WLC Rolls Over Eureka For Third Straight Win

EUREKA, Ill. (WLCSports.com) - Wisconsin Lutheran College broke open a scoreless game with 28 second-quarter points and never looked back en route to a 42-14 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference win over Eureka on Saturday at McKinzie Field.

The Warriors (3-4, 3-2 NACC), who have won three straight games for the second straight season, also won their third straight in the series over the Red Devils (4-2, 2-2 NACC).

Following a scoreless first quarter which saw WLC fumble, turn the ball over on downs, and punt twice, the visitors blew the game open with 28-second quarter points.

On the second play of the quarter, senior Carter Schneider (Jefferson, Wis.) blocked a punt and sophomore Nathan Nevad (Merritt Island, Fla.) returned it 18 yards for a score for a 7-0 Wisconsin Lutheran lead. After an interception by sophomore Kason McFadden (Wylie, Texas) two drives later, sophomore Bryce Barbian (Cudahy, Wis.) completed the four-play scoring drive with a five-yard touchdown toss to junior Matt Korb (Kirkland, Ill.) for a 14-0 advantage.

EC tacked on its first points of the game on a 62-yard touchdown pass with 5:17 left before halftime. After Eureka recovered the ensuing onside kick, Schneider stopped the drive with a 28-yard interception return near midfield. Barbian connected with freshman Emmitt Hawkins (Cudahy, Wis.) on a 50-yard pass play down to the Red Devils' two-yard line, and two plays later, found freshman Landon Neeley (Frisco, Texas) for a seven-yard score.

Following a quick three-and-out defensive stop, Barbian found senior Trevion Green (Miami, Fla.) for an impressive 26-yard hookup on a 3rd-and-25 play to put the Warriors in front 28-7 at halftime.

The Warriors forced a fumble as Eureka entered the end zone on its opening drive of the second half, and on the next play, Barbian connected with Neeley for an 80-yard touchdown catch for a commanding 35-7 lead. Two drives later, junior Xavion Allen (Royse City, Texas) picked off a Red Devils pass and returned it 30 yards for a score to up the advantage to 42-7 after three quarters. The game's final points came via an 86-yard touchdown run on EC's first play of the fourth quarter.

Barbian completed 12 of 22 passing attempts for 296 yards and four touchdowns. Hawkins hauled in three catches for 118 yards, and Neeley had three grabs for 113 yards and two TDs. 

Sophomore Layson Handwork (Merritt Island, Fla.) led all players with 13 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. Junior Savon Goodwin (New Orleans, La.) added 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a pair of sacks. Senior Kyle Kubacki (St. Francis, Wis.) also collected two sacks. WLC's defense finished with 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

Wisconsin Lutheran carries its three-game winning streak on the road next week when it visits No. 16 Aurora (6-0, 4-0 NACC) for its final NACC road game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. Live coverage links will be available at WLCSports.com.