2008 Woodie Awards
Playoff road set with WIAC
Beaver sets rushing TD mark in win;
Matt Cullen
Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Sports
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In this case, the significant win was two weeks ago, against UW-Stout. And if not for a few key plays, the trap game might have ensnared the Warhawk football team last Saturday. However, six forced turnovers by the defense and two record-breaking runs from Justin Beaver, help lift the 'Hawks to a 21-7 victory over the UW-Platteville Pioneers.
"It was a hard win. You got the conference locked up, you're in the playoffs … it's hard to get excited about [the game]," Beaver said. "We came out with a victory, but we can play better."
Beaver's two scores were 37th and 38th of his career as a Warhawk, and propelled him ahead of former UW-Whitewater running back Chad Wurth for first all-time in school history in rushing touchdowns.
"Coming into [the game], my grandma told me on the field that I'd better get two touchdowns to break the record, so I had to," Beaver said.
With the victory, UW-Whitewater capped off a 9-1 regular season, and locked up the No. 1 seed in the North Region in the upcoming Division III playoffs. The 'Hawks first playoff test comes from Capital University (Ohio), who will travel to Perkins Stadium for an opening-round showdown Saturday at noon.
While UW-Whitewater already clinched a playoff berth, it didn't make the contest against the Pioneers any less important. The matchup was part of the Warhawks' annual Shrine Game, and was also the George Chryst Memorial Bowl.
Saturday was also Senior Day for 23 members of the 'Hawks, who were honored in a ceremony before kickoff. Leipold admits the atmosphere surrounding the game, as well as the feelings from the team's last two wins, affected the players.
"It's been kind of an emotional three weeks for these guys," Leipold said. "I had a concern on energy … because I think we were a little drained."
On its opening possession, UW-Whitewater marched methodically down the field, putting together a 10 play, 80-yard drive that culminated with a 23-yard run by Beaver to make the score 7-0.
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