Though back at home, the Chippewa Falls Cardinals (5-2, 3-2 Big Rivers Conference) faced their stiffest test of the season in the Wildcats (6-1, 4-1 BRC), who came into the game at 6-0 and frontrunners in the conference title chase. River Falls scored in just over 2 minutes to open up the contest - and also took advantage of a short field after a Chi-Hi fumble - to go into the break up 14-0.
For the second consecutive game, however the switch flipped in the second half - the Chi-Hi offense marched down the field to begin the third quarter and scored 14 unanswered points of their own before a goal-to-go stop by the River Falls defense stymied their momentum.
In OT, the Cards forced fumble on the very first play, and after failing to garner a first down themselves, attempted a 34-yard field goal - which was blocked, scooped up by River Falls, fumbled, recovered by Chi-Hi, lateraled, and subsequently returned for a game-winning, walk-off touchdown.
Senior DB Jackson Gugel picked off his 7th pass of the season, continuing his incredible play, while fellow senior, safety Dawson Goodman, played both ways for much of the game, anchoring the defense while ripping off huge chunks of yardage as a running back, and ultimately both forcing the fumble and returning the loose ball for the game-winner.
Culver's of Lake Hallie!
Czech Law Office!
Fleet Farm Distribution Center, Chippewa Falls!
Holly Bowe of Coldwell Banker Brenizer Realtors!
Kurth Heating and Cooling!
Mason Companies!
Northwestern Bank!
Royal Credit Union!
The Medicine Shoppe of Chippewa Falls and Menomonie!
Toycen Ford of Chippewa Falls!
White City Glass!
Wiersgalla Plumbing, Heating, and Air of the Chippewa Valley!
Winn Family Dentistry in Chippewa Falls!
The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley!
