the game. In conference games only, Whitewater has outscored their opponents by an average of 31-14. Whitewater's only close conference game came against UW-La Crosse, 35-28, when the Warhawks came back from a 28-10 deficit in the third quarter to score 25 fourth quarter points for the win. Stout is currently tied with UW-Stevens Point and Eau Claire for second place, but both teams have been beaten by Whitewater. A win by Whitewater in either of their last two games gives them the title outright. In a three-way tie between Stout, Whitewater and Stevens Point, the Pointers will receive the bid.

The Blue Devils are coming off a 31-28 win of their own over UW-La Crosse, as Stout got their first road win of the year - and their first since early in the 2006 season. Stout built up a 31-7 lead at La Crosse, but the Eagles stormed back for 21 fourth quarter points, then watched a potential game-tying field goal fall short with sixth-tenths of a second showing on the clock.

The Warhawks were No. 3 in most polls, but will most certainly move to No. 2 this week as they demolished then No. 2 Mary Hardin-Baylor, 44-14, at Perkins Stadium Saturday. Whitewater used twenty-four points generated by turnovers to cruise to the win. Offenses never really got moving in this game as Whitewater finished with 247 total yards, and Mary Hardin-Baylor, 275 total yards.

Whitewater scored 28 second quarter points and sent Stout packing out of Perkins Stadium with a 49-0 licking, Nov. 4, 2006. The Warhawks rolled up 477 yards of total offense to Stout's 107 total yards. Whitewater scored in every quarter.

Blue Devils hang on to get road win at La Crosse

Also online:

LA CROSSE (October 27, 2007) - UW-Stout ran out to a 31-7 lead, but had to hang on to their seats as they recorded a 31-28 win over UW-La Crosse Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Stout (4-4, 3-2) had not won a road game all season and it looked like the Blue Devils had punched their ticket when they scored 24 third quarter points for the 31-7 lead.

But the Eagles (3-4, 1-4), who have experienced roller coaster wins and, mostly, losses all season, scored 21 points in the fourth quarter after their number one quarterback left the game.

The game came down to the final play of the game with six-tenths of a second left when a Dylan Rude 47 yard field goal attempt to send the game into overtime came up short, and Stout had their first road win of the season.

Stout scored first, using an 11-play, 80 yard drive, with quarterback Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) getting the one-yard touchdown run at 6:04 in the second quarter. The Eagles tied the game when starting quarterback Griffin Moe used three passes and a Stout pass interference penalty to set up a 12-yard TD toss to Ted Everson with a minute left in the half.

The second half turned out to be real interesting as the Blue Devils scored three touchdowns in less than four minutes, all three in only one play each.

After the Stout defense held La Crosse on a three-and-out, Kattre connected with Stout's leading receiver, Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall), for a 45-yard touchdown pass on first down. It was Korth's first touchdown of the year.

The Blue Devils took advantage of a fumble forced by Andy Towner (Jr, Onalaska) and recovered by Arinze Ikemefuna (Jr, Bell Canyon, Calif) at the Stout 39. One play later, Kattre connected with Calvin White (Fr, Benton Harbor, Mich) for a 61-yard touchdown pass play.

On La Crosse's next series, Stephen Schils (Sr, Green Bay) stepped in front of a Moe pass and returned it 25 yards for the score, marking his fifth interception of the season, and Stout led 28-7.

Kyle Martin (So, Hubertus) added a 27-yard field goal with a minute left in the period.

Then it would be La Crosse's turn as Alex Seguin replaced Moe and promptly led the Eagles on 90-yard drive, capped off by a 23-yard touchdown pass to Jason Wagner less than two minutes into the fourth quarter. The Eagles scored on their next drive after recovering a Stout fumble on the Blue Devil 28. Dan Hall ran in from the four yard line. The two-point conversion failed, and Stout's lead was cut to 31-20 with 11:14 left in the game.

The Eagles came knocking on the door on their next series as the Eagles completed a 49 yard drive. Hall carried from the four yard line of first-and-goal, but the ball was popped loose, only to be recovered in the end zone by tight end Brian Edminston.

After the Blue Devils couldn't get much going and forced to punt, the Eagles got as far as the Stout 24 before the Stout defense stiffened and held. Stout got as far as their own 30 and Martin punted to the La Crosse 35 with a minute left. A Seguin to Wagner 25 pass went to the Stout 30 and that was followed by an incomplete pass, bringing on the field goal team from the 30 and the attempt went short.

The Eagles racked up 489 yards of offense, with 429 yards coming on the pass. Moe completed 71-of-30 passes for 246 yards and a score, while Seguin completed 15-of-23 passes for 183 yards. Each had a touchdown as the Eagles completed 32-of-53 passes. Wagner had 14 catches for 200 yards, while Everson grabbed 11 passes for 135 yards.

The Blue Devils finished with 368 total yards, 267 coming by the pass. Kattre completed 12-of-17 passes for 249 yards and two TDs. Kyle Provos (So, Brooklyn Center, Minn) was 2-of-4 for 18 yards. Korth had four receptions for 83 yards.

Defensively, Jake Pomputis (Jr, Owen) led the way for the Blue Devils with 12 tackles, 10 solo, and a 40-yard interception return.

The win kept Stout in the title race. Stout will host UW-Whitewater, which is undefeated in conference play, Saturday, Nov. 3 at 1 p.m.

 

Blue Devils to meet - What? - last place Eagles

Also online:

MENOMONIE (October 21, 2007) - UW-Stout's (3-4, 2-2) next opponent, UW-La Crosse (3-3, 1-3), find themselves in a very unusual situation. After picking up their first (yes, that is their first) conference win of the season after four conference games, the Eagles find themselves in the cellar of the WIAC along with UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville and UW-River Falls. The Eagles were there all by themselves until they blanked Oshkosh, 24-0, Saturday. The Blue Devils finally got the big break they were looking for when a 52-yard, last minute field goal somehow made it through the uprights for a 28-27 win over River Falls. Stout will be at Roger Harring Stadium at Veteran's Memorial Field, Saturday, Oct. 27 for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

Brandon Raciborski kicked a 52-yard field goal with 45 seconds remaining to play to give Stout a 28-27 homecoming win over UW-River Falls, Oct. 20, at Don & Nona Williams Stadium. The Blue Devils' Andy Reese scored three touchdowns on the day and finished with 100 yards rushing.

