Wolfpack Beat Raptors 50-23
Published on April 4, 2009 under Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Wisconsin Wolfpack News Release
The Wisconsin Wolfpack (3-1) wasted no time in dispatching the Rock River Raptors (0-4) Saturday night at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Madison, Wis. The Wolfpack jumped out to a 22-0 lead early and cruised to a 50-23 victory. The Wolfpack defensive line dominated the Raptors offensive line the entire game, registering four sacks and a handful of quarterback pressures and knockdowns.
It looked like the Wolfpack's streak of scoring first in three consecutive games was going to end as the Raptors marched down the field on their opening drive, getting inside the Wolfpack five-yard line. That's when Wolfpack cornerback Trey Bell stepped in front of a Brian Ryczkowski pass at the goal line and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown. The point-after attempt was good and the Wolfpack led 7-0 just over two minutes into the game.
The Wolfpack would strike again with just 1:45 left in the first quarter when quarterback Tom Stetzer hit wide receiver Will Norwood on a ten-yard completion for a touchdown. The Paul Schroeder kick was good and the Wolfpack led 14-0.
That's when the Eric Donoval show began. Donoval found a hole and went into the end zone from five yards out to give the Wolfpack a 20-0 lead with 8:15 to play in the first half. The Wolfpack converted a two-point conversion on a pass from Stetzer to Reggie Davis to expand their lead to 22-0.
The Raptors would finally get on the scoreboard with 3:45 to play in the first half on a spectacular one-handed catch by Zontavious Johnson. The two-yard pass play made the score 22-6 following the missed point-after.
Donoval would find the end zone once again for the Wolfpack with just 1:25 to play in the half, this time from three yards out. The Wolfpack converted a two-point conversion pass again, this time from Stetzer to Calvin Thomas, to take a 30-6 lead.
Raptors kicker James Terry cut the lead to 30-9 by converting a 37-yard field goal with just 14 seconds to play in the half.
The Wolfpack would strike first again in the second half on an 11-yard pass from Stetzer to Davis. Schroeder converted the extra-point and the Wolfpack led 37-9 with 11:30 to play in the third quarter.
The Raptors would score on yet another unbelievable one-handed catch, this time by Bryce Stephens from three yards out. The Terry kick was good and the Raptors cut the lead to 37-16.
Donoval would strike for a third time four minutes later on a seven-yard touchdown run. The kick was good and the Wolfpack led 44-16 with two minutes to play in teh third quarter.
The Raptors would bite right back this time as Walner Belleus handled the ensuing squib kick and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. The Terry kick was good and the Raptors trailed 44-23 with 1:21 to play in the third.
Both defenses stepped up their game in final quarter of play, but Donoval was able to cap the night with his fourth tocuhdown run, this one from 11 yards out with 7:25 to play. The Schroeder kick was good and the Wolfpack would hold on to the 50-23 lead the rest of the game.
Donoval finished the game with 13 rushes for 60 yards and four touchdowns. Davis hauled in six passes for 35 yards, a touchdown, adn a two-point conversion.
On defense, linebacker James Cichon and defensive end Kurt Ware ruled the field. Cichon contributed six tackles and a pass breakup while Ware had three tackles, two sacks, two pass breakups, and two hurries in the game.
The Wolfpack host the Fort Wayne Freedom on Friday, April 10, at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Freedom lost in overtime tonight to the Marion Mayhem, 39-33. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Continental Indoor Football League Stories from April 4, 2009
- Wolfpack Beat Raptors 50-23 - Wisconsin Wolfpack
- Slaughter Moves to 4-0 with Win over Wheeling - Chicago Slaughter
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