The goal Saturday was simple, win the game and take the WIAC championship outright.
That’s precisely what the fourth-ranked UW-La Crosse football team did, breezing past UW-Stevens Point 41-7 to clinch the title for the first time since 2004.
UW-L Quarterback Keyser Helterbrand, in a little more than a quarter, finished 14 of 19 for 222 yards with three touchdowns in the air, and another on the ground.
The score was 34-7 at halftime before the Eagles played the second half with reserves, including several freshmen.
UW-L outgained UW-SP 479-182, and won time of possession by 12 minutes.
The Eagles are 9-1 in the regular season for the second consecutive year. It’s their 11th undefeated conference season in school history and first since 1996.
UW-L will find out its DIII playoff first-round opponent Sunday afternoon during the selection show.