The 30-27 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Pointers marked not only the fourth consecutive homecoming win for the UW-Platteville football team, but also the first time a sophomore quarterback started for head coach Mike Emendorfer’s pass-happy offense since Nick Anderson in 2010.

Emendorfer called Jack Eddy’s number last week when starting quarterback Tom Kelly was sidelined due to a leg injury which occurred against UW-Whitewater. This week the Aurora, Ill. native earned the start against UW-Stevens Point and solidified his presence in the Pioneer program finishing the game throwing 64 percent with 375 yards and four touchdowns.

“I was a little nervous with it being my first start and all, but I felt comfortable, especially after those first few drives,” Eddy said. “They were a little shaky but after that I found the rhythm and found the groove and kept it rolling.”

In Eddy’s first four drives he totaled 20 yards, forced the offense to punt three times and threw his first of two interceptions.

The defense gave Eddy another chance at the end of the first quarter as senior linebacker Andrew Belken forced one of the Pointers’ five fumbles, which put the ball back in the hands of Eddy and the Pioneer offense.

“A lot of quarterbacks in this league can sling the ball, but do they have that ability to throw it on time? And [Eddy] did that,” Emendorfer said. “He threw two interceptions and still kept his spirits high.”

The ensuing 13-play, 79-yard drive was capped off with Eddy’s first of four touchdown passes, this one being a jump ball between junior receiver Dan Arnold and the Pointer opposition, with Arnold making the authoritative catch.

Eddy said mental repetition as well as a full week of practice with the starting offensive unit helped build chemistry with his receivers and have a better grasp of the offense.

Coming out of the locker room at halftime with the score tied at 14 apiece, the Pointers received the ball, and seven plays later a Logan Emendorfer interception stifled the Pointers’ drive and allowed Eddy and the offense an opportunity to take the lead. A Pioneer three-and-out was followed by another Pointer touchdown, 21-14.

A 20-yard pass from Eddy to junior receiver Patrick Sheehan allowed the Pioneers a chance to tie the game heading into the fourth quarter, but freshmen kicker Michael Pratle’s kick sailed wide left, 21-20. Pratle redeemed himself in the fourth quarter with a lead-changing 23-yard kick, 23-21. After a Pointer touchdown with a failed two-point conversion, Eddy completed his fourth and final touchdown pass to senior receiver Russell Martin on a fourth-and-goal opportunity to win the game, 30-27.

“Our worst enemy is that we’re good,” Emendorfer said. “Good is what pulls you back from being great. Great teams tackle very well, they don’t turn the ball over and they don’t miss extra points.”

According to Emendorfer, Tom Kelly is still the Pioneers’ starting quarterback and feels day-to-day as to whether he will be playing in their upcoming game against UW-River Falls, who are currently undefeated in conference play.

Behind the play-calling abilities of offensive coordinator Ryan Munz, as well as the arms of Kelly and Eddy, the Pioneer offense leads the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in passing yards with 1,572 through five games for an average of 314.4 per game. They accumulated a 63.2 percent completion rate and combined for 13 passing touchdowns.

Although UW-River Falls is tied for first in the WIAC with a 2-0 conference record, they remain unranked in the latest national poll, while the Pioneers remain at No. 14 with a 4-1 overall record. Whether it is Kelly or Eddy leading the Pioneer offense onto the field Saturday, they will be competing against a team that leads the conference in interceptions, with eight, and is allowing about a 50 percent completion rate to opposing offenses.

The game is set to begin Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12 p.m.

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