MENOMONIE - University of Wisconsin-Platteville freshman defensive back Jaylan Bailey became the first Pioneer in a little over a year to pick off two passes as the Pioneers posted a 27-17 win over host UW-Stout.
The Pioneers (6-3, 4-2 WIAC) have now won its last three games in the WIAC for the first time since the 1992 campaign. UW-Platteville jumped out to a 21-3 first quarter lead to start the contest. UW-Platteville quarterback Nick Anderson completed 14 of 21 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another touchdown; plus, running back Lee Vlasak ran the ball 12 times for 53 yards and a touchdown as the Pioneers had a balanced attack in the win.
With a balanced offensive attack, it was an aggressive Pioneer defense that sacked UW-Stout quarterback Ross Carey three times and picked off three passes. Freshman linebacker Jacob Zilbar had a team-high nine tackles, including a sack and junior defensive back Ryan McWethy had eight tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.
UW-Stout (5-4, 3-3 WIAC) also featured a balanced attack with Eric Brown leading the Blue Devils with a game-high 105 yards and two touchdowns. Carey threw for 121 yards after completing 11 of 21 passes as three different Blue Devils had an interception in the loss.
At the end of the third quarter, the Pioneers took control of the clock and the scoreboard. UW-Platteville went on a 12 play, 51-yard drive that took 5:39, ending with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Lee Vlasak to stretch the Pioneers lead to 27-17. Twice on the drive, UW-Platteville converted on third down.
After the touchdown by the Pioneers, the Blue Devils moved down the field to the UW-Platteville 24. Bailey ended the drive for the Blue Devils with his second interception of the game. UW-Stout forced the Pioneers to punt on their next drive, but again, it was the UW-Platteville defense that answered the challenge. Facing a 4th and 1, Pioneer safety Dave Daino came up and stopped the Blue Devils' Paul Bernier for a two-yard loss.
After the stop, the Pioneers took possession with 6:19 left in the game. Back-to-back runs of 15 yards by Vlasak moved the ball down to the Blue Devils 19. Later in the drive, facing a 4th and 3 with 2:15 to play, John Kelly completed a 10-yard pass to Ryley Bailey to ice the victory for the Pioneers.
The Pioneers (6-3, 4-2 WIAC) have now won its last three games in the WIAC for the first time since the 1992 campaign. UW-Platteville jumped out to a 21-3 first quarter lead to start the contest. UW-Platteville quarterback Nick Anderson completed 14 of 21 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns and ran for another touchdown; plus, running back Lee Vlasak ran the ball 12 times for 53 yards and a touchdown as the Pioneers had a balanced attack in the win.
With a balanced offensive attack, it was an aggressive Pioneer defense that sacked UW-Stout quarterback Ross Carey three times and picked off three passes. Freshman linebacker Jacob Zilbar had a team-high nine tackles, including a sack and junior defensive back Ryan McWethy had eight tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.
UW-Stout (5-4, 3-3 WIAC) also featured a balanced attack with Eric Brown leading the Blue Devils with a game-high 105 yards and two touchdowns. Carey threw for 121 yards after completing 11 of 21 passes as three different Blue Devils had an interception in the loss.
At the end of the third quarter, the Pioneers took control of the clock and the scoreboard. UW-Platteville went on a 12 play, 51-yard drive that took 5:39, ending with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Lee Vlasak to stretch the Pioneers lead to 27-17. Twice on the drive, UW-Platteville converted on third down.
After the touchdown by the Pioneers, the Blue Devils moved down the field to the UW-Platteville 24. Bailey ended the drive for the Blue Devils with his second interception of the game. UW-Stout forced the Pioneers to punt on their next drive, but again, it was the UW-Platteville defense that answered the challenge. Facing a 4th and 1, Pioneer safety Dave Daino came up and stopped the Blue Devils' Paul Bernier for a two-yard loss.
After the stop, the Pioneers took possession with 6:19 left in the game. Back-to-back runs of 15 yards by Vlasak moved the ball down to the Blue Devils 19. Later in the drive, facing a 4th and 3 with 2:15 to play, John Kelly completed a 10-yard pass to Ryley Bailey to ice the victory for the Pioneers.
