UW-Whitewater scored first in each of
the previous two meetings against Mount Union in the Stagg Bowl.
But in this instance, the Warhawks built a 17-0 lead and
held on to win
31-21.
The victory, the first for UW-Whitewater in Salem, meant
the Warhawks
showed Mount Union was not unbeatable, writes Ryan Tipps. And
every time Mount Union loses, says Keith McMillan, it proves
they're human,
as does the
Purple Raiders' emotions in defeat.
Photo
gallery.
Mount Union cut the lead to three twice as Nate Kmic scored three
touchdowns. But Justin Beaver and the 22 other Warhawks seniors
would not be denied. Beaver rushed for 253 yards and a score
against a Purple Raiders defense that gave up less than 25 yards
per game all season. Danny Jones' second 1-yard touchdown plunge of
the game put the game away, 31-21.
D3football.com also
announced its All-American teams on game day in Salem.
Following the game, D3football.com announced its final awards:
Justin Beaver was named Offensive Player of the Year, Mary
Hardin-Baylor linebacker Jerrell Freeman was named Defensive Player
of the Year and UW-Whitewater's Lance Leipold was named Coach of
the Year.