The Eagles broke a rare three game conference losing streak to blank UW-Oshkosh, 24-0, Saturday at La Crosse. Moe Griffin threw three touchdown passes to key the win. The La Crosse defense held Oshkosh to no first downs and minus one yard of total offense in the second half as the Eagles recorded their first shuout of the Titans since 1995.

Last season, La Crosse scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to break a 7-7 halftime tie, then went to tag on nine more points before Stout got a final score as the Eagles won, 30-14, on Oct. 28, 2006, in Menomonie. Both teams got on the board in the second quarter on big plays. Ted Everson gave the Eagles a 7-0 lead on a 40-yard touchdown reception. Stout tied the score when Ryan Englebert took a pass from Tanner Kattre and went 43 yards to paydirt. Stout was limited to 205 total yards on the day, while the Eagles rolled up 351 yards. Everson had five catches for 120 yards.

Raciborski, Reese receive WIAC honors

Brandon RaciborskiAndy ReeseMENOMONIE (October 23, 2007) - UW-Stout running back Andy Reese (Sr, Lodi) and placekicker Brandon Raciborski (Jr, Eau Claire/Memorial) were named players of the week by the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) after their part in the Blue Devils' 28-27 win over UW-River Falls Saturday.

Reese scored three touchdowns in UW-Stout’s 28-27 win over UW-River Falls on Oct. 20.  He had touchdown runs of 20-, 3- and 2-yards.   Reese had a game-high 100 rushing yards on 26 carries with a long of 20 yards on the touchdown run in the first quarter that gave the Blue Devils a 6-0 advantage.

Raciborski kicked a 52-yard field goal with 45 seconds remaining to lift UW-Stout to a 28-27 win over UW-River Falls on Oct. 20.  His kick hit the left upright and fell between the goalposts.  It was Raciborski’s first field goal of the year and the third-longest kick in WIAC history and second-longest in Blue Devil archives.

Raciborski's field goal lifts Stout to win

Also online:

MENOMONIE (October 20, 2007) - The clank heard 'round Don & Nona Williams Stadium on Homecoming 2007 was Brandon Raciborski's (Jr, Eau Claire) 52-yard field goal attempt hitting the left upright and falling through the goal posts to give UW-Stout a 28-27 win over UW-River Falls Saturday.

In a wild fourth quarter, Stout (3-4, 2-2) took a 25-21 lead after they put together a 13 play, 79 yard drive, capped off by Andy Reese's (Sr, Lodi) two-yard run at the 11:46 mark of the final stanza.

The Falcons (2-5, 1-3) took the lead back just a bit more than a minute later when they marched 80 yards in four plays, keyed by a 71 yard Storm Harmon to Nate Thoreson pass play to the Blue Devil five yard line. Two plays later Matt Pollock ran in for the score to put River Falls up, 27-25.

Stout had a chance to take the lead on the next drive, but a 37 yard field goal went wide. The Blue Devil defense forced a three-and-out and Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall) returned the punt to the Stout 42. A Korth eight yard rush to the 50, a Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) eight yard pass to Dan Lytle (Jr, Darien) to the River Falls 42, a Kattre run to the 35 and two plays for no gain brought Raciborski out on fourth and three with the ball at the 35.

The snap from Mike Bryan (So, Rochester, Minn) was on target, the hold was Kattre was flawless and the kick by Raciborski looked to be sailing wide left before it hit the goal post about two-thirds up and slid through the posts.

The game-winning field goal overshadowed another good performance by Reese, who ran for three touchdowns and gained 100 yards on 26 carries. Reese had touchdown runs of 20-, 3-, and 2-yards. His 20 yard jaunt at 6:03 in the first put Stout up 6-0 and Kattre ran in for the two-point conversion to give Stout an 8-0 lead.

The Falcons took the lead on a 1-yard run by quarterback Harmon with 1:39 left in the first quarter and their 2-point conversion attempt failed. The Blue Devils fumbled the ball away deep in their own territory on the next drive and River Falls capitalized three plays later on a 22-yard pass from Harmon to Ryan Hansen and River Falls led, 13-8.

A 39-yard field goal by Kyle Martin (So, Hubertus) with 11:41 on the second quarter clock pulled Stout to within 13-11. After stopping the Falcons, Stout used a 22-yard run by Kattre and a 36-yard run by Korth to set up Reese's three-yard rumble for an 18-13 lead heading into halftime.

The Blue Devils offense stalled in the third quarter and River Falls took advantage after Ryan Agrimson picked off Kattre and returned the ball to the Stout four. One play later, Pollock scored his first TD of the game, this one coming midway through the third. A two-point conversion later, and River Falls led 21-18. Stout took the lead early in the fourth when Reese ran for his third TD of the day to begin the wild fourth quarter.

Stout tallied 420 yards of total offense to 320 for the Falcons. Kattre rushed for 85 yards,.completed 14-of-26 passes for 153 yards and caught two passes for 28 yards. Korth caught five pases for 61 yards and rushed for 44.

For the Falcons, Harmon completed 17-of-27 passes for 235 yards and a score. Michael Zweifel had six catches for 73 yards. Nathan Anderson led the Falcons' ground game with 89 yards on 27 totes.

Defensively, the Falcons' Bruce Baillargeon finished with 25 tackles, eight solo. Joe Simonson and Agrimson each had an interception. Jake Pomputis (Jr, Owen) led Stout with 12 tackles, four solo. Stephen Schils (Sr, Green Bay) had an interception, six tackles and was in on one sack.

Stout will be at UW-La Crosse, Saturday, Oct. 27.

