Football Preview: Senior Day, Military Appreciation close out season

THIS WEEK'S GAME: UW-Stout (5-3, 3-3 WIAC) will host UW-Oshkosh (8-0, 6-0 WIAC) Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m at Don and Nona Williams Stadium. It will be Senior Day and also Military Appreciation Day. Oshkosh last week clinched at least a tie for the WIAC title, but earned the league's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The game will feature the conference's leading offense in Oshkosh with 482.1 total yards of offense and the league's leading defense in Stout with 276.8 yards allowed. The Titans are ranked 15th nationally in total offense, while the Blue Devils are ranked 27th nationally in total defense.

The Blue Devils will recognize their 24 seniors before the game: Jared Allen, Tony Blair, Keith Bolden, Akema Collins, Lucian Coutier, Brandon Elrick, Garrett Grabowsky, Isaiah Hardy, Josh Johnson, Josh Malone, Cody Marquardt, Jacob Nelson, Iyen Ogbomoh, Greg Okray, Taylor Pahl, Michael Pierson, Clark Riedel, Enzo Rosani, Troy Rudesill, Tim Rue, Brian Sandifer, Nick Schulenburg, Nick Siegel, Mason Sturm.

ON THE AIR: WMEQ 880 AM Radio will provide broadcast coverage for the season with Pete Knutson and Jake Bostrom providing commentary during the games. WMEQ will also audio stream the games. At home games, WMEQ will provide the audio portion for Live Video streaming of all home football games, network providing. Live Stats will be available for all home games.

WEEKLY INTERVIEW: UW-Stout head coach Clayt Birmingham will speak with Pete Knutson on 880 WMEQ radio on a weekly basis about the upcoming game and last week's game. A link to the weekly broadcast is available here. 

LAST TIME OUT: UW-STOUT: UW-Stout had opportunities, but couldn't take advantage and the Blue Devils lost 21-7 to UW-La Crosse Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Both teams played a little give-away. The Blue Devils threw four interceptions and the Eagles had three. Stout finished the game with 323 yards of total offense, 283 in the air, 40 on the ground. The Eagles tallied 313 total yards of offense, 132 rushing, 181 passing.

LAST TIME OUT: OSHKOSH:  UW-Oshkosh clinched a berth to the NCAA Division III Football Championship and secured at least a share of the WIAC title with a 42-7 victory over UW-Eau Claire on Saturday (Nov. 4) at J.J. Keller Field at Titan Stadium. During Saturday's triumph over UW-Eau Claire, the Titans pulled away with the final 35 points of the contest. UW-Oshkosh concluded the game with 536-195 advantage in yards, including 275-89 passing. UW-Oshkosh earned the WIAC's automatic berth to the 32-team NCAA postseason that begins Nov. 18. The Titans, who will be making their third straight and fourth overall trip to the Division III Championship, reached the national title game last year after advancing to the semifinal round in 2012 and quarterfinal round in 2015.

WHEN STOUT AND OSHKOSH LAST MET:  UW-Stout faced a rowdy environment going on the road against UW-Oshkosh on October 1, 2016. It was a rough day overall, the Titans scored 45 points in the first half, but Stout was able to keep them at bay in the second half, not allowing a score, and adding two touchdowns of their own. The Titans carried a 45-17 win over the Blue Devils at Titan Stadium.

THE SERIES: UW-Oshkosh leads the series 37-23-1. The first meeting was in 1947 when UW-Oshkosh defeated the Blue Devils 19-12.


UW-STOUT: One of the big reasons for the Blue Devils' turnaround this season has been the play of the defense. The Blue Devils are currently ranked first in the WIAC in total defense, allowing 276.8 yards per contest, 27th in the NCAA Division III.  The Blue Devils have not allowed more than 325 total yards of offense this season. When La Crosse tallied 313 yards of offense last week, it stopped a streak at four where Stout had limited their opponent to less than 300 yards , allowing UW-Eau Claire 250, UW-Stevens Point 268, UW-River Falls 220 and UW-Whitewater 221. Last season, Stout held only two opponents to less than 300 yards, and four times allowed more than 500 yards. Stout's rushing defense is ranked second (89.9 y/g) in the WIAC (24th, NCAA) and their passing defense is ranked third (186.9 y/g). Stout's red zone defense (55.6 percent) is ranked first in the WIAC (tied for 9th, NCAA). The Blue Devils are fourth in the WIAC in sacks at 27, with high school teammates Isaiah Hardy (5.0) and Iyen Ogbomoh (4.5) leading the way. Aaron Wisecup and Josh Johnson each have three sacks and Luke Wilz has two.

Offensively, Stout is averaging 335.0 yards per game, 213.8 throwing, 121.2 rushing. The Blue Devils ranks sixth in total offense in the WIAC, fourth in passing, eighth in rushing and fifth in scoring offense. The Blue Devils are outscoring their opponents, 175-131 (21.9-16.4). Stout ranks fourth in scoring defense. 

