Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire football team opened its season with a 29-7 win against Carroll University at Carson Park on Thursday. The Blugolds' offense combined three field goals and two passing touchdowns, including a notable 69-yard scoring play, while their defense limited the Pioneers to a single late touchdown.

In the first quarter, UW-Eau Claire executed an 18-play drive covering 74 yards that lasted over nine minutes. NaKiye Mercado and Ayden Helder contributed key runs and passes, including a 26-yard completion to Matt Kuczaj. This set up Reece Perry for a successful 16-yard field goal with just over five minutes remaining in the quarter. The Blugolds’ defense also played strongly, with Brady Puls making a tackle for loss to help maintain a 3-0 lead after one period.

During the second quarter, Helder connected with Levi Pooley for a 20-yard pass and Eli Thompson for another completion of 12 yards. These plays led to Perry's second field goal from 24 yards out. Gyanni Kanellakis intercepted Carroll’s quarterback late in the half, returning it for 16 yards and setting up Helder’s long touchdown pass to Yaach Chuol, giving UWEC a 12-0 halftime advantage.

UW-Eau Claire increased its lead in the third quarter after Mercado recovered a muffed punt at Carroll's 19-yard line. The Blugolds quickly capitalized as Helder threw a touchdown pass to Vince Hanz. Another extra point from Perry made it 19-0. Later in the period, Kendon Krogman led another scoring drive with consecutive runs of 11 and eight yards before scoring on a six-yard rush to make it 26-0.

Early in the fourth quarter, Helder converted on fourth down with his own rushing effort before Perry kicked his third field goal of the night from 35 yards out, pushing the score to 29-0. Carroll responded with its only touchdown late in the game but could not close the gap further as Nick Scott ran for an additional first down that allowed UWEC to control possession until time expired.

Key performances included Chuol’s long touchdown reception and Thompson’s contributions through receiving. Krogman finished with one rushing touchdown and totaled 46 yards on six carries while Kanellakis added an interception on defense.

Following this victory, UW-Eau Claire holds a record of 1-0 as they prepare for their next matchup at Kenyon College’s McBride Field in Gambier, Ohio on Saturday, September 13.