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| Mitch Shadley QB'd the Pioneers to the win |
Posted September 27, 2008
With brand-new uniforms, UW-Platteville promised a fresh look in 2008, but the most surprising new look for the Pioneers was the player who took the snaps in the home debut Saturday.
Junior quarterback Mitch Shadley, with help from a stalwart defense, led the Pioneers to a thrilling 13-9 victory over Augustana (Ill.) that went right down to the wire.
UWP's John Sullivan recovered an Augustana fumble on the Pioneer 20 with 1:14 remaining. After three plays, Shadley took a deliberate safety with eight seconds remaining. The Vikings fell on the ensuing free kick at their own 48 without trying to advance the ball. On the next play, Viking quarterback Tim Podulka threw eight yards to Matt Downing, but he slipped down before he could start the lateral process.
That Shadley was the one with the the ball directing the Pioneers is a testament to his attitude. Almost thought to be the fifth person in a four-player competition that included two experienced starters, the Dodgeland High School product kept moving up the depth chart with solid practices.
"Mitch came into camp, and we didn't think he was a guy who would play much this year," Coach Mike Emendorfer said. "I even tried last spring to try and talk him out of it, but he persevered. He was fifth string about a week and a half ago, but he just continued to plug along. He proved his leadership on the field and made some big time throws."
Shadley found out Friday morning he would get the call in the home opener.
"I was super excited," he said. "It was kind of a shock, but I had been preparing for it all week. I've been wanting this for a long time.I didn't play last year because of an injury, and I just thought 'persevere'. I knew I'd have to deal with adversity, and when given an opportunity, I took advantage of it."
Shadley directed the Pioneers on a 31-yard scoring drive on his first collegiate possession that began when Eric Jensen intercepted an Augustana fake punt attempt. Tony Smidl capped the drive with a 39-yard field goal, his career long.
The Vikings, who had outscored Coe and Greenville 51-6 in winning their first two games, took a 7-3 lead when Jake Parke capped a 12-play, 72-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge.
Matching the 12-play drive, the Pioneers answered in 5:41, and Shadley hit Nick Grosso on a 12-yard fade pass to the corner of the end zone. After forcing the Vikings to punt after three plays, UWP marched 32 yards and scored on another Smidl field goal, from 31 yards for a 13-9 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, the Vikings were stopped on downs on the Pioneer 15 and missed a 32-yard field goal. They had one more shot in the fourth quarter, driving 66 yards until fumbling the ball with 1:14 remaining.
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| The defense held Augie's attack to one score |
"When we got the ball back, we started some quick math in our heads, and we knew they would have about 10 to 15 seconds left," Emendorfer said. "I decided to take the safety. It was just a matter of applying it with Mitch taking as much time off. I thought we might get another second or two, but there were eight seconds left. We decided to kick off instead of punt. They decided to take it right there, and then they looked like they were going to do some laterals, but I'm just glad the young man fell down."
The Vikings out-gained the Pioneers 349-218, led by Podulka completing 22 of 31 for 202 yards. Running back Josh Galliart gained 77 rushing yards and 26 receiving.
First-year Pioneer defensive coordinator Rob Erickson turned loose linebacker Joe Tinucci, who had 10 solo tackles and six assists. David Akey and Tim Stephenson each had quarterback sacks, and Sullivan bounced on two fumbles.
"I was very proud of how our defense responded," Emendorfer said. "We made a few mistakes but we came up with the big play when we needed it. It was an all-around team effort. We had some big plays on special teams, too, and came away with three turnovers. Offensively, we scored enough points to win, but the thing I was happiest with is no turnovers. Winning the turnover battle was the key thing."
Shadley was an efficient 15 of 22 for 137 yards and the touchdown to Grosso. Aunton Terry caught five passes for 56 yards, and Grosso grabbed five for 51. Freshman Jake Wiederholt, one of the incoming quarterbacks with big promise, moved to tight end this week and caught four passes for 24 yards. Mike Genslinger added 63 yards rushing, and freshman punter Zach Brinkman pinned three of his six punts inside the Viking 20.
The new look Pioneers improved to 2-1 with the thrilling victory.
"To get the W and see the team excited, there's no greater feeling," Shadley said.
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