The Blue Devils started the season off guns-a-blazing, blanking Simpson College, 17-0, and then stunned the D3 world with a 25-22 upset over then fourth-ranked St. Thomas at Williams Stadium. The Blue Devils shot to as high as 22nd in the D3football.com poll and had two weeks off before starting the conference season at ninth-ranked UW-Platteville, falling to the Pioneers, 34-27. The Blue Devils returned south the next week and were blanked at UW-Whitewater, 14-0. Stout has won three of their last four games, ensuring the team of an overall winning record for the first time since 2011.


THROWING THE BALL:  Jay Alston has completed 83-of-173 passes for 1312 yards, eight TDs, but 11 interceptions. Alston ranks fourth in the WIAC in passing yards per game (187.4). Alston has also caught two passes for 20 total yards. Sophomore J.Dan Sturgeon had himself a game in his first collegiate start, completing his first collegiate pass from scrimmage for 77 yards and a TD to Kevion McDonald in a 25-22 upset over St. Thomas, Sept. 9. Sturgeon was 13-of-27 for 248 yards, three TDs and two interceptions. Sturgeon also caught a two-point conversion to score his first collegiate points. Sturgeon saw considerable time against UW-La Crosse and has completed 18-of-42 passes for 363 yards, four TDs and three interceptions. Three other players, Akema Collins, Mason Sturm and Kevion McDonald have all completed a pass this season.

CATCHING THE BALL: Kevion McDonald has a team-best 32receptions for 555 yards (17.3 y/catch) and five TDs. McDonald also has a rushing TD, giving him six TDs on the season, a team-best. McDonald is averaging 4.0 receptions per game and is seventh in the WIAC and is eighth in receiving yards per game (69.4).   Akema Collins had a career-game, grabbing six catches for 155 yards against UW-Platteville, the most individual receiving yards in a single game in two years for the Blue Devils. On the season, Collins, who started all 10 games last season, has  21 catches for 416 yards, ranking right behind McDonald in yards per game (52.0).  Brian Sandifer, Stout's touchdowns leader last season, has 20 grabs for 341 yards and four receiving TDs. Josh Malone has seven catches, including a game-winning 12-yard TD reception against St. Thomas, and has 79 total yards.. Jaavion Bradley pulled in his first Stout TD reception, a 10-yard grab at UW-Platteville, added another catch against UW-Whitewater and two more against UW-River Falls. Tight end Dustin Rondorf has been on the receiving end of five passes for 54 total yards. Fellow tight end Mason Sturm has one reception for 10 yards, but has a pass completion out of a fake punt, good for 15 yards and a first down to defensive back Levi Wolf.

RUNNING THE BALL: Sophomore Rayshawn Graham has had two 100-yard rushing games this season, running for 105 yards against UW-Platteville on 15 carries and for 100 yards against UW-River Falls. On the season, Graham is averaging 4.7 yards per carry and has 430 total rushing yards on 91 carries, ranking fifth in the WIAC (61.4 y/game). Keyshawn Carpenter broke out for 97 yards and two TDs against Eau Claire and has 237 net rushing yards on 61 carries. Receiver Kevion McDonald has 118 total rushing yards (9.8 y/carry) on 12 carries.

DOUBLE THREAT: Wide receiver Kevion McDonald has the longest rushing and receiving plays from scrimmage this season. McDonald caught a 77-yard touchdown pass from J.Dan Sturgeon on Stout's first play from scrimmage in a 25-22 win over St. Thomas, Sept. 9. McDonald took off on a 71-yard scamper to the Stevens Point 3-yard line in a 23-17 win over UW-Stevens Point, Oct. 21. Both plays came at Williams Stadium. McDonald also had a 72-yard pass reception at UW-La Crosse, Nov. 4.

IN THE TRENCHES: The offensive line returns the right side in tact and has stayed in tact with senior Cody Marquardt at tackle and junior Caleb Adams at guard. Thomas Roble, Justin Herbst and Bailey Roux have taken over at tackle, guard and center, respectively.


A SENIOR DEFENSE: Defensively, the Blue Devils return seven starters in defensive linemen Isaiah Hardy, Troy Rudesill and Tim Rue; linebackers Iyen Ogbomoh and Josh Johnson and defensive backs Tony Blair and Enzo Rosani. Blair, an honorable mention all-conference selection, was the team's - and the WIAC's - leading tackler with 101 tackles. Blair also had a conference-leading 65 solo tackles and ranked 18th nationally in solo tackles. Blair ranked 47th nationally in total tackles. Playing in a safety spot last year, Rosani led the team in interceptions with three and had 26 tackles and forced a fumble. Rosani played cornerback his first year with the Blue Devils before moving to safety. Rudesill returns as the nose guard where he had 33 tackles, four for loss and his first career interception. Hardy has been active as a defensive end, leading the team last season in sacks with 7.0 for 41 yards. A hard hitter, Hardy forced a team-best two fumbles and finished with 33 tackles. The lanky Ogbomoh trailed only his high school teammate Hardy in sacks, racking up 5.5, with 26 tackles of which 17 were solo. Ogbomoh was the WIAC player of the week last September after a 2.5 sack day against Mayville State. A standout special teams player, Ogbomoh has a penchant for blocking kicks, with seven to his career. Johnson recovered nicely from an early season injury in 2015 to making a statement in 2016. Playing in seven games, Johnson collected 48 tackles - third on the team - and had six tackles for loss. Pierson, who is a physical player, had 53 tackles in 2015, along with three interceptions and nine pass break ups.

