The “real” part of the schedule got underway on Saturday for the Wisconsin Lutheran College Warriors as they opened conference play with a 27-13 victory over the Rockford Regents. Freshman quarterback was impressive, tossing four touchdown passes and Brevin Jerglehner had 137 yards rushing to lead the offense. The road victory was the first by WLC in two seasons.

The first four possessions of the game resulted in punts, but the Warriors would score first for the first time this season on their third possession. After a 17 yard punt by the Regents gave Wisconsin Lutheran the ball at the Rockford 38, Yockey and Alan Jackson went to work moving the team. The QB found Marquis Davis for a 10 yard reception to start the drive. The drive looked like it would stall when the Warriors were faced with a fourth and one, but Coach Dennis Miller opted to go for it. Jackson rewarded his confidence with a two yard carry and a fresh set of downs. Three plays later, Yockey found Davis again, this time for 17 yards and the score to make it 7-0.

The Regents looked to respond right away, recording a 15 play drive that took 6:46 off the clock. They drove from their own 35 all the way to the Warriors eight. It looked like they would tie the score, but the WLC defense stiffened. On third and goal at the seven, Tyler Burnham completed a pass to Kalan Miller at the one, but Tony Orlando made a great tackle to keep him out of the end zone. That set up a fourth and goal at the one. Burnham went back to pass but his toss to Miller fell incomplete, turning the ball over on downs.

Wisconsin Lutheran was forced to punt, and Rockford would tie the score. Starting from their own 43, the Regents moved 57 yards in eight plays. The big play of the drive was a 19 yard carry by LaVar Johnson, Jr. that put the ball at the WLC three yard line. Johnson scored on the next play to tie the score at seven.

The Warriors responded right away. Sam Boone took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 32 yards to his own 45. This drive looked like it would end quickly when a two yard loss and a penalty set up third and 17, but Yockey connected with Gabe Luce for a 22 yard completion for a first down. Three plays later, the team was in need of another big play from their quarterback when they faced a fourth down and 10 at the Rockford 40. Yockey delivered again, finding Sam Boone for 30 yards to the 10. Two plays later, Matt Brannan hauled in Yockey pass for an eight yard touchdown and the Wisconsin Lutheran Warriors had the lead for good.

The Warriors would add one more touchdown before the half. Taking possession at their own 25 with 2:21 left until the break, Yockey led an impressive two minute offense, completing six of eight passes. Jegerlehner had the big play of the drive, converting a third and 9 with an 11 yard carry. On first and 10 at the Rockford 30, Yockey hit Tyree Gamble for a 30 yard touchdown to make it 21-7 heading into the locker room.

The Regents would get back on the board on their second possession of the second half. Another methodical drive would conclude with Burnham tossing a seven yard touchdown to Miller. Rockford took 5:35 off the clock, going 96 yards in 14 plays.

The Regents were within eight points, but they would get no closer as both defenses took over from there. The Warriors would add one more touchdown, thanks to their defense.

The Regents had the ball at their own 17 with 9:05 to play. Johnson was stripped of the ball and it was recovered by Zach Brug at the Rockford 15. Two plays later, Brandon Livingston hauled in a Yockey pass for a 14 yard touchdown reception to make it 27-13. That would be the final.

The Warriors had their biggest day rushing of the season, gaining 155 yards on the ground. Brevin Jegerlehner rushed for 137 yards on 16 carries. Nick Yockey completed 21 of 38 passes for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Gabe Luce was the leading receiver with three catches for 43 yards.

Mykael Ignszak led an impressive WLC defense, leading the team with 19 tackles and two sacks. Jade Burge and CJ Grahn each had 11 tackles and an interception.

It’s Hall of Fame Day for Wisconsin Lutheran College (1-3) next Saturday as the Warriors welcome Eureka College (2-2). Kickoff is at 4:00.

Join Head Coach Dennis Miller for the Warriors Word

Boxscore

Featured Image Courtesy of Rockford Football

By Robert Pannier