Second Quarter Haunts Football In Home Loss To BenU

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (WLCSports.com) - Wisconsin Lutheran College was outscored by 21 points in the second quarter of a 34-24 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference loss to Benedictine on First Responders Day at Raabe Stadium on Saturday.

The Warriors (3-6, 3-4 NACC) held the Eagles (4-3, 4-2 NACC) to a field goal on their opening drive after stopping them on three straight plays inside the 10-yard line.

WLC's only possession of the first quarter resulted in a touchdown. Sophomore Bryce Barbian (Cudahy, Wis.) finished off an eight-play, 75-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown pass to senior Trevion Green (Miami, Fla.). The drive was highlighted by a 39-yard pass play from Barbian to freshman Emmitt Hawkins (Cudahy, Wis.).

The two teams exchanged fumbles within the first three minutes of the second quarter, but BenU proceeded to score touchdowns on three straight drives to open up a 24-7 halftime lead. 

After punting on its previous two possessions of the third quarter, WLC accounted for the only points of the period on a six-yard touchdown pass from Barbian to freshman Landon Neeley (Frisco, Texas) to cap a seven-play, 67-yard scoring drive. Wisconsin Lutheran trailed 24-14 after three quarters.

Benedictine went ahead 31-14 on the first play of the fourth quarter via a 38-yard touchdown pass. The Warriors drove deep into the red zone on their next possession, but had to settle for a 23-yard field goal from junior Arnulfo Ortega (Laredo, Texas). WLC recovered a fumble on the Eagles' next drive, but the offense stalled three plays later.

A 27-yard field goal with 2:52 left doubled up BenU's lead at 34-17. Wisconsin Lutheran responded quickly with a 22-yard touchdown from Barbian to sophomore Jamil Gordon (San Marcos, Texas) on a drive that lasted just two plays and 0:24 seconds. The ensuing onside kick attempt was unsuccessful.

Barbian completed 21 of 33 passing attempts for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Hawkins had two catches for 75 yards and Gordon made six grabs for 72 yards. Green carried 11 times for 35 yards. 

Senior Kyle Kubacki (St. Francis, Wis.) collected a career-high 13 tackles, including five tackles for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble. Junior Savon Goodwin (New Orleans, La.) added 10 tackles. Graduate student Jake Antczak (Mukwonago, Wis.) and senior Brandon Antczak (Mukwonago, Wis.) each intercepted a pass. 

The Warriors wrap up their 2023 season next Saturday when they host Concordia Chicago (1-7, 1-5 NACC) at 1 p.m. for Senior Day. Live coverage links will be available at WLCSports.com.