EYE FOR THE BALL: Defensively, linebackers Luke Wilz and Josh Johnson lead the team in tackles, Wilz has 56 total tackles with 36 solo tackles. Johnson has 55 tackles, 32 solo, and the senior has six pass break-ups.  Nick Schulenburg has 44 tackles, 22 solo. Free safety Tony Blair has 43 tackles, 27 solo, and an interception that he returned 17 yards. Safety Levi Wolf has 42 tackles, 20 solo, with five interceptions for 101 yards and six pass break-ups.

WOLF'S INSTINCTS: Safety Levi Wolf is tied for the lead in the conference in interceptions with five. Wolf had two interceptions against St. Thomas, then stepped in front a UW-Stevens Point, returning it 28 yards for his first career pick-6. For the second time this season, Wolf recorded two interceptions in a game when he picked off two against UW-La Crosse. Wolf has a conference-best 101 return yards for interceptions. Wolf blocked a punt against Platteville that teammate Jed Schlegel scooped up and returned 47 yards for his first collegiate score. Wolf caught a 15-yard pass out of punt formation against St. Thomas.

OPPORTUNITY STRIKES FOR SCHLEGEL: The stat line on defensive back Jed Schlegel isn't eye-popping, but it is what the sophomore has done when he has been near the ball that has been big for the Blue Devils this season. Levi Wolf blocked a punt against UW-Platteville Sept. 30, and  Schlegel scooped up the ball, returning it 47 yards for a score, his first collegiate points. Schlegel has been opportunistic this season. He made his first big play of the year when he broke up a pass on fourth down to clinch the win over nationally ranked St. Thomas, followed that up in the next game in Platteville with the blocked punt return. Schlegel had an interception in the end zone to put a stop to a late UW-River Falls drive.  Schlegel has 16 tackles, 10 solo.

BAT IT AWAY: Senior defensive back Michael Pierson has been tested late in the season against UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Eau Claire and UW-La Crosse, and he has passed the test. The 5-foot-9 senior batted away four passes against both the Falcons and the Pointers, including several in the end zone, added two more against the Blugolds and another against La Crosse, bringing him to a personal-best 13 pass breakups. Pierson also returned a fumble 15 yards for a TD against Eau Claire. Pierson was the WIAC defensive player of the week for his play against Eau Claire.

GIVE IT A BOOT: The kicking game has been one of the Blue Devils' strengths the past couple of years. Junior place kicker Drew Pearson earned national recognition last season. Pearson, who won the place kicking job early last season, earned All-America status on two separate teams while he set a school record with 16 field goals made during the season. Pearson was 16-of-19 in field goals - including two of more than 50 yards - and made all 27 extra points to lead the Blue Devils in scoring with 75 points. Pearson has earned preseason All-America nods for the 2017 season with D3football.com, Lindy's, Street & Smith and HERO Sports Network, along with returning to the Fred Mitchell Award watch list. Senior punter Clark Riedel was a first team all-WIAC selection and an all-district pick, averaging 39.1 yards per boot and placed 15 punts inside the 20 yard line. Riedel is the holder for Pearson and long snapper Clay Dziekan returns for his third season. Taylor Pahl returns for his senior season and is a back-up to Pearson. Paul has booted nine field goals over his career and is 24-of-27 in extra points.

With a much slower start, Pearson broke out for the year in the win over UW-Stevens Point. The junior from Wausau was 3-for-4 in field goals, including a 53-yarder that was one yard short of the school and conference record, earning WIAC special teams player of the week honors. Pearson also booted a pair of PATs, and scored 11 points. The only field goal Pearson missed was a 54-yard attempt. Pearson is one of three kickers in the WIAC to attempt field goals longer than 50 yards, but the only WIAC kicker to succeed when he made the 53-yard boot. Pearson is currently 7-of-13 in field goals and 18-of-20 in PATS, making seven against Eau Claire. Pearson leads the team in points scored with 39. Clark Riedel is averaging 39.2 yards per punt, third in the WIAC. Riedel has had 14 punts fair caught and has put 10 inside the 20-yard line.

CLIMBING THE LADDER: Blue Devil kicker Drew Pearson is currently 11th on the UW-Stout all-time scoring list with 147 points. Wide receiver Kevion McDonald is currently 16th on the all-time receiving list with 1271 career yards. Quarterback Jay Alston is currently 10th on the all-time passing list with 3140 yards.



