The Falcons dropped a 42-28 decision to UW-Eau Claire today at Ramer Field, falling to 0-3 on the season.

John Peterlik and Owen Schmitt combined for 282 yards on the ground, but it wasn’t enough to overcome four Falcon turnovers.

Peterlik, after carrying only 15 times in the first two games of the season, had 20 carries for 171 yards and four touchdowns. Schmitt gained 111 yards on 27 carries, eclipsing the century mark for the third consecutive game.

The Falcons scored first on a 10-yard Peterlik run to take a 7-0 lead into the second quarter. The Blugolds scored twice in the second quarter to grab a 14-7 lead at the intermission.

Peterlik scored again to open the third quarter on a 1-yard run that tied the game at 14 before the Blugolds took advantage of two Falcon turnovers to score 28 straight points to take a commanding 42-14 lead with 2:25 remaining in the third quarter.

The Falcons pulled within 42-21 when Peterlik broke free on a 46-yard sprint to the end zone as time expired in the third quarter.

Peterlik capped the scoring with 8:01 remaining in the game with a 7-yard run and the Falcons were unable to recover an onside kick.

Statistically the Falcons dominated the game, out-possessing the Blugolds by 12:00 and holding a 525-416 advantage in total yards.

Falcon quarterback Troy Foss was 9-18 passing for 159 yards, but did throw two interceptions. He also rushed for 27 yards in the game.

Freshman halfback Jeremy Wolff had two receptions for 71 yards including a 60-yard gain over the middle in the first half.

Linebackers Nate Gray and Matt Farmer led the Falcons in tackles. Gray finished with eight solo and 11 total stops while Farmer had seven solo and 10 total tackles. UW-RF finished with three sacks - one by Nate Hendrickson and a shared sack by Josh Meyer and Aaron Retzlaff. Meyer also blocked a Blugold field goal attempt.

The loss leaves the Falcons 0-1 in WIAC play going into a bye week. They return to the field on Oct. 11 at UW-Whitewater with a 1 p.m. kick off.