Blue Devils to host airborne Falcons for homecoming

Also online:

MENOMONIE (October 16, 2007) - UW-Stout (2-4, 1-2) and UW-River Falls (2-4, 1-2) come into this week's game with identical records for a UW-Stout homecoming contest, Saturday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. at Don & Nona Williams Stadium. This Falcon team is not the same team that fomer River Falls head coach Mike Farley or even present head coach John O'Grady has coached in the not too distant past. The Falcons have put the long-time wishbone offense on ice. Led by quarterback Storm Harmon, the Falcons have been getting more than half of their offense by the pass (1426), rather than the run (964).

UW-Stevens Point's Ryan Graboski made four fiield goals, including the game-winning 30-yard boot with 22 seconds remaining in the game to keep the Pointers undefeated with a 26-23 win at Stevens Point Saturday. Stout held a 16-9 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but the Pointers took a 23-16 lead with two TDs. Stout tied the game with just over two minutes remaining when Kyle Provos uncorked a 45-yard pass to Eric Cieslak. The Pointers' Kasey Morgan returned the ensuing kickoff 58 yards to the Stout 28 to set up Graboski's game-winning field goal.

Storm Harmon's 20-yard TD run capped a 21-point scoring spree that lifted UW-River Falls to a 27-20 win over UW-Eau Claire Saturday at River Falls. River Falls led 21-7 before Eau Claire scored on two Mitch Schaeuble passes, a 63-yarder to Chriss Hull and 24-yarder to Spencer Kehoe. Shane Hanson blocked the extra point attempt on the Blugolds' final TD, keeping the Falcons ahead, 21-20. The Falcons' Michael Zweifel wrapped things up when he returned the ensuing on-side kick 41 yards to score with 1:27 left to play.

Last season, the Falcons scored 17 points in the fourth quarter in a come-from-behind 24-20 win at River falls, Oct. 21, 2006. Jeremy Wolff scored twice in the final 10 minutes of the game and Spasdmir Bordurski tacked on a 35-yard field goal. Stout took the early lead. After Ryan Englebert ran for a 39 yard gain on the first play from scrimmage, Stout quarterback Tanner Kattre scored on a 24 yard run only two minutes into the game as the Blue Devils used five plays on an 80-yard drive. Stout's Brandon Raciborski kicked two field goals in the second quarter and the Facons Beau DeBruin scored a TD aand Stout took a 13-7 lead into the locker room. Stout ballooned the lead to 20-7 when Kattre found Jesse Wendt for a 26 yard pass play late in the third quarter.

Schils earns WIAC player of week honors

MENOMONIE (October 16, 2007) - UW-Stout linebacher Stephen Schils (Sr, Green Bay/Ashwaubenon) was named the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) defensive player of the week after his performance in Saturday's game with UW-Stevens Point.

Stephen SchilsSchils had two interceptions in Stout's 26-23 loss at UW-Stevens Point. Schils' first pick came on the Pointers' second play from scrimmage and he returned the ball 10 yards to the Stevens Point four. Stout scored on the next play. Schils got his second interception two plays after Stout fumbled the kickoff away deep in their own territory in the second quarter, returning the ball to the Stout 14. Schils finished the day with nine tackles, seven solo and one tackle for a loss.

On the season, Schils has three interceptions for 41 yards in returns. He has 45 tackles, 28 solo, six tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks. He also blocked one extra point attempt.

The Blue Devils will host UW-River Falls, Saturday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. in the annual homecoming game.

Pointers eke out another over Blue Devils

Also online:

STEVENS POINT (October 13, 2007) - UW-Stevens Point ran their conference winning streak to seven games by edging UW-Stout, 26-23, Saturday at Goerke Field.

The Pointers have won all seven of those games by three points or less and the Blue Devils were on the receiving end of one of those close games last season, losing 20-19 in Menomonie.

Stout's Stephen Schills (Sr, Green Bay) got his first of two interceptions of the day on Stevens Point's first drive. That interception, returned to Stevens Point's four yard line, gave the Blue Devils prime field position. On the first play of the ensuing drive, Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) hooked up with Patrick Mengelkoch (Fr, Brooklyn Park, Minn) for a four-yard touchdown, giving Stout the early 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Stout (2-4, 1-2) was threatening to increase their lead as they drove deep into Stevens Point territory. That drive, however, came to a screeching halt when a Kyle Provos (So, Brooklyn Park) pass was intercepted by Luke Frisch at the 10 yard line.

Later in the quarter, Stevens Point (6-0, 3-0) was able to put up six points of their own on two of Ryan Graboski's four field goals on the day, to close to within 7-6 at halftime.

On their first posession of the second half, Pointers quarterback Jake Swank completed five out of six pass attempts, leading his team to a third Graboski's field goal, and their first lead of the game, 9-7, at 10:58 in the third quarter..

On the next Stout posession, a Kyle Martin (So, Hubertus) 42-yard punt out of bounds at the Stevens Point three yard line put the Pointers' backs against the wall. On Stevens Point's first play of that drive, Kyle Seiler (Jr, Rockford, Minn) sacked Swank in the end zone for a safety, tying the game up at nine apiece.

Stout took advantage of the safety by marching 64 yards down the field - 29 yards came on a reception by Dan Lytle (Jr, Darien) from Provos and 15 on a Pointer pass interference - on the ensuing posession, setting up a one-yard touchdown run by Andy Reese (Sr, Lodi), putting Stout up a touchdown.

The Pointers matched that touchdown when Swank hit a wide open David Hammer for 17 yards and the score. A successful extra point tied the game up at 16.

After a Stout three and out, Stevens Point quickly drove down the field again, going 82 yards in just over three minutes, scoring on a Mike Ferron 10-yard touchdown scamper.

Stout was not ready to give up yet. On their next possession, quarterback Kyle Provos took advantage of a blown coverage and hooked up with Eric Cieslak (Fr, Rochester, Minn) for the game-tying score with 2:11 left in the game.