PRESEASON POLLS: The Blue Devils finished seventh in the competitive WIAC last season and according to a preseason poll by WIAC football coaches and sports information directors, the Blue Devils were picked to finish seventh again this year. Stout is currently in a tie for fourth.
 

WHO'S WHO OSHKOSH: The Titans last season finished runner-up in the NCAA Division III Championship, losing 10-7 to Mary Hardin-Baylor. But the Titans were not considered the preseason favorite, predicted to finish second in a conference poll of WIAC coaches and sports information directors. This season, the Titans have outscored opponents, 40.8-16.9. The Titans' closest game so far this season was a 31-28 home win over UW-River Falls, Oct. 28. The Titans lead the WIAC in scoring (40.8), rushing (244.9) and total offense (482.1). Nationally, the Titans rank 17th in scoring, 22nd in rushing and 15th in total offense. Brett Kasper has completed 107-of-167 passes for 1835 yards and 19 TDs, with four interceptions. Kasper's 229.4 yards per game is tops in the WIAC. Dylan Hecker has piled up 608 yards, averaging 121.6 yards per game, but has not played in the last three games and is questionable for this week. Mitch Gerhartz is currently third in the WIAC in rushing, averaging 72.5 yards per game and 6.9 yards per carry. Sam Mentowski has hauled in 37 passes for 880 yards, averaging 110.0 yards per game (2nd, WIAC) and 23.8 yards per catch. Mentowski has seven TDs. Defensively, the Titans allow 326.6 yards per game, 214.0 passing and 112.6 rushing. The Titan defense leads the conference in interceptions with 14 total. Derrick Jennings has picked off four passes and Cole Yoder and Kollyn Beyer each have three. Jon Kallas leads the team in tackles with 50, 27 solo. Scott Skornicka has 49 tackles, 29, solo, with a team-high three sacks and 8.0 tackles-for- loss. Jamier Szymanski has a team-high 10.5 tackles-for-loss of his 43 tackles.



THE MATCHUP: Comparing the numbers:

Stout	WIAC Rank		WIAC Rank	Oshkosh
21.9	5	PPG	1	40.8
16.4	4	Opp. PPG	5	16.9
213.8	4	Pass Yds	3	237.2
121.2	8	Rush Yds	1	244.9
-9 (13/22)	8	Turnover /-	1	+8 (17/9

LOTS OF RANKED OPPONENTS: The Blue Devils play four teams that are currently ranked In the D3football.com Top 25 poll. The Blue Devils defeated St. Thomas (No. 4), Saturday, Sept. 9, 25-22, lost 14-0 at UW-Whitewater (No. 23), Saturday, Oct. 7,  lost, 21-7 , at UW-La Crosse (No. 24) Saturday, Nov. 4, and host UW-Oshkosh (No. 3) Saturday, Nov. 11 to close the season.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK: Offensive player of the week: Kevion McDonald, Jr, Hopkins, Minn.. Defensive player of the week: Levi Wolf, Jr, Elmwood, Wis.. Special teams player of the week: Iyen Ogbomoh, Sr, Olympia Fields, Ill (Rich Central);  Offensive scout player of the week: Mason Graetz, Fr, River Falls, Wis. Defensive scout player of the week: Max Sorvari, Fr, Champlin, Minn. (Champlin Park) Offensive lineman of the week: -


TEAM CAPTAINS: Captains for the 2017 season include linebacker Jared Allen (Sr, Maple Grove, Minn), linebacker Nick Schulenberg (Sr, Fort Atkinson), defensive lineman Troy Rudesill (Sr, Spring Valley) and punter Clark Riedel (Sr, Waukesha).

NATIONAL RANKINGS: When Stout was voted 25th in the 2017 Week 2 Top 25 poll, it was the first time Stout was ranked in the Top 25 since Week 5 of the 2005 season when the Blue Devils were ranked 23rd. During 2017, Stout climbed as high as 22nd in the D3football.com poll in week four, but fell out of the Top 25 after consecutive losses to UW-Platteville and UW-Whitewater. The Blue Devils reappeared in the receiving votes category during the Week 7 poll.  The last time Stout received votes in the D3football.com poll was during the 2010 season. Stout often received votes during the 2000s. The Blue Devils appeared in the AFCA Coaches poll during the Sept. 25 poll, ranking 25th. Stout returned to the Receiving Votes category in the AFCA poll Oct. 24.

