FOREST GROVE, Ore. – The UW-Stevens Point football team (3-0) finished the non-conference schedule with a 3-0 start the year for the first time since 2017 with a 36-13 win at Pacific (1-2) on Saturday night.
Charlie Smith (Hartland, Wis./Arrowhead) was 13-for-19 for 126 yards and threw for two touchdowns.
Cole Schwefel (Oconomowoc, Wis./Oconomowoc) and
Matt Getgen (Wisconsin Dells, Wis./Wisconsin Dells) hauled in touchdown catches.
On the ground,
Brycen Cashin (Plover, Wis./Pacelli) again led the rushing attack with a career-high 177 yards and a touchdown.
Zack Lynch (Brussels. Wis./Southern Door) and
Reed Smith (Powell, Wyo./Powell) each had a rushing touchdown as well.
Jack Luedtke (Plymouth, Wis./Plymouth) had a team-best seven tackles.
Charlie Anderson (Green Bay, Wis./Ashwaubenon) added six.
Josh Kristof (Lena, Wis./Lena),
Joe Berens (Wausau, Wis./West) and
Zander Popp (Two Rivers, Wis./Two Rivers) each had a tackle for loss.
On their second drive of the game, Smith completed three passes and the Pointes rushed nine times in the 14-play, 67-yard drive. Lynch capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown as UWSP took a 7-0 lead.
Pacific responded with a touchdown four plays later.
Paul Morris (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) blocked the extra point and UWSP held a 7-6 lead.
The Boxer gained the lead on their next drive as the Pointers trailed for what would be the only time in the game, 13-7.
Nine plays later, Smith hit Getgen on a seven-yard connection to cap a nine-play drive as the Pointers took a 14-13 lead into the break.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, but UWSP closed out the West Coast trip with a memorable fourth quarter. UWSP started the quarter with an 11-play, 78-yard drive with Smith connecting with Schwefel for a 27-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was successful and UWSP led, 22-13.
After a quick stop by the defense, Cashin needed just two runs to cover 49 yards and the lead grew to 29-13.
Another three-and-out by the defense got the ball back for the Pointers with 5:49 remaining. Eight rushes later,
Reed Smith (Powell, Wyo./Powell) scored from one yard out to push the lead to 36-13.
The Pointers will enjoy the bye week before heading to UW-Platteville on Oct. 4 for the conference opener. Kickoff against the Pioneers is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.