On the ensuing kickoff, Kasey Morgan broke free, returning the ball to the Stout 28 yard line, putting his team in field goal range with under a minute to play. Needing not much more than a few short runs to win the game, Stevens Point nearly turned the ball over twice. One interception was called back due to defensive pass interference, and the other was ruled caught out of bounds by the Stout defender. In the end, however, Graborski kicked his school record tying fourth field goal of the game, leaving just 16 seconds for Stout to score.

Stout was not able to muster up anything of a comeback, losing the close game 26-23.

Stevens Point gathered 387 total yards of offense, 221 through the air, 166 on the ground. Swank completed 21-of-41 passes for all of the yardage, a touchdown pass and was picked off twice by Stout's Schils. Brad Kalsow hauled in seven catches for 102 yards. Mike Ferron was the Pointers' leading rusher with 72 yards on 32 carries.

Provos completed 6-of-11 passes for 129 yards and the TD to Cieslak. Kattre completed was 4-for-10 for 25 yards, with the TD pass to Mengelkoch. Kattre was held to 23 yards rushing, had two receptions for 20 yards and averaged 34.5 yards on two punts. Reese led all rushers with 74 yards on 24 carries and caught four passes for 34 yards.

Seiler finished with 11 tackles, eight solo Dustin Robinson had 12 tackles, nine solo, to lead Stevens Point.

The Blue Devils will host UW-River Falls, Saturday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. in the annual homecoming game. / by Dan Nelson, UW-Stout sports information assistant

Blue Devils travel to UW-Stevens Point

Also online:

MENOMONIE (October 7, 2007) - UW-Stout (2-3, 1-1) and UW-Stevens Point (5-0, 2-0) closed out the 2006 season together when the Pointers handed the Blue Devils a 20-19 loss in Menomonie. Stevens Point closed out the 2006 season with four straight wins and now have won five straight to open the 2007 season. Their nine consecutive wins is currently the longest in NCAA Division III. Stout will be at UW-Stevens Point, Saturday, Oct. 13 for a 1 p.m. start at Goerke Field.

Stout is coming off a 23-13 loss at UW-Oshkosh Saturday where the Titans used a number of big plays - including a 53-yard touchdown run by Andy Moriarty and an 80-pass reception by Andy Heiman - to get off to a 23-0 lead before the Blue Devils got onto the board. Tanner Kattre scored both of Stout's TDs, one on a one-yard run and later on an eight-yard jaunt.

The Pointers had few challenges in their non-conference games, but it has been a different story in WIAC play. Stevens Point defeated UW-River Falls, 45-42, two weeks ago and last week edged UW-Platteville, 34-31. The Pointers made a defensive stand in the game's final minute to preserve the win over Platteville Saturday. The Pioneers had the ball at the Pointers' 39 with 49 seconds remaining, but Stevens Point forced an incomplete pass and took over on downs. Platteville held a 10-0 lead before the Pointers rallied behind quarterback John Swank who threw for 298 yards and four TDs and ran for another score. Swank's 66-yard TD pass to Jared Jenkins early in the fourth quarter put the Pointers ahead for good.

Last season in Menomonie, the Pointers, who led led 20-10 at halftime, used six turnovers and a defensive stop in the final minute to earn the victory. Leading 20-17 with less than five minutes left, Stout drove into Pointers’ territory, but Stevens Point’s Kasey Morgan intercepted a pass to end the drive. The Pointers took a late safety for the final score.

 

Titans use big plays to down Blue Devils

Also online:

OSHKOSH (October 6, 2007) - Big plays were the name of the game and, unfortunately for UW-Stout, UW-Oshkosh seemed to get the all of the big plays as the Titans defeated Stout, 23-13, Saturday at JJ Keller Field.

Oshkosh got two big plays that turned into scores, but the Titans had more big plays that set up touchdowns as they jumped out to a 23-0 lead a few minutes into the third period.

Conference leading rusher Andy Moriarty hooked up with quarterback Joe Patek for a 53 yard pass reception to put Oshkosh up 7-0. Lucas Raschke connected ona 50 yard field goal with three minutes left in the first quarter, but a 48-yard pass from Patek to Steve Stoltz helped to set up the score.

The Titans (4-1, 1-1) took a 16-0 lead when Tyler Jandrin took a Patek pass 69 yards to the Stout one yard line. Jandrin carried on the next two possessions to score.

On the Titans' first play from scrimmage in the second half, Patek found Andy Heiman for an 80 yard touchdown score and Stout trailed 23-0.

Blue Devil quarterback Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) put the offense on his back a couple of drives later. The Blue Devils got on the scoreboard with 4-minutes, 56-seconds left in the third quarter when Kattre went over from the eight. On the 13-play, 80-yard scoring drive, Kattre ran for 53 yards, and passed for 23.

Stout (2-3, 1-1) got on the board early in the fourth quarter when Kattre carried over from the one yard line to complete the 10-play, 46-yard drive. Kattre also had a 14 yard rush in the drive and completed a 15-yard pass to Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall) for a first down to the Oshkosh 5.

"They had the big plays and we didn't," coach Duey Naatz told WMEQ radio after the game. "That's why they won. We had a our chances and we will be sick to our stomachs (while watching the game tape) when we see the opportunities that we had, but didn't get."

"When you are on the road in this league, and you don't make the big play, you don't win."

The Blue Devils held a slight lead in total yardage, picking up 408 yards to 383 yards for the Titans. Stout collected 237 yards rushing to 56 for Oshkosh, but the Titans controlled the battle in the air, hauling 327 yards to 171 for Stout.

Patek completed 13-of-24 passes for all 327 yards and two touchdowns, completing passes to six players. Heiman had two catches for 93 yards, Jandrin two for 80 yards, Stoltz two for 68 and Moriarty two for 67 yards. Moriarty, who was averaging 162 yards rushing per game, was limited to 72 yards.

Kattre led all rushers with 145 yards on 27 carries and was 13-of-30 in passing for 140 yards, but was picked off three times. Andy Reese (Sr, Lodi) ran 19 times for 75 yards. Dan Lytle (Jr, Darien) had five catches for 63 yards and Calvin White (Fr, Benton Harbor, Mich) had five grabs for 47 yards. Kyle Provos (So, Brooklyn Park, Minn) completed three passes for 31 yards, but was intercepted once.

