Falcons pick up first conference win

The UW-River Falls Falcons were looking for their first home and conference victory of the season on Saturday. With the help of senior place kicker Spasimir Bodurski, the Falcons were able to come away with a 20-17 victory over the Stevens Point Pointers.

Although UW-RF’s overall record sits at 2-4, the Falcons proved they are not ready to give up any time soon.

“[It is] not to our expectations but we are learning that we will not give up just as we beat Stevens Point this last game,” junior Josh Grover said.

This season, the Falcons have made a number of personal changes and have still been successful in improving the team one week at a time.

Defensive back Bruce Baillargeon said that the team is making improvements each week and that the win against Stevens Point was just what the doctor ordered.

“It was a much needed victory to boost the team’s confidence and get us ready for the rest of the conference schedule,” Baillargeon said.

The Falcons got on the board first against the Pointers as quarterback Jeremy Wolff ran the ball four yards for the touchdown. Bodurski’s extra point was good giving the home team the 7-0 lead at 14:55 of the second quarter. The Falcons didn’t stop there. About five minutes later, wide receiver Josh Grover and Wolff connected for a 36-yard pass. With the extra point the Falcons took a 14 point lead.

With 5:27 remaining in the half, Stevens Point got on the board when Cory Childs ran the ball in from the 1-yard line and Ryan Graboski kicked the extra point. Right before the end of the quarter, Graboski’s 25-yard field goal brought the Pointers to within four.

In the third quarter, Bodurski made two field goals, one from 25 yards and the other from 30 to give the Falcons a 20-10 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Brett Borchart and Graboski connected for the final seven points of the game, allowing the Falcons to squeeze out a three point victory over the visiting Pointers.

Bodurski was named WIAC Special Teams Athlete of the Week for his efforts in the home win.

Each member of the Falcon offense and defense played a crucial role in the win. Coming into the game, the Falcons hadn’t scored a touchdown in the two previous games.

Wolff ran the ball for 121 yards and threw one touchdown pass, while he also passed for 113 yards and scored one touchdown.

Beau DeBruin rushed 23 times for 80 yards.

On defense, Baillargeon led the team with 13 tackles, nine of which were solo. Jamie Bisch had eight tackles. The defense helped solidify the win, causing the Pointer offense to turn the ball over on downs to conclude the game.

This season, the Falcons have had a number of difficult games. One of their toughest games of the season was a conference game against UW-Eau Claire.

The Falcons are at home this weekend for the annual Homecoming game. UW-RF takes on UW-Stout at 1 p.m. at Ramer Field.

UW-Whitewater leads the conference with a 4-0 record in WIAC and a 6-0 record overall. Stout, like the Falcons, has a 1-2 record in conference and a 3-3 record overall. River Falls’ record leaves them in a tie for second to last place out of eight teams.

Following this weekend’s game, the Falcons will not be at home until Nov. 11 when they play UW-Whitewater.