After a much deserved bye week following two consecutive Division 2 opponents, the third-ranked UW-La Crosse football team (2-1) is set to begin its brutal WIAC slate.
Saturday, the Eagles host No. 24 UW-Platteville (3-0) at Roger Harring Stadium — a game that will stream on WKTY.
HOW TO STREAM UWL GAMES
Pregame 12:40 p.m. Saturday, kickoff 1:05 p.m.
Watch on ROKU or Apple TV by searching WKTY Sports
Or stream on the WKTY website here or on the WKTY App
Drew Kelly, Tyler Bailke live on WKTY
After the Eagles lost two weeks ago to Division II’s No. 2-ranked Grand Valley State (4-0), they wasted no time in getting ready for this weekend’s game.
“Our first day was focusing on what we do, and then by Tuesday last week we put this week’s opponent on the table in front of them,” UW-L coach Matt Janus said. “We’ve been on Platteville for what feels like an eternity at this point.”
The Eagles have won five of the last six matchups against the Pioneers, though four have been by 7 points or less. Janus, a former player and defensive coordinator at Platteville, said the schemes and talent of coaches there is part of why the games are so even.
“Their defensive coordinator is one of the best defensive play callers in the country,” Janus said. “He throws a lot of fronts and coverages at you. Defensively, coach Zweifel and coach Collicott will have to go against an offense where you’re questioning what kind of formation they’re in on any given play.”
UW-L will be tasked with trying to slow down a Pioneers offense that produced 48 points per game so far.
Prolific senior wide receiver Brandt Stare, who totaled over 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, is far from the only weapon. Something Janus said they were reminded of in last season’s matchup.
“We tried to do everything to Brandt Stare, and then No. 7 (Ryan Doherty) had 9 catches and over 100 yards on us,” Janus said. “You’re constantly in this chess match and trying to determine, ‘Do I rob Peter to pay Paul?’
“You’re stuck in that dilemma as a play-caller so you have to keep changing up the looks.”
Brandt’s brother, sophomore Garrett Stare, is the leading receiver so far, with 188 yards and five touchdowns.
This is just the first of many challenges in the next seven weeks. The latest D3Football poll has five WIAC teams in the Top 25 — including No. 6 River Falls, No. 11 Whitewater and No. 17 Oshkosh.
