Falcon football wins Isthmus Bowl

The UW-River Falls football team completed their season in style by winning the inaugural Culver’s Isthmus Bowl in Verona, Wisconsin on Nov. 20. The Falcons defeated Washington University in St. Louis 48-27 to secure their ninth and final victory that capped an impressive year for the program. The nine wins ties a program high for most in a season and are the most for the program since 1996. 

Washington University opened the scoring with a touchdown but the Falcons answered. Senior quarterback Kole Hinrichsen found fellow senior Charlie Huschka for a receiving score. After a failed two-point conversion the Falcons trailed briefly. The Falcons were not behind for long, as Hinrichsen tossed his second touchdown of the quarter to sophomore Jager Reissmann to put the team in front. Senior running back Luke Fugate scored for the Falcons in the second quarter, but Washington University scored twice taking a lead into halftime.

While the score was close at halftime, the Falcons broke open the game in the second half, scoring four times. The first score came from a Hinrichsen scramble, and the second came from Hauschka finding the end zone again. The Falcons continued to find the end zone when senior tight end Ben Beise rushed for a score from two yards out. The last Falcon to score was Hinrichsen, who added another rushing touchdown. Washington University would score but it was too little, too late as the Falcons had more than enough points to claim the bowl victory. 

The defense did their part in the victory by limiting Washington University to 14 total rushing yards. The defense also chipped in five sacks including two from junior Jake Halsey. Senior linebacker Andy Metcalf led the team in tackles with seven. 

Hinrichsen finished his UWRF football career by breaking the single game record for most completed passes with 44. He also set a career high for passing yards in a game with 347. The offense also got in the record books as they tied the NCAA Division III record for most first downs in a game with 44. 

The Falcons will graduate 19 seniors, many of whom were important pieces to the team. This includes quarterback Kole Hinrichsen, running back Luke Fugate, and tight end Ben Beise. On defense the Falcons will lose key contributors Bailey Germain and Ben Ertz, both linebackers, to graduation. For now, the Falcons will celebrate their bowl victory that capped a successful season. The Falcons will look to build on their bowl game success as they prepare for next season.