Nov. 7, 2009
Final Stats
The Upper Iowa football team closed their 2009 season in Crookston, Minnesota with a come-from-behind victory for the second straight year. The Peacocks scored 29 second half points to recover from an early ten-point deficit and finish the season 3-8, a one-game improvement over a season ago. UIU won the game 39-33 as they held on throughout a wild fourth quarter that saw the teams combine for 41 points including five touchdowns in the final seven minutes. The Peacocks complete their 2009 season tied for 11th place in the Northern Sun Conference.
After Upper Iowa put three points on the board with their first drive, Minnesota, Crookston did not waste any time in retaking the lead. On the ensuing kickoff, the Golden Eagles scored a touchdown on a 91 yard kick return. The home team added another touchdown after the Peacocks turned the ball over on downs at midfield. The extra point failed, but UMC had a 13-3 lead.
UIU was able to pick up a touchdown prior to halftime to cut the margin to three points, 13-10. The Peacocks used a nine-play, 56-yard drive that was capped off when quarterback Craig Burns found Jessie Hubbard for an 18-yard touchdown pass and catch.
The Peacocks caught a break midway through the third quarter when a Golden Eagle punt snap sailed through the end zone and pulled UIU within one, 13-12. Upper Iowa then took the lead on their next possession when La'Mont Williams finished off the 39-yard drive with a rush from seven yards out. The Peacocks' two-point attempt failed and Upper Iowa came away with an 18-13 lead. UIU kept momentum on their side as Craig Henry intercepted a Golden Eagle pass in UMC territory and returned it to the 21-yard line. The visitors used just four plays to put another touchdown on the board as Burns rushed in from eight yards away to take a 25-13 lead in the opening minutes of the final quarter.
The Golden Eagles regrouped after allowing 22 unanswered points with a pair of touchdowns that saw them retake the lead, 26-25. After scoring a touchdown to pull within five points, UMC used a pooch kick to catch UIU off guard and recovered the ball and eventually score the touchdown to take over the lead with just over five minutes to play.
Upper Iowa wasted no time in getting back on top as Burns found Hubbard for a 45-yard strike; Williams rushed over the goal line for the two-point conversion and UIU had a 33-26 lead with three and a half minutes to play. After the Peacock defense forced another turnover on downs, Williams broke free for another big play score and an insurance touchdown for UIU. Williams reached the endzone on a 47-yard rush to give UIU a 39-26 lead.
The Golden Eagles wouldn't go away quietly as they scored a touchdown with just 20 seconds on the clock and almost recovered the onsides kick. The ball just did squirt out of bounds and UIU took over with their 39-33 lead and only had to kneel down twice to claim the NSIC victory.
For the game, UIU held a 450 to 258 yard advantage in total offense. The Peacocks earned the win on the ground as they rushed for 301 yards on the day. Three fumbles slowed the UIU offense as two of the drops came in the UMC redzone.
Burns started at quarterback in relief of Ben Curran and the senior produced for the Peacocks. The Tampa, Florida native completed 11 of his 18 passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for 34 yards and a score. Mike Moser led the running attack for UIU. The former North Fayette Hawk rushed for 161 yards on 29 carries and could have had an even bigger day, but two fumbles on his way into the endzone held him without a touchdown for the first time in three games. Williams, a UIU wideout, picked up 85 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Hubbard led all receivers with 116 yards and two touchdowns on 7 grabs.
On defense, UIU was led by senior Vernard Wilkins, who racked up 13 tackles (5 solo). Fellow senior, Justin Michaels, 8 tackles (4 solo) including a tackle for loss. Casey Popenfoose also had a great game for UIU; the defensive back made 8 tackles (4 solo) and intercepted a pass as well.
UIU was picked to finish 13th behind Northern State and MSU Moorhead in the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll, but the Peacocks were able to move into a tie for 11th place with the win today. Upper Iowa finished ahead of MSU Moorhead and tied Northern State, but did defeat NSU in a game on Sept. 12 at Eischeid Stadium in Fayette.
The Peacocks will miss all their seniors heading into the off season, but a great group of returners including a large number of redshirts will work hard in the offseason to get ready for the 2010 season.