THE COACHES: UW-Stout: Clayt Birmingham (31-47) is in his eighth year as the UW-Stout head coach. Before coming to Stout, Birmingham coached at Western Michigan, Emporia College and UW-Stevens Point. Birmingham was the UW-Stout defensive coordinator for three years before assuming the head coaching role. Birmingham played his college football at UW-Stevens Point. UW-Oshkosh: Pat Cerroni (85-34) is in his 11th year as UW-Oshkosh's head football coach after leading the Titans to NCAA Division III postseason appearances in three of the past five seasons, including trips to the program's first national championship game in 2016, to the semifinals in the school's playoff debut in 2012 and to the quarterfinal round in 2015. Cerroni, the 23rd head coach in UW-Oshkosh's 122-year history, has guided the Titans to a 77-34 record (.694 winning percentage), including marks of 13-1 in 2012, 11-2 in 2015 and 13-2 in 2016. He became the program's winningest coach with his 69th victory on Oct. 15, 2016, at UW-Stevens Point.

COACHING STAFF: Travis Destache returns as the defensive coordinator.. Chase Vogel returns for his fourth year and will work with the quarterbacks and the passing game. Derek Branch returned to UW-Stout where he played for two years, earning all-conference honors as an offensive lineman. Branch will work with the offensive line. Luke Pederson joined the staff last season and will work with the linebackers. Jed Stutzman returns, as does student assistant coach Matt McKone and graduate assistant Jake Pollock. Tony Lombardi begins his second year with the Blue Devils and brings 30-plus years of coaching experience to his work with defensive backs. Jeff Sullivan returns after 11 years. Jeff Sullivan coached with the Blue Devils from 2003-05, returning last year after an 11 year hiatus from college football. During the interim, Sullivan was an assistant coach with a number of high school programs and is a member of the first class to earn their PhD at Stout.

THE LEAGUES: UW-Stout and UW-Eau Claire are members of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). Stout finished seventh in league play last season and the Blue Devils were picked to finish seventh in a WIAC preseason poll released in mid-August. UW-Eau Claire was predicted to finish eighth in the WIAC preseason poll.

SCHOLAR-ATHLETE: Senior Jared Allen has been nominated as a National Football Foundation (NFF) scholar-athlete for 2017 and has been selected as a semi-finalist for the Cambell Trophy. Allen, a team captain, is a business major from Maple Grove, Minn., graduating from Hopkins High School. Allen has been involved with the Stout Student Association (SSA) senate throughout much of his tenure at Stout.

SEASON HONORS: 2017: Defensive back Michael Pierson was selected as the WIAC defensive athlete of the week after returning a fumble for 15 yards against UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 28....quarterback Jay Alston was selected at the UW-Stout/Toppers athlete of the week after throwing for two TDs and running for two more in a 55-7 win over UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 28...Wide receiver Kevion McDonald was selected as the UW-Stout/Toppers athlete of the week after recording six catches for 112 yards and running four times for 83 yards against UW-Stevens Point, Oct. 21...Kicker Drew Pearson was selected the WIAC special teams player of the week after kicking three field goals, including a 53-yarder, and added two PATs in Stout's 23-17 win over UW-Stevens Point, Oct. 21...Wide receiver Kevion McDonald was the UW-Stout/Toppers athlete of the week after catching six passes for 112 yards and running the ball four times for 83 yards...Safety Levi Wolf was selected as the WIAC defensive player of the week and was named to the D3football.com team of the week after Stout's 25-22 win over St. Thomas, Sept. 9...Wide receiver Kevion McDonald and safety Levi Wolf were selected as UW-Stout/Toppers Athlete of the Week after Stout's 25-22 win over St. Thomas...Linebacker Luke Wilz was named the WIAC defensive player of the week after notching 12 tackles against Simpson College in the season opener...place kicker Drew Pearson received preseason All-America honors by D3football.com, Street and Smith magazine, Lindy's magazine, and HERO Sports Network. Pearson is also on the watch list for the Fred Mitchell Award, an award he was a semi-finalist for last season.

