Pioneers come close, not enough to beat champs, 7-17

The 16th-ranked University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer football team lost 7-17 to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks during the 20th annual George Chryst Memorial Bowl, Saturday.

The undefeated Warhawks are ranked No. 1 in the nation for DIII football.

Whitewater capitalized on two fourth-quarter turnovers to get the win.

A scoreless first quarter prompted the Pioneers to turn on offensive tactics full force. Senior quarterback, Bryce Corrigan, recorded an 80-yard touch down in ten total plays, which was passed to senior wide receiver, Trevor Whitehead, for the first touchdown of the game. This gave the Pioneers a 7-0 lead.

Later, Warhawks suffered a failed field goal attempt at the 28-yard line as it collided and bounced off the right goal post.

Whitewater then came back with a seven-yard touchdown pass, tying the game 7-7 at the end of the first half.

The second half of the game began with a Whitewater possession, leading to a field goal. This allowed the Warhawks to take a 7-10 lead over the Pioneers.

The two teams held strong against one another, both offensively and defensively. No additional touchdowns or field goals were scored during third quarter. The qaurter closed out with a Warhawk lead, 7-10.

The game took an even worse turn for the Pioneers when the Warhawks completed a six-yard touchdown pass making the score 7-17.

The Pioneer offense responded, bringing the ball close to the Warhawk end zone but those efforts were cut short after Corrigan threw an interception. Whitewater subsequently ran out the clock during their possession, ending the game 7-17.

This win sent the Warhawks home with the Miner’s pick ax. This trophy is tradition to the George Chryst Memorial Bowl.

The Pioneers have not defeated the Warhawks since 2004.

Despite the loss, senior linebacker, Jacob Zilbar, posted a game-high 16 total tackles.

Junior wide receiver, Russell Martin, rushed a total of 99 yards and caught eight passes from Corrigan.

Similarly, senior running back Andy Puccini, 80 rushing yards and 20 total carries.

Senior defensive back, Rob Austin, maintains a positive attitude towards the game’s outcome.

“I can’t really say that there was one specific downfall,” Austin said. “Everyone played their part very well. It was just that there wasn’t that one big play of the game for us.”

As for the next game, Austin said that he thinks the team just needs to stick to what is on their game plan and not play timidly.

“We should be able to come out and execute every play even against a team like Whitewater,” Austin said.

The Pioneers take on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8.