The Titans collected four interceptions with Bryan Kent taking two picks. Eric Hebl and Josh Wara each had an interception. Both teams had a little trouble hanging onto the ball, with Stout fumbling twice and Oshkosh three times, but neither team lost a fumble.

The game is the FSN Wisconsin game of the week and will be rebroadcast, Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.

Stout will be at UW-Stevens Point, Saturday, Oct. 13.

Blue Devils travel to UW-Oshkosh

Also online:

MENOMONIE (October 1, 2007) - UW-Stout (2-2, 1-0) and UW-Oshkosh (3-1, 0-1) started off the conference season in opposite directions. The Blue Devils defeated UW-Platteville, 28-7, in their conference opener, while the Titans were edged out by UW-Eau Claire, 21-20, for their first loss of the season. The two teams will meet Saturday, Oct. 6 at 1:30 p.m. at JJ Keller Stadium in Oshkosh.

The Blue Devils got a 38-yard punt return for a touchdown and two pass interceptions returned for touchdowns to spark a 28-7 win Platteville Saturday. Freshman Jordan Schumacher (Weyauwega) returned a punt for a 38-yard return to get Stout on the board first. Chad Parker (So, Fond du Lac) returned an interception 27 yards for a score in the second quarter before Platteville cut the lead in half before halftime. Matt Kuenzli (Sr, Lakeville, Minn) returned an interception 62 yards in the third quarter to give Stout a 21-7 lead. Jake Pomputis (Jr, Owen) stopped a Platteville threat with an interception return late in the game. Andy Reese (Sr, Lodi) scored Stout's final touchdown with about a minute left in the game.

Andy Moriarty rushed 40 times for 225 yards and scored a touchdown and Joe Patek completed 26-of-38 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown, but it wouldn't be enough for the Titans in the one point loss to Eau Claire in Oshkosh. Oshkosh jumped out to 10-0 lead, but Eau Claire clawed back in for a 14-10 halftime lead. Oshkosh regained the lead with a 30-yard pass play as Patek hit Kyle Kabasa for the score in the third quarter. The Blugolds stole the lead back as Chris Hull raced 74 yards to paydirt on a pass from Mitch Schaeuble and the closest Oshkosh could get was a Lucas Raschke field goal with three minutes remaining.

Last season at Don & Nona Williams Stadium, Oshkosh recovered a fumble on the Stout 19 with 1:19 remaining and Tyler Jandrin scored with 13 seconds left to give the Titans the 23-21 win.

Special teams, defense spark win over Platteville

Also online:

MENOMONIE (September 29, 2007) - UW-Stout's offense didn't score a touchdown until the waning seconds of the game, but the way the Blue Devils' defense and special teams played, they didn't need to as Stout defeated UW-Platteville, 28-7, Saturday at Don & Nona Williams Stadium in the annual Hall of Fame game.

The Blue Devil defense intercepted four passes and returned two for touchdowns.

"You know our defense is starting to come into their own," said Stout head coach Duey Naatz. "They are starting to understand Coach (Clayt) Birmingham's defense. They are confident in it and it shows."

After neither offense could get moving and with Platteville stuck on their own 3-yard line, Jordan Schumacher (Fr, Weyewauga) put Stout on the board when he returned a punt 38 yards down the home sideline with 31 seconds left in the first quarter.

The Blue Devil (2-2, 1-0) defense doubled up the score when Chad Parker (So, Fond du Lac) picked off Platteville quarterback Michael Schmidt and returned the ball down the visitor's sideline 27 yards for a touchdown at the 7:44 mark of the second quarter.

Platteville (1-3, 0-1) answered on their ensuing possession with a 17-yard Michael Schmidt touchdown strike to Craig Patterson. A successful extra point attempt by Tony Smidl would be the last scoring of the half, giving the Blue Devils a 14-7 lead at halftime.

Stout started the scoring of the second half when Matt Kuenzli (Sr, Lakeville, Minn.) intercepted a pass at the line of scrimmage. Kuenzli stumbled his way 62 yards down the field untouched, while surrounded by an army of blockers. After that touchdown run, lightning was seen in the area and play was suspended for 40 minutes.

After play resumed with 9:23 left in the third quarter, the teams finished the rest of the quarter, but were sent back to the locker rooms early in the fourth, due to another lightning delay.

This delay lasted a mere 15 minutes, and play resumed. With under five minutes to play in the game, Platteville was driving deep into Stout territory, and looked as if they might put together a late comeback effort. Jake Pomputis (Jr, Owen) quickly put an end to those hopes by intercepting a Michael Schmidt pass, nearly sealing the victory for the Blue Devils.

Stout added to their score later in the fourth quarter when Andy Reese (Sr, Lodi) scored on a 12-yard scamper, to seal the game for good.

Reese, who became a first time father earlier this week, ended the game with 117 total yards (106 rushing, 11 receiving) and a score playing in his first game of the season. After the Stout defense stopped Platteville on their own 20, Reese basically willed himself into the end zone. Getting the ball twice, the first time he picked up eight yards, the second time he scampered 12 yards and lunged into the end zone for the score with a defender wrapped around his ankles.

"Andy is a tough football player and we are glad to have him back this week," Naatz said. "This has been an emotional week for Andy."

On the defensive side of the ball, Kyle Seiler (Jr, Rockford, Minn) continued his great season as he led the way recording a game-high 19 total tackles (three for a loss) and a fumble recovery. Seiler had 13 tackles by halftime. Stephen Schils (Sr, Green Bay) had a team-high four solo tackles to go with his one interception.

Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) and Kyle Provos (So, Brooklyn Park, Minn) combined for 12-of-19 passes for 118 yards. Chase Unbehaun (Sr, Chetek) had three catches for 51 yards, including a 32 yards scamper.