TOPPERS: The following are career bests for several of Stout's offensive players

Jay Alston - Passing
15 comp, 27 att, 311 yds, 3 TDs vs. Simpson College, Sept. 3, 2016
16 comp, 29 att, 289 yds, 4 TDs vs. UW-River Falls, Oct. 22, 2016
18 comp, 33 att, 247 yds, 2 TDs vs. UW-Stevens Point, Nov. 5, 2016
14 comp, 30 att, 235 yds, 1 TD vs. UW-Platteville, Sept. 30, 2017
10 comp, 21 att, 203 yds, 2 TD vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 28, 2017
14 comp, 26 att, 198 yds, 1 TD vs. UW-Stevens Point, Oct. 21, 2017
10 comp, 21 att, 183 yds. 3 TD vs. UW-River Falls, Oct. 14, 2017
16 comp, 33 att, 135 yds, 2 TDs, vs. UW-Whitewater, Nov. 14, 2015
13 comp, 28 att, 161 yds, 2 TDs, vs UW-Platteville, Oct. 29, 2016
10 comp, 20 att, 148 yds, 1 TD, vs. St. Thomas, Sept. 10, 2016
J.Dan Sturgeon - Passing
13 comp, 27 att, 248 yds, 3 TDs vs. St. Thomas, Sept. 9, 2017
4 comp, 13 att, 107 yds, 1 TD vs. UW-La Crosse, Nov. 4, 2017
Jay Alston - Rushing
9 carries, 96 yards, 2 TD vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 15, 2016
6 carries, 77 yards, 2 TD vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 28, 2017
Keyshawn Carpenter - Rushing
11 carries, 97 yards, 2 TD vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 28, 2017
17 carries, 77 yards vs. Simpson College, Sept. 2, 2017
12 carries, 59 yards vs. Wartburg College, Sept. 19, 2015
Rayshawn Graham - Rushing
15 carries,105 yards vs. UW-Platteville, Sept. 30, 2017
19 carries, 100 yards vs. UW-River Falls, Oct. 14, 2017
5 carries, 52 yards vs. Simpson College, Sept. 2, 2017
14 carries, 61 yards vs. UW-Whitewater, Oct. 7, 2017
17 carries, 50 yards vs. St. Thomas, Sept. 9, 2017
Kevion McDonald - Rushing
4 carries, 83 yards vs. UW-Stevens Point, Oct. 21, 2017
Lucian Coutier - Rushing
12 carries, 64 yards vs. UW-La Crosse, Nov. 4, 2017
5 carries, 51 yards vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 28, 2017
4 carries, 41 yards vs. Simpson College, Sept. 2, 2017
Kevion McDonald - Receiving
7 receptions, 133 yards vs. St. Thomas, Sept. 9, 2017
6 receptions, 112 yards vs. UW-Stevens Point, Oct. 21, 2017
5 receptions, 98 yards vs. Loras College, Sept. 12, 2015
4 receptions, 94 yards, vs. UW-Stevens Point, Nov. 5, 2016
3 receptions, 93 yards, 1 TD vs. UW-La Crosse, Nov. 4, 2017
6 receptions, 85 yards, 1 TD vs. UW-Platteville, Oct. 29, 2016
3 receptions, 76 yards, 1 TD vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 28, 2017
3 receptions, 71 yards, 2 TDs vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 17, 2015
5 receptions, 67 yards vs. UW-La Crosse, Oct. 10, 2015
7 receptions, 72 yards vs. Bethel University, Sept. 3, 2015
Akema Collins - Receiving
6 receptions, 155 yards vs. UW-Platteville, Sept. 30, 2017
4 receptions, 86 yards, 1 TD vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 28, 2017
3 receptions, 50 yards vs. UW-Whitewater, Oct. 7, 2017
3 receptions, 49 yards vs. St. Thomas, Sept. 10, 2016
3 receptions, 39 yards vs. St. Thomas, Sept. 9, 2017
2 receptions, 35 yards vs. Simpson College, Sept. 3, 2016
Brian Sandifer - Receiving
8 receptions, 101 yards, 1 TD vs. UW-Whitewater, Nov. 12, 2016
5 receptions, 101 yards, 2 TDs vs. UW-Platteville, Oct. 29, 2016
3 receptions, 101 yards vs. UW-La Crosse, Nov. 4, 2017
5 receptions, 78 yards, 2 TDs vs. UW-Stevens Point, Nov. 5, 2016
3 receptions, 55 yards, 2 TDs vs. UW-River Falls, Oct. 14, 2017
4 receptions, 19 yards vs. UW-Whitewater, Oct. 7, 2017
2 receptions, 64 yards vs. St. Thomas, Sept. 9, 2017
Dustin Rondorf - Receiving
2 reception, 24, yards vs. UW-Platteville, Sept. 30, 2017
2 receptions, 21 yards vs. Simpson College, Sept. 2, 2017


DON & NONA WILLIAMS STADIUM MARKS
Longest Pass Play
87 - Jon Bane to Anthony Muilenburg (Dakota Wesleyan) Sept. 7, 2013
85 - Michael Blizel to Trevor Morning vs. Jamestown, Sept. 8, 2012
85 - Brett Kasper to Sam Mentkowski (UW-Oshkosh), Oct. 3, 2015
Longest Run from Scrimmage
86 - Craig Warminski vs. UW-Oshkosh, Nov. 13, 2010
85 - Adolfo Pacheco run for TD vs. Eau Claire, Oct. 15, 2016
Longest Field Goal
55 - Nick Dace (North Central College), Sept. 15, 2012
53 - Drew Pearson (UW-Stout), Oct. 21, 2017
53 - Nick Dace (North Central College), Sept. 15, 2012
Longest Punt Return
80 - Craig Warminski vs. Eureka College, Sept. 18, 2010
Longest Kickoff Return
90 - Carlos Concepcion vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 23, 2010
Most Rushing Yards in a Game
328 - Luke Bundgaard vs. UW-Platteville, Nov. 15, 2003
207 - Taylor Edwards (UW-River Falls), Oct. 3, 2009
207 - Justin Biever (UW-Whitewater), Nov. 5, 2005
Most Yards Passing in a Game
446 - Tom Stetzer (UW-Platteville), Sept. 29, 2001
381 - Dylan Jones (Loras College), Sept. 13, 2014
358 - Brett Borchert (UW-Stevens Point), Oct. 16, 2004
357 - Hank Kujak vs. UW-River Falls, Oct. 24, 2015
350 - Brett Kasper (UW-Oshkosh), Oct. 3, 2015
349 - Austin Neu (UW-Eau Claire), Oct. 1, 2011
341 - Hank Kujak vs. Bethel University, Sept. 3, 2015
Most Yards Receiving in a Game
243 - Max Boe (Jamestown), Sept. 11, 2010
238 - Nate Even (Loras College), Sept. 13, 2014
Most TDs Scored in a Game
4 - Luke Bundgaard vs. UW-Platteville, Nov. 15, 2003

