The Johnnies play their 2nd and final non-conference game of the regular season on Saturday traveling to Eau-Claire, Wisconsin for a rare 7pm gametime against the Blugolds. They are a team dominated by sophomores and juniors & as always have tremendous size. This will be a stern early season test for the Cardinal & Blue before the beginning of the MIAC season.
Eau-Claire Offense: The Blugolds hit the jackpot with freshmen RB Joel Sweeney (6′1″, 241 lbs). He racked up 3 TDs and over 200 total yards in last week’s win over Bethel of Tennessee (NAIA). Sweeney will be the UWEC workhorse as the Blugolds try to wear opponents down by running the ball on the ground. QB Austin Neu only completed 4 passes last week and none to his starting WRs.
St. John’s Offense: The Johnnies will go with a potent quartet of RBs (Jakob Reding, Harry Awe, Nick Schneider, and Steve Johnson) who each reached the endzone in last week’s Monkey Stomp of Northwestern. QB Joe Boyle showed great poise in the pocket last week (but must eliminate the fumbles) and the extensive depth in the backfield should allow for passing plays to open up down the field. UWEC plays a 3-4 defense so the offensive lineman will have to get on the linebackers to create space.
Eau-Claire Defense: As previously mentioned the Blugolds play a 3-4 defense making their linebackers integral parts of the defense who must flow to the football and make the majority of the tackles. They struggled last week allowing 203 yards rushing for Bethel. Look for big DE Burt Geurkink (6′6″, 288 lbs) and ILB Andy Neumann (6′1″, 231 lbs) to be the playmakers for UWEC.
St. John’s Defense: The Johnnies defense has been the one element you could count on to be rock solid for decades. This year is no exception, especially the run defense, which allowed a meager 75 yards last week on 30 carries (while rotating in several strings of players). LBs Billy Lawrence and John Stanton always seem to find their way to the football. Kyle Schroeder anchors the defensive line which will need to have a big game facing a huge WIAC offensive line leaning on them for 4 quarters.
Eau-Claire Special Teams: Punter Scott Burzynski averaged just 30.6 yards per punt. Kicker Brandon Raciborski was 5 for 5 in PATs and averaged 55.3 yards per kickoff. WR Mike O’Connell returns punts and kickoffs for the Blugolds.
St. John’s Special Teams: Jimmie Mattson, the new kicker, was 7 for 7 on PATs and averaged 61.4 yards per kickoff with one touchback. He was regularly kicking FGs of 40+ yards in warmups. Scott Ramey and Max McHugh showed tremendous legs in the punting game (including a long of 55 yards). Mike Bonynge, Brayde Lipp, and Dylan Graves have put the Johnnies kick and punt returns in good hands.
Prediction: The Blugolds are a formidable WIAC opponent, but they are strong (running game) where the Johnnies excel (run defense) and weak (passing game) where the Johnnies tend to have issues (pass defense). The heavy Blugold emphasis on running the ball allows the Johnnies to stack the box with 8-9 defenders forcing UWEC to pass. A diverse offensive attack from the Johnnies should allow them to move the ball effectively.
St. John’s 38 – Wisconsin-Eau Claire 20
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Stiftungsfestivities Tailgate Party: The tailgate will be held this week starting between 4:30 and 5:00pm at Carson Park adjacent to the Football Stadium (either in the pavilion or nearby in the parking lot). We’ll provide all meat/condiments. Please bring your own beverages and a treat to share if you wish (brownies, cookies, salads, desserts, chips, etc). Everyone is welcome! There are usually alumni from every decade since the 50s, parents of players/students, families, and it is a great pregame gathering that has grown immensely over the past several years.