Platteville out-gained Stout 345 yards to 234, but shot themselves in the foot by committing five turnovers, including the two interceptions returned for touchdowns. The Pioneers picked up 23 first downs to Stout's 12 and ran off 83 plays, compared to 59 for Stout. But the Blue Devils still managed a two minute advantage in time of possession.

Schmidt completed 18-of-40 passes for 213 yards, but was sacked three times and finished with minus-19 yards rushing. Craig Patterson had six receptions for 102 yards. Mike Genslinger led all players with 128 yards on 27 totes.

The Blue Devils travel to UW-Oshkosh on Oct. 6, and UW-Stevens Point on Oct 13, then return home on Saturday, Oct. 20 to host UW-River Falls for their annual homecoming game.

Kyle Martin earns national honor

MENOMONIE (September 26, 2007) - UW-Stout punter and place kicker Kyle Martin (So, Hurbertus/Kettle Moraine Lutheran) was named as a Don Hansen Weekly Football Gazette national player of the week.

Kyle MartinNot many punters these days know much about the coffin corner, but Martin found the coffin corner, pinning Whitworth University inside the 20-yard line six times in Stout's last minute 23-21 loss to the Pirates. Martin placed punts on the 7, 10, 4, 14, 1 and 7 and had a 59-yarder hit on the 5-yard line before barely rolling into the end zone. The Pirates touched only two of his punts, one for a fair catch, the other for a four yard loss.

Martin averaged 37.1 yards per punt. He also made all three extra point attempts and averaged 55.5 yards per kickoff. Martin is one of only two place kickers in the WIAC to make 100 percent of his extra point attempts so far this season. Martin has placed 10 punts inside the 20 this year and is averaging 36.4 yards per punt.

Stout will host UW-Platteville, Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. at Don & Nona Williams Stadium.

Blue Devils open WIAC by hosting Platteville

Also online:

MENOMONIE (September 25, 2007) - Both UW-Stout (1-2) and UW-Platteville (1-2) will be looking to snap two game losing skids as the two open their respective Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) schedules when they meet at Don & Nona Williams Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 29 in the annual Hall of Fame Game with the kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.

Stout is coming off a (literally) last second, 23-21, loss at Whitworth University. Stout had taken the lead, 21-17, with just over a minute remaining in regulation when Kyle Provos hit Dan Lytle for a 15-yard, go-ahead touchdown in the back of the end zone. But the Pirates marched 56 yards on 6-for-10 passing precision by Kory Kemp, including the winning toss to Jay Tully. As coincidence would have it, Tully was the same player to catch a pass on the final play of regulation last season, sending the game into overtime where Whitworth went on to win.

Augustana scored 24 points in the second half to down Platteville, 34-24, Saturday in Rock Island, Ill. The 29th-ranked Vikings overcame the Pioneers' 24-17 lead with touchdown runs of one yard by Josh Galliart (2:21 left in the third quarter) and of 26 by Jake Parke (4:23 left in the fourth), both ending 72-yard drives. They sandwiched a Ryan Gibbons 47-yard field goal, which came with 9:19 remaining in the contest. Platteville's Craig Patterson caught two touchdown passes from Michael Schmidt. The first was a 26-yard score that gave the Pioneers a 17-10 lead 17 seconds before halftime, and the second a 28-yard hookup with 6:37 remaining in the third quarter for the 24-17 lead. The Vikings then gained 201 yards and scored 17 points on their next three drives. Platteville won their opener, 16-6, over St. Ambrose, then lost, 20-7, to Division I Drake.

Last season, Platteville scored 28 points in the second half to take a 31-27 win at Platteville, Sept. 30, 2006. Brian Gallick took a seven yard pass from Brent Nelson with three minutes left for the win. Platteville put up 412 yards of offense, including 182 yards on the ground. Mike Genslinger rushed 33 times for 155 yards. Stout picked up 329 yards of offense, 208 through the air as eight Stout players caught at least one pass from Tanner Kattre.

Stout loses another heartbreaker to Whitworth

Also online:

SPOKANE, Wash (September 22, 2007) - For the second season in a row, Whitworth University scored on the final play of regulation, but this time the Pirates got the win over UW-Stout on the play, a 23-21 decision Saturday.

It looked like Stout had a good chance to win the contest when Dan Lytle (Jr, Darien) caught a 15 yard pass from Kyle Provos (So, Brooklyn Park, Minn) with just over a minute left to play.

But, just like last year when Whitworth scored a touchdown with three seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime and the Pirates went on to win, Whitworth scored with no time left on the clock. Jay Tully, the same player to score the game-tying touchdown last year, hauled in a one-yard pass as time went off the clock.

Stout (1-2) controlled the first half of the game, taking a 14-3 halftime lead.

The Blue Devils scored on their first possession of the game. On second and 6 of the first drive, quarterback Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) hit Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall) for a 62-yard pass play down to the Whitworth eight. Three plays later, Kattre scored from the one yard line.

Whitworth (2-1) added a field goal early in the second quarter, but the Kattre to Korth connection worked again to set up Stout's second score. Korth took a 22 yard pass play to the Whitworth two yard line and Ron Fricke (So, Monticello, Minn) scored on the next play for a 14-3 lead.

Whitworth took over the momentum in the second half, scoring on their first series on a 26-yard pass play from Kory Kemp to Andy Largent. The extra point was blocked by Stephen Schils (Sr, Green Bay) and Stout led, 14-9. Whitworth took the lead, 17-14, on their next series when Adam Anderson rambled 66 yards for a score with 6:04 left on the third quarter clock.

Korth had a hand in setting up Stout's go-ahead touchdown, snagging a 19-yard Provos pass on fourth down to the Whitworth 17 and two plays later, Provos hit Lytle, who dragged his toes to stay inbounds of the back of the end zone with 1:11 left to play.

On Whitworth's winning drive, Kemp completed six-of-10 passes for 55 yards, culminating with the one-yard pass to Tully.