THE LAST TIME A STOUT PLAYER...
Threw for 400-plus yards
418 - Hank Kujak vs. Loras College, Sept. 12, 2015 (22 comp, 44 att, 3 TD)
457 - Matt Bunyan vs. UW-Stevens Point, Nov. 7, 1998 (31 comp, 58 att, 4 TD)
Threw for 300-399 yards
311 - Jay Alston vs. Simpson College, Sept. 3, 2016 (15 comp, 27 att, 3 TDs)
325 - Hank Kujak vs. UW-Stevens Point, Nov. 7, 2015 (16 comp, 31 att, 3 TD)
357 - Hank Kujak vs. UW-River Falls, Oct. 24, 2015 (23 comp, 48 att, 5 TD)
Ran for 300-plus yards
328 - Luke Bundgaard vs. UW-Platteville, Nov. 15, 2003 (53* carries, 4 TD)
Ran for 200-299 yards
207 - Craig Warminski vs. UW-La Crosse, Nov. 1, 2008 (32 carries, 2 TD)
Ran for 100-199 yards
105 - Rayshawn Graham vs.UW-Platteville, Sept. 30, 2017 (15 carries)
105 - Travis Urlaub vs. UW-River Falls, Oct. 24, 2015 (10 carries, 1 TD)
119 - Adolfo Pacheco vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 15, 2016 (11 carries, 1 TD)
104 - Travis Urlaub vs. Simpson College, Sept. 3, 2016 (23 carries, 1 TD)
Recorded 200-plus receiving yards
223 - Jordan Dabney vs. Simpson College, Sept. 3, 2016 (5 rec, 2 TDs)
241* - Dan Austin vs. UW-La Crosse, Nov. 1, 2003 (9 rec, 1 TD)
Recorded 150-199 receiving yards
155 - Akama Collins vs. UW-Platteville, Sept. 30, 2017 (6 rec)
159 - Brian Alvarez vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 17, 2015 (10 rec, 3 TD)
Caught 10-plus receptions
10 - Brian Alvarez vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 17, 2015 (159 yds, 3TD)
Returned a kickoff 90-plus yards
96t - Noel Gonzalez at UW-Stevens Point, Nov. 5, 2016
90t - Carlos Concepcion vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 23, 2010
Scored 4 touchdowns
4 - Craig Warminski vs. UW-River Falls, Oct. 25, 2008 (28 carries, 250 yds)
Scored 3 touchdowns
3 - Brian Alvarez vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 17, 2015 (10 rec, 159 yds)
Recorded two interceptions
2- Levi Wolf vs. UW-La Crosse, Nov. 4, 2017
2 - Levi Wolf vs. St. Thomas, Sept. 9, 2017
2 - Enzo Rosani vs. Mayville State, Sept. 17, 2016
Successfully Kicked a 50-plus yard field goal
53 - Drew Pearson vs. UW-Stevens Point, Oct. 21, 2017
51 - Drew Pearson at UW-Oshkosh, Oct. 1, 2016
52 - Drew Pearson at Mayville State, Sept. 17, 2016 (just before halftime)
52 - Brandon Raciborski vs. UW-River Falls, Oct. 20, 2007 (game winner with 45 seconds remaining)
Returned a blocked punt for a score
Jed Schlegel, 47 yards vs. UW-Platteville (Levi Wolf block), Sept. 30, 2017
Returned a blocked field goal for a score
Enzo Rosani, 86 yards vs. UW-La Crosse (Travis Shackleton block), Oct. 10, 2015
Returned an interception for a score
Levi Wolf, 28 yards vs. UW-Stevens Point, Oct. 21, 2017
Iyen Ogbomoh, 5 yards vs. Simpson College, Sept. 3, 2016
Returned a fumble for a score
Michael Pierson, 15 yards vs. UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 28, 2017
* school record

BIG KICKOFF RETURNS: Noel Gonzalez returned a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown against UW-Stevens Point, Nov. 5, 2016 at Stevens Point. The return was the longest return since Mike Bechtel returned a 98-yard kickoff return against UW-Whitewater, Oct. 14, 1995 on the Blue Devils' homecoming. Carlos Concepcion returned a kick 90 yards against UW-Eau Claire, Oct. 23, 2010. Jesse Wendt, who holds the school single season record for kickoff return average, returned a kickoff 90 yards in 2004. Tony Beckham did not have any 90-plus yard returns, but in back-to-back seasons, the future NFL draftee returned an 88-yard kickoff and an 89-yard return in 2000 and 2001, respectively.

