Warhawks advance to semifinals, one win from National Championship game

Dec. 4, 2006

Junior Andy Murray (24) of Mount Horeb intercepts a
pass at the six yard line, returning it 78 yards to
St. John's 16 yard line.

Despite frigid temperatures and a stadium covered in snow, the Warhawk football team was once again victorious, defeating Saint John's University Saturday afternoon 17-14 in the quarterfinal game.

The Warhawks capitalized on three of Saint John's turnovers on Saturday, scoring 10 of their 17 points from a fumble recovery and an intercepted pass.

"This was a game that involved change of possession and field position. We had to bend, not break in our defense," Head Coach Bob Berezowitz said.

The team was led by senior Justin Jacobs of Sun Prairie, who completed 13-26 passes for 193 yards. Junior Justin Beaver of Palmyra/Eagle added 93 yards rushing and a touchdown. Matt Blaziewske, a junior from Kenosha/Tremper, led the Warhawks with 11 tackles, including nine solo tackles and senior Ryan Kleppe of Mount Horeb had 3.5 sacks for 33 yards.

"Year in and year out Saint John's has a great program and excellent traditions. We had outstanding defense and Kleppe kept the pressure on the quarterback," Berezowitz said.  "I am extremely pleased we were able to defeat Saint John's."

UW-Whitewater improved to an overall record of 13-0 and is second in the latest Division III polls. The victory for the Warhawks marks their 16th straight home win dating back to Nov. 13, 2004 against UW-La Crosse.

Berezowitz also commended the efforts of the ground crew for clearing out the stands and field. The snow came at a difficult time and a tremendous group effort made the game possible.

The Warhawks will advance to play Wesley College (DE) in the Division III semifinal game Saturday, Dec. 9 at noon at Perkins Stadium. The game will be a rematch of last year's semifinal game in which the Warhawks won 58-6.

UW-Whitewater will host the last playoff game before the championship and students, faculty, staff and community members are once again being called to brave the weather and support the Warhawk football team. 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 the DLK office, located at 144 N. Tratt between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., or Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon.

For more information, visit the UW-Whitewater football championship Web site at http://www.uww.edu/athletics/mfootball/2006ncaafootballchamp/.