The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point made the seventy-five-mile journey to De Pere, Wisconsin, worthwhile, leaving town with a decisive 24-3 victory. The Pointers evened their record to 1-1, while the Green Knights fell to 0-2. Although the final score suggests a one-sided contest, the game itself was much closer. Both teams played hard from the first snap to the final whistle. The Pointers earned their win through gritty play and a relentless will to win. On a humid September day, these two in-state rivals from different conferences demonstrated the essence of Division III football.
Photo Cred: De Pere
Run Heavy Pays Off Late
After a scoreless and offensively sluggish first quarter, UWSP began incorporating orbit motion into their game plan. While it didn’t yield immediate results, it made SNC’s defense pause and rethink their pre-snap adjustments. The Pointers gradually gained confidence as their one- and two-yard gains started to accumulate. By the game’s final quarter, UWSP was charging downhill into the heart of the Green Knights’ defense. Reed Smith and Brycen Cashin each scored rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
A Combo Platter
St. Norbert’s offense struggled throughout the game. Some might point to the absence of starting quarterback Peyton Lyon as a reason, but that doesn’t fully account for the Pointers’ defensive prowess. The Stevens Point defense pressured backup Michael Meneguzzo, sacking him twice, intercepting two passes, and forcing a fumble. Kudos go to UWSP co-defensive coordinators Trent LaCombe and Mitchell Snyder for their physical and disciplined game plan. Moreover, Head Coach Dan McCarty would not make excuses; his program prides itself on accountability. The Pointers consistently disrupted SNC’s plays.
Turning Point
In the third quarter, St. Norbert started to gain momentum. Meneguzzo connected with wide receiver Mitch Van Vooren, bringing the Green Knights to the two-yard line. However, after a pass interference penalty, SNC ran six plays from inside the five-yard line but only managed a 22-yard field goal. The missed opportunity deflated the home crowd, and the Pointers capitalized as the game slipped away from the Green Knights.
Drained
The UWSP offense ran forty-six no-huddle plays, wearing down the SNC defense under a clear sky. The Green Knights showed signs of fatigue with hands on hips and a slower walk to the line of scrimmage. The Pointers’ up-tempo pace effectively wore out their opponents. With a tired defense and an ineffective offense, Stevens Point executed their strategy to perfection. Patience and confidence in their offensive system paid off.
Player of the Game
Miles Gallagher had only six touches but accumulated 120 total yards and scored a touchdown. His thirty-nine-yard catch late in the game, making the score 17-3 with 3:14 remaining, essentially sealed the victory. Gallagher’s big-play ability and the interaction between him and an SNC defender, followed by a UWSP coach’s redirection, highlighted his impact. His performance should boost his team’s confidence for the rest of the season.
Game Meaning
The Pointers left with a win and look forward to their next two games at home against Gustavus Adolphus and UW-Stout. Road victories build team cohesion and a sense of purpose, and UWSP has matched their win total from the last two seasons. Head Coach Luke Venne, in his second year, is working to restore the program’s respectability. For the St. Norbert Knights, the loss drops them to 0-2. They now face a 229-mile trip to Montgomery, Illinois, to challenge defending NACC champions Aurora University. With their strong coaching staff, the Green Knights’ 0-2 start seems more like a temporary setback than a terminal issue.