Whitworth gained 378 yards to Stout's 275. Kemp was 19-for-30 for 219 yards. Steve Silva had eight receptions for 119 yards. The Pirates gained 159 yards rushing, with Anderson tallying 114, 66 of those yards coming on his touchdown run.

Stout had 163 yards passing, 112 rushing. Kattre was 5-for-11 for 105 yards, while Provos was 5-for-9 for 58 yards. Both were intercepted once. Korth finished with four receptions for 113 yards. Fricke had a career day running the ball, gaining 113 yards on 28 totes.

Stout returns to Don & Nona Williams Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 29 when they host UW-Platteville in the annual Hall of Fame game.

Blue Devils travel to Whitworth University

Also online:

MENOMONIE (September 18, 2007) - A 14-13 double overtime loss last season (Sept. 23) to Whitworth College (now University) sent UW-Stout on a free fall the Blue Devils never could seem to recover from.

The two teams match up Saturday, Sept. 22 at 1 p.m. Pacific Time as Stout (1-1) travels to Spokane to try exorcise last year's game with Whitworth (0-1).

The Blue Devils opened the season with a 24-19 win over Menlo College, a team that is in the same conference (Northwest Conference) with Whitworth. The Blue Devils lost their second game, a 28-10 loss to Divison II Missouri-Rolla, Sept. 8. Whitworth came into their season and home opener ranked 16th in the D3football.com preseason poll, but went out a 24-12 loser to Redland College, Sept. 8. The Pirates are scheduled to meet the University of LaVerne, Saturday, Sept. 16.

When the teams played last season, Stout scored midway through the first quarter when Ryan Englebert, now an asssistant coach, broke loose on a 71 yard run to paydirt down the Whitworth sideline and Stout took a 7-0 lead in this defensive struggle. The teams combined for three missed field goals through regulation. Whitworth finally got on the board with only three seconds left in the game when Jay Tully caught a four-yard pass from Joel Clark and the extra-point sent the game into overtime, the first overtime game at Williams Stadium and the first in Menomonie for several years.

Stout won the toss and elected to go on defense first, holding Whitworth to a field goal try, which went wide. The Blue Devils could do no better, and also missed a field goal. Stout took possession first in the second overtime and quarterback Tanner Kattre took over, passing 10 yards to Sam Weber, then running 14 yards to the one, before slithering over the pile for the score. But the extra point was no good and Stout took a 13-7 lead. Clark hit tight end Michael Allen for a 20 yard gain. Three short rushes and Whitworth was in the end zone and the extra point was good and Whitworth went on to make their second NCAA appearance, while Stout struggled to a 3-7 overall season.

A complete game release will be available Tuesday.

Division II Missouri-Rolla scores early, holds off Stout

Also online:

ROLLA, Mo (September 8, 2007) - Missouri-Rolla scored three times in the first 20 minutes of the game and the NCAA Division II opponent downed UW-Stout 28-10, Saturday.

After driving 87 yards in seven plays to get on the board first four minutes into the game, the Miners took advantage of two Stout miscues to roll up the three touchdown lead.

Stout fumbled on their own nine yard line late in the first quarter, and Rolla (1-2) needed only three plays to find the end zone. Early in the second quarter, the Blue Devils coughed up the ball - this time as they were driving - on the UMR 20 yard line. A Stout personal foul and a big 46 yard pass play from Brad Guidry to Nathan Binder set up a 15-yard touchdown play from Guidry to All-American wide receiver Ashton Gronewold.

Stout scored on the next drive, going 63 yards on 11 plays. Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) connected with wide receivers Dan Lytle (Jr, Darien) and Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall) for back-to-back 20- and 28-yards, respectively, receptions to key the drive. Kattre got the call from the one for the score and cut the lead to 21-7 at halftime.

Early in the second half, Stout drove 65 yards and managed a 25 yard field goal by Kyle Martin (So, Hubertus).

The Blue Devils (1-1) worked on a promising drive late into the fourth quarter, but Kattre was picked off on the UMR 25 and the Miners went the distance in eight plays for the final 28-10 score.

While the game was played on a muddy field and not paper, the battle of statistics was relatively even. The Miners tallied 362 total yards, getting 304 yards in the air and 58 on the ground. Guidry was 22-for-34 for 304 yards passing. Gronewold pulled in eight passes for 136 yards.

Stout racked up 309 total yards, 213 by passing and 96 by rushing. Kattre was 17-for-29 with 213 yards, but was picked off twice. Korth hauled in six passes for 102 yards.

"We just didn't make enough plays," Blue Devil head coach Duey Naatz said. "We made too many mistakes against a good football team."

Stout has the next weekend off and resumes play when they travel to Whitworth University, Saturday, Sept. 22.

Division II Missouri-Rolla Stout's next foe

Also online:

MENOMONIE (September 1, 2007) - With a win against a first time opponent under their belt, the 2007 UW-Stout Blue Devils will take on a much bigger test in their second game of the season - again against a team they have never met - when they face NCAA Division II Missouri-Rolla, Saturday, Sept. 8 in Rolla, Mo., at 6:30 p.m.

Stout (1-0) is coming off a 24-19 win over Menlo College last Friday night, giving first year coach Duey Naatz his first career win. Falling behind 7-3, Stout built a 24-7 lead into the third quarter, but then got put back on their heels as the Oaks scored two touchdowns in the final three minutes of the game.

The Miners (0-2) are looking for their first win of the season. Rolla lost their first game, 38-31, August 25 to Truman State, then were handled, 62-17, by NCAA Division I opponent, Missouri State, August 30 on the road. Missouri State rolled out to a 28-7 first quarter lead, then extended that to a 41-7 halftime lead.

Blue Devils give Naatz first career win in season opener

Also online:

MENOMONIE (August 31, 2007) - UW-Stout jumped out to a 24-7 lead, but had to hold on as Menlo College roared back with two touchdowns in the final three minutes of the game before the Blue Devils sealed at 24-19.

The win gave coach Duey Naatz his first career victory in the season opener at Don & Nona Williams Stadium Friday night.