FIELD GOAL BLOCK & RETURN: During the 2015 season, Travis Shackleton blocked a 29-yard field goal attempt by UW-La Crosse in La Crosse, Oct. 10, 2015, and Enzo Rosani scooped up the ball on the La Crosse 14, returning it 86 yards for a score. The blocked kick was Shackleton's first career block and the touchdown was Rosani's first collegiate TD. There is no mention in the UW-Stout, the WIAC or the NCAA record books for returning blocked field goal attempts. There will now be a category in the Stout record book. After sending out a request to NCAA Division III sports information directors, the following list of blocked field goals was compiled.

Blocked Field Goal Attempt Returns
95t, Javicz Jones (Mary Hardin-Baylor vs. Lousiana College), 2012
86t, Enzo Rosani (UW-Stout vs. UW-La Crosse), Oct. 17, 2015
82t, Anthony Giuliano (SUNY-Cortland vs. William Paterson), 2010
79t, Ryan Bonheyo (Gallaudet University vs. Becker College), Nov. 2, 2013 (game winning TD)
77t, Jim Smith (SUNY-Cortland vs. SUNY-Brockport), 2007
76t, Rick Mateja (North Central College vs. Wheaton College), Sept. 21, 1985
67t, Justin Baker (St. Norbert College vs. Lake Forest College), Sept. 26, 2009
61, Derek Sulo (North Central College vs. Carthage College), Nov. 10, 2007

MAX SPARGER: UW-Stout dedicated the Don & Nona Williams Stadium press box in honor of former UW-Stout athletic director and coach Max Sparger, September 11, 2010. Sparger led the Blue Devil football team to the 1965 WSUC championship. After leaving Stout in 1972, Sparger served as the WSUC commissioner. Sparger is a member of the UW-Stout Hall of Fame, as well as the WIAC Hall of Fame.

STOUT FOOTBALL HISTORY: Stout Institute played their first game on Nov. 4, 1911, when they lost to River Falls Normal School, 13-11. Walter Anderson scored Stout's first touchdown, an 85 yard kickoff return. A week later, Stout won their first game, 30-2, against LaCrosse Business School as Harvey Tice scored four touchdowns. The predecessor to the WIAC began in 1913 and Stout has won five conference titles - 1921, 1941, 1949, 1965 and 2000. Stout became the Blue Devils during the late 1920s or early 1930s. Football was not played during the war years of 1918, 1943, and 1944. Along the way, the school has gone through a number of name changes - Stout Institute, Stout State College, Stout State University and the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Stout celebrated 100 years of football with a season-long celebration and alumni reunion during the 2011 season. 

TAILGATING: UW-Stout has adopted a formal tailgating policy for Blue Devil football games. The south end of the parking lot by the Don and Nona Williams Stadium has been designated as a tailgating area known as the "Tailgate Zone." Fans will be able to participate in the Blue Devil Walk. Tailgating is permitted three hours before the game, and tailgating activities will cease at game time. Only propane grills are permitted, no open flame grills. Tobacco is not permitted.

EUROPEAN FLAVOR: UW-Stout coach Clayt Birmingham has been active in raising the popularity of American football in Europe and has made several trips to Europe to participate in workshops and coaching clinics. Last fall, the Blue Devils had a coach from Germany into preseason camp for a couple of days. Enzo Rosani began his career as a Blue Devil, joining Stout as a cornerback from France on the 2014 roster. In all likelihood, Rosani is the only international student to have played football for UW-Stout for four seasons. The Blue Devils have consistently welcomed European coaches to their training camp. In 2011 it was Nico Teichert and Johannes Fiebig from Germany getting an up close look at American football. The Blue Devils also had Antti Kurenniemi, a native of Finland, on their roster in 2011. Kurenniemi saw action in several games. In 2012, the Blue Devils, for the first time in several years, did not host a European coach, but did have an international player, Jan Andre Millemann from Germany.

DON & NONA WILLIAMS STADIUM: The Blue Devils' home stadium - Don & Nona Williams Stadium - got a facelift during the summer of 2008 when the original Astroturf-type surface was replaced with ProGrass, a surface that more closely resembles natural grass. Don & Nona Williams Stadium was only the second artificial playing surface in the state of Wisconsin when it opened in 2001. Only the Wisconsin Badgers played their games on artificial turf. The Green Bay Packers had an artificial surface in their practice facility. Now, every WIAC school has an artificial surface, and many high schools in the state have followed suit.

UP NEXT: The season will have concluded.