Warhawks dominate St. Norbert College, advance in playoffs
Released: November 20, 2006
Neil Mrvika
After dominating St. Norbert with a 59-17 win in the first round of the NCAA III playoffs, the Warhawk football team continues its playoff run over the holiday weekend with a noon Nov. 25 game against conference rival UW-La Crosse (9-1).
UW-Whitewater is seeded first in its region and second overall, with a total record of 11-0. The Warhawks last faced the rival Eagles during homecoming Oct. 14 at Perkins Stadium. UW-Whitewater was victorious over La Crosse, 45-10, giving the Eagles their only loss this season.
"I am pleased with our focus on Saturday and we played well. Looking ahead to the next opponent, we need to understand this is just another battle with another excellent football team in the fight to stay in the playoffs," Head Coach Bob Berezowitz said.
In the last four home playoff games, UW-Whitewater has outscored its opponents 185-44. As the national runner-up to Mount Union (Ohio) last year, the team finished the 2005 season 14-1, establishing school records for victories (previous mark 10), touchdowns, points, first downs, total yards, pass completions, passing yards, rushing yards, interceptions, first downs rushing and first downs passing in the team categories. The Warhawks hope to continue their momentum, staying on course for another solid playoff run.
"We cannot stress enough that UW-Whitewater needs to take things one game at a time," Director of Athletics, Paul Plinske, said. "We cannot look to next week until we play this week."
UW-Whitewater makes its fifth appearance in the NCAA III playoffs since 1980, with previous appearances in 1988, 1990, 1997 and 2005. This season the Warhawks are the first team in league history to compile back-to-back unbeaten and untied records during the regular season.
Plinske also stated the team cannot make a run without the support of its fans. The hope is to increase attendance for the second-round match-up. Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to support the Warhawk football team in their playoff run this holiday weekend. Students can buy one ticket for $4 and get one free, in addition to receiving free admission to the pre-game tailgate party hosted by DLK Enterprises. The tailgate party will include free hot dogs and beverages starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Coulthart Family Pavilion.
Tickets can be picked up at either the DLK office, located at 144 N. Tratt, or the UW-Whitewater Athletic Office in the Williams Center, 112.
For more information, visit the UW-Whitewater football championship Web site at http://www.uww.edu/athletics/mfootball/2006ncaafootballchamp/.- Patti Schenker,schenkerpl07@uww.edu
