Box Score
Box score
MILWAUKEE - Despite trailing 24-7 at halftime,
Wisconsin Lutheran College came within one score late in the fourth
quarter, but the Adrian Bulldogs prevailed with a 31-23
non-conference win over the Warriors Saturday at Raabe Stadium.
The Warriors dug themselves into a hole early with a pair of
opening-quarter turnovers. On its opening drive, WLC went
three-and-out and the two drives that followed resulted in
turnovers in its own territory. Adrian running back Kyle Smock took
advantage of each drive and turned both into short touchdown runs.
Suddenly, Wisconsin Lutheran was looking at a 14-0 deficit. The
Warriors answered on the first play of their next drive when senior
Zach Shaw (Gurnee, Ill./Warren Township) completed a pass to fellow
senior Josh Stodola (Denmark, Wis./Denmark) for a 68-yard
touchdown. The score read 14-7 in favor of Adrian after the first
quarter.
Adrian was not rattled by the long touchdown. The visiting
Bulldogs used a 24-yard touchdown pass and a 21-yard field goal to
out-score the Warriors 10-0 in the second quarter. WLC went into
halftime down 24-7.
The Warriors defense came out after the halftime break inspired.
Adrian's first drive of the half ended in a botched punt snap for a
team safety, thus giving WLC two points, the ball and momentum.
Shaw then led a beautiful drive down the field ending in a 17-yard
touchdown pass to Stodola with 6:03 left in the third quarter and
WLC was within just eight points at 24-16.
After forcing a punt, Wisconsin Lutheran took the ball heading
into the fourth quarter. Shaw guided the Warriors into Bulldogs
territory, but on a 3rd and 8 play, his pass was intercepted and
Adrian again turned the miscue into seven points.
The Warriors wasted no time getting those points back as they
marched down the field on four plays to cap off a two minute drive
with a Shaw to Stodola 17-yard touchdown pass, their third
connection in the end zone of the day. WLC trailed just 31-23 with
5:40 left in the game.
After forcing a punt, the Warriors got the ball back with 4:35
on the fourth-quarter clock. They completed a first down and looked
to Donavon Tucker (Brookfield, Wis./East) to carry it up the field.
Driving into Bulldogs territory, Tucker lost the football and the
Bulldogs recovered. After converting a crucial fourth down, Adrian
(2-1) was able to run out the clock and hand the Warriors their
first loss of the season.
Shaw went 9-for-19 for 153 yards and three touchdowns. Stodola
had another big game as he caught all three of those touchdown
passes and had 104 yards receiving. Sophomore halfback Mike Reeves
(Hoffman Estates, Ill./Hoffman Estates) rushed for a game-high 122
yards on 14 carries.
Sam Boyd (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage) led the
defensive charge with 14 total tackles and one sack. Jim Wheeler
(Crystal Falls, Mich./Forest Park) and Eric Zeitler (Waukesha,
Wis./Wisconsin Lutheran) also contributed with 11 and nine total
tackles, respectively.
Wisconsin Lutheran (2-1) will have off for its bye week next
Saturday before hosting NAC opponent Lakeland (0-2) September 29
for its annual Homecoming game. Kickoff between the Warriors and
Muskies is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Raabe Stadium.
