UW-River Falls Secures Spot In NCAA Football Semifinals

**UW-River Falls Sports Information contributed to this recap

RIVER FALLS, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-River Falls emerged with a 46-21 victory over Wheaton College (Ill.) in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III Football Championship at Ramer Field on Dec. 13.

The Falcons (12-1) will face Johns Hopkins University (Md.) (12-1) in a national semifinal game on Dec. 20. Game location and start time against the Blue Jays it to be determined. It is the first national semifinal appearance for UW-River Falls.

The Falcons used a balancing offensive attack and a series of timely defensive stops to pull away from Wheaton during the coldest game on record in Ramer Field history as the Falcons and Thunder battled single-digit frigid temperatures.

UW-River Falls totaled 507 yards of offense and converted 9-of-16 third downs in ice-cold and windy conditions, led by quarterback Kaleb Blaha’s four passing touchdowns, completing 32-of-50 passes for 407 yards with no interceptions.

The Falcons struck first on their opening possession, marching 68 yards on nine plays before Blaha connected with Blake Rohrer on an 11-yard touchdown pass. Wheaton answered with a long drive early in the second quarter to tie the game, but the Falcons closed the half with 13 unanswered points to take a 20-7 lead into intermission.

Blaha found Austin Rush for an 11-yard score midway through the second quarter, then Trevor Asher capped a 16-play, 81-yard drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown in the final minute of the half. The Falcons' defense added a key stop before halftime, as Taylor Sussner intercepted a pass in the closing seconds to preserve the two-score advantage.

Wheaton narrowed the gap to 20-14 early in the third quarter, but UW-River Falls responded immediately. Asher broke loose for a 21-yard touchdown run, and moments later Blaha hit Jake Hilton for a 71-yard strike to push the lead to 33-14.

The Thunder opened the fourth quarter with a short touchdown run to make it a 12-point game, but the Falcons again answered quickly. Asher scored his third rushing touchdown of the afternoon from seven yards out, and Blaha later connected again with Hilton for an 18-yard score to seal the outcome.

Asher led the Falcons on the ground with 106 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. Hilton finished with three receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns, while Rohrer caught seven passes for 119 yards and a score. Rush added six catches for 54 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Falcons forced two interceptions and repeatedly halted Wheaton on fourth down, limiting the Thunder to 2-of-8 conversions. Sussner recorded 11 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception, while Peter Ladu added a pick and seven tackles.

UW-River Falls outgained Wheaton 507-429 in total offense and was a perfect 5-for-5 in the red zone, all resulting in touchdowns.

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