Oct. 12, 2008
Final Stats
The Upper Iowa football team played their latest game yesterday in Winona, Minnesota. The Peacocks visited the Warriors of Winona State University. After falling behind 14-0 early in the first quarter, Upper Iowa was able to tie the game at 14-14 midway through the second quarter. Winona State scored the next 14 points before halftime to take a 28-14 lead into the locker room. Upper Iowa had their chances in the first half failing to convert on a 37-yard field goal and throwing an interception into the endzone at the end of the second quarter. The Peacocks had the opportunities to go into the break trailing only 28-24, but hit the intermission down two touchdowns. The second half belonged to the home team as the Warriors added 21 more points to their lead to take the victory 49-14. With the loss, Upper Iowa's record dropped to 1-6 overall and 1-5 in the NSIC, while Winona State improved to 4-3 overall and 4-2 in the NSIC.
The Warriors outgained the Peacocks 598 to 380 in total offense and were much more productive on third downs. WSU converted 9 of their 12 third downs, while UIU only converted on 3 of their 14 third downs. On the day, Upper Iowa turned the ball over six times on the day... three times on downs and three times on interceptions. The Peacock defense was able to force just one Warrior turnover when Nate Curran forced and recovered a fumble.
The Peacock offense was led by Kyle Hosch... the tight end/wide receiver/running back... Kyle Hosch. The senior from Walker, Iowa and Independence High School is best described by Head Coach Mike Knoll as a HYBRID. Hosch has played many positions for Upper Iowa in his four years in Fayette. On Saturday, he revisited the role of running back for the first time this year. With the Upper Iowa running back corps banged up with injuries, the coaching staff turned to Hosch for some carries. The young man did not disappoint. Hosch carried the ball 8 times for 93 yards including a 51-yard run that put the Peacocks on the board in the first quarter. Hosch also caught three passes on the day for 28 yards including a 19-yarder. The Northeast Iowan also returned four kickoffs for 51 yards.
Ben Curran completed 21 of his 33 attempts for 160 yards, while rushing 8 times for 41 yards and a touchdown. Lawrence Hellams and La'Mont Williams were the main targets for Curran and back-up Craig Burns, who was 5-12 for 48 yards. Hellams caught 7 balls for 73 yards and Williams pulled in 7 passes for 64 yards.
The Peacock defense was led in tackles by their four defensive backs; Craig Henry (8 solo, 1 assisted), Nate Curran (7 solo, 1 assisted, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery), Dominique Jackson (7 solo), and Casey Popenfoose (4 solo, 3 assisted). Vernard Wilkins had 6 tackles (5 solo, 1 assisted) and Mike Slaughter recorded 5 solo tackles including a sack for a six yard loss.
Upper Iowa will return to Eb Eischeid Stadium in Fayette this coming Saturday, Oct. 18. The Peacocks will host the Vikings of Augustana College in a Northern Sun Conference Southern Division game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