With Stout clinging to the lead and just trying to get off the field, Menlo came back to score twice in the final three minutes. The Oaks drove 80 yards in 14 plays after a Stout field goal miss. Troy Rehn completed the drive when he threw to Kyle Mosby for a two yard score. The extra point failed, and Stout led 24-13.

Menlo stopped Stout in four plays on the next drive after the Blue Devils recovered the onside kick. Menlo started off the drive with a bang, picking up 38 yards on the first play as Rehn connected with Brad Wilkinson to the Stout 28. Two plays later, Rehn found Matt Truscott alone in the end zone with 1:09 left on the clock. The two-point conversion failed, Stout recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock.

"Our goal this week was to get to 1-0 and we did that," Naatz, who received both the game ball and a Gatorade shower after the game, said. "This was a good team win for us."

Stout took an early lead in the game when Kyle Martin (So, Hubertus) scored on a 35 yard field goal four minutes into the game.

Following a scoreless rest of the first quarter, the Oaks drove 80 yards in nine plays, capped off by a Shawn Souza nine yard run at 13:36 of the second period.

Stout scored twice in the final five minutes of the first half to take a 17-7 lead into the locker room. Tanner Kattre (Sr, Abbotsford) hit a wide open Patrick Mengelkoch (Fr, Champlin, Minn) for a five yard score with five minutes left in the half. Kattre kept the drive alive earlier when he scrambled and completed a 15 yard pass to Dan Lytle (Jr, Darien) with a Menlo defender draped all over him.

The Stout defense stopped Menlo on the ensuing drive and Stout scored their second touchdown with 1:42 left in the half. A pass interference call on Menlo near the goal line set up Kattre for a 15 yard scrambling touchdown where he dived into the end zone.

Stout got their final score of the game five minutes into the second half when a fumble bounced right into Shay Lehman's hands and he raced 25 yards for the score.

Menlo outgained Stout on the evening, 368 total yards to 342 for Stout. But the Oaks picked up 124 of those total yards on their final two scoring drives. Menlo threw the ball for 235 yards, with 134 yards going to Matt Truscott on seven catches. Back-up Tony Rehn completed 10-of-19 passes for 140 yards, while starter Gregg Parker completed 7-of-18 for 95 yards before he was knocked out of the game in the third quarter. Both quarterbacks threw an interception.

Stout ran for 122 yards, with Kattre running 15 times for 62 yards. Ron Fricke (So, Monticello, Minn), in his first collegiate start, gained 53 yards. Justin Hultman (Fr, Bruce) had 41 yards and fullback Tony Otto (Sr, Chetek) had 39 yards, including 12 yards on Stout's first play from scrimmage. Kattre completed 12-of-19 passes for 142 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Shawn Korth (Sr, Marshall) had five grabs for 75 yards.

Marshall Lehman (Jr, Edgar) and Wendell Eskridge (Sr, Milwaukee) each had interceptions for Stout and Nick D'Antonio had one for Menlo.

Curtis Berry made 14 tackles for Menlo and Asti Merino had 11 tackels and Korey Gray 10. Kyle Seiler (Jr, Rockford, Minn) had 10 tackles for Stout.

"We put pressure on our seniors up front and on TK (Kattre) to play well tonight," Naatz said, "and they did."

Stout will be at NCAA Division II Missouri-Rolla, Saturday, Sept. 8.

Blue Devils preparing to open with Menlo

Also online:

MENOMONIE (August 16, 2007) - More than 120 student/athetes reported for the beginning of the 2007 UW-Stout football season under first year head coach Duey Naatz.

The Blue Devils had more than 55 returners and more than 70 players who were not on the roster for the 2006 season. After four days of practice, the Blue Devils are scheduled to put on the pads for the first time, Friday, Aug. 17.

Stout will open the 2007 Friday, Aug. 31 when they host Menlo College at 6 p.m. at Don & Nona Williams Stadium. The Blue Devils are looking to turn away from a 3-7 overall finish, while the Menlo College Oaks will attempt to improve on a 5-5 overall season, a season that was their first in the Northwest Conference. NWC boasts former national champion teams Linfield College and Pacific Lutheran University. This will be the first meeting between the two schools. Menlo is located in Atherton, Calif., near San Francisco.

Naatz begins his first year as head coach for the Blue Devils after 17 years as a Stout assistant coach. The Oaks are coached by Mark Kaanapu, who begins his seventh year. Stout was picked to finish eighth in a preseason poll conducted by WIAC sports information directors. Menlo was picked to finish sixth in an NWC preseason poll.

A complete game preview will be available on these pages each week.

Coaches get two year contracts

MENOMONIE (August 5, 2007) - UW-Stout head football coach Duey Naatz, along with assistant football coaches Sean Hoolihan, Clayt Birmingham and Dan McCarty, were granted two year contract extensions, University officials said.

Naatz was an assistant at Stout for 17 years before assuming the head coaching responsibilities in January. He has been the assistant head coach, offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and defensive backs coach. In addition, Naatz, who came to Stout in 1990, has been the athletic department's strength and conditioning coordinator and facilities coordinator, in addition to teaching in the physical education department.

Naatz elevated quarterback coach Hoolihan to offensive coordinator and added Birmingham as defensive coordinator and McCarty as offensive line coach.

Hoolihan, a Spring Valley native, was the quarterbacks coach for the past two seasons, following a successful football career in the WIAC with UW-Eau Claire.

Birmingham and McCarty both hail from the Door County area, but arrived at Stout through different routes.

Birmingham, who was an assistant coach for the USA national team this summer and played collegiately at UW-Stevens Point, has coached at the Division I, II, and III levels and most recently was at Division II Emporia State in Kansas.

McCarty, following a football career at UW-Eau Claire, played and coached professional teams in both Europe and the United States. Most recently, McCarty coached in the Sturgeon Bay school district.

Clayt Birmingham coaches national team

MENOMONIE (July 12, 2007) - Three former Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) student-athletes, one former WIAC head coach and one current WIAC assistant coach participate in the World Championship of American Football, July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan, as