Football cruises past Rockford

MEQUON, Wis. – It didn't take long for Concordia University Wisconsin to take control on Saturday afternoon, as it led 35-0 at halftime en route to dominating Rockford University with a 42-14 victory at Tomasini Stadium. The victory was the 13th consecutive for the Falcons, which is one win shy of tying the league record.

CUW scored touchdowns on three-straight possessions to start the game and found pay dirt on back-to-back drives in the second quarter to own all momentum with a 35-0 halftime lead. During the first half, the Falcons held a commanding 282-84 total yards advantage and converted 17 first downs, while RU managed to move the chains just seven times. It took until the 10th drive (end of third quarter) for RU before it crossed the goal line.

The Falcons converted all six of their red zone opportunities and their defense was impressive all day. CUW held RU to 78 yards rushing, intercepted a pair of passes, forced two fumbles and finished with 12 tackles for loss.

The starting unit on both sides of the ball played the first half before giving way to the second and third units on a beautiful fall afternoon. Senior Austin Damaschke (Bristol, Wis.) converted 11-of-19 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns, while running for 35 yards and a score. Senior Shay Klitzke (Annandale, Minn.) rushed for his third career 100-yard game and a score, and sophomore Tyler White (Milwaukee, Wis.) recorded his first career rushing touchdown.

Sophomore Derrick Estfan (Phoenix, Ariz.) hauled in six passes for 63 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Dominic Saragaglia (Schaumburg, Ill.) hauled in two touchdowns passes. Senior Garrett Wenzelburger (Hartland, Wis.) made just one reception for 44 yards and is now 33 yards shy of setting the CUW career record for receiving yards.

Defensively, freshman Bradley Trakel (Plymouth, Wis.) had a career game with eight tackles (two solo) and sophomore Bryan Thomas (Lowell, Ind.) record six tackles. Sophomore Cody Furey (Cedarburg, Wis.) and sophomore Austin Mugnai (Streamwood, Ill.) each picked off their first career pass. Sophomore DeShawn Pullen (Milwaukee, Wis.) and sophomore Kevin Kern (Arlington Heights, Ill.) each forced a fumble, while freshman Jeffrey Arredondo (Chandler, Ariz.) recorded his first career sack. Sophomore Malcolm Bowers (Germantown, Wis.) led the Falcons with five solo tackles.

Andrew Stochl pacedvthe Regents (1-6, 0-3 NACC) with 243 yards passing, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Milton Phillips led the receiving corps with five catches for 82 yards and DeBret McGee had four receptions for 37 yards. Malcolme Ray led the rushing attack with 48 yards on 11 carries. Kendell Lee led RU with seven tackles, while Kendrick Cooley had a game-high-tying five solo tackles.

CUW returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 1 for a 1 p.m. Homecoming kickoff against Benedictine University in the last regular season game of the season.