Box Score Box Score

LA CROSSE – The UW-Stevens Point (5-2, 4-0) football team continued to roll through conference play with a 26-14 victory over the Eagles of UW-La Crosse (5-2, 2-2). It is the first time the Pointers have beaten the Eagles in consecutive seasons since 1962-63.

The Pointers got on the board early when quarterback Jared Beckwith (Baraboo) capped off a 13 play 65 yard drive with a quarterback keeper from the goal line. The Pointers missed the point after try, setting the score at 6-0.

La Crosse broke into the scoring column early in the second quarter on a one yard touchdown run by running back Reid Oldenburg. The score ended a drive that went 60 yards in 2:02.

The Pointer defense flashed some brilliance late in the first half when defensive back Kody Morgan (Iola) intercepted Nick Anker's pass at the Pointer seven yard line and returned it 60 yards. In the process of being tackled, Morgan pitched the ball to teammate Bryan Blum (Baraboo) at the 33 and he took it in for the touchdown. The Pointers missed the ensuing two-point conversion, making the score 12-7 at the half.

The Pointers added to their lead late in the third quarter when Beckwith hooked up with running back Keith Ingram (Milwaukee) for a 10 yard touchdown pass. The touchdown was Ingram's first of the season. Andrew Clohan (Stevens Point/SPASH)'s (Stevens Point) point after attempt was successful, putting the Pointers up 19-7.

The Eagles answered back quickly when Oldenburg ran in a touchdown from two yards out. It was his second touchdown of the day and the point after narrowed the lead to 19-14 in UWSP's favor.

UWSP kept up the intensity and added insurance to their narrow lead on the very next drive. Beckwith hooked up with wide receiver Anthony Aker (Milwaukee) for a 39 yard pass that put the Pointers at the La Crosse one yard line. Mike Ferron (Racine) scored two plays later on a run from two yards out, giving the Pointers the late 26-14 lead.

The Eagles and Pointers traded their next few possessions until Pointer defensive back Mike Krueger (Wauwatosa) intercepted Dan Trussoni of the Eagles with 58 seconds left. The turnover ensured a Pointer victory and the offense ran the clock out.

The Pointers were led on offense by running back Garrett Medenwald (Green Bay) who finished with 93 yards on 22 carries. He also led the Pointers with six receptions for 35 yards. Beckwith threw for 177 and one touchdown on 16 completions.

The Pointer defense intercepted Eagles' quarterbacks three times on the day, including two from Morgan. Joe Mleziva (Casco) led the defense with 15 tackles and Matt Lunder (Waunakee) finished with five tackles for losses, including a team high three sacks.

The victory sets up a matchup with UW-Whitewater next week in which the Warhawks and Pointers come into the game undefeated in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) play. A victory would put the Pointers in the driver's seat for their second consecutive WIAC championship. The Warhawks are ranked No.2 in Division III while the Pointers are receiving votes in the D3football.com poll.

Game time is set for 1 p.m. next Saturday, Oct. 31 at Community Stadium at Goerke Park.