Football Final: Chippewa Falls 49, River Falls 26

• Eric Wunrow

Wildcat tight end Eric Wunrow beats a Chippewa Falls defender for a 36-yard gain in the second quarter of the Cats’ 49-26 loss to the Cardinals Friday night at Ramer Field. Bob Burrows photo.

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River Falls led three times in the first half and trailed by just two points, 21-19, at halftime, but Chippewa Falls scored four straight touchdowns in the second half on their way to a 49-26 victory over the Wildcats Friday night at Ramer Field.

The Wildcats scored on their opening possession of the game when Tanner Kusilek capped a 68-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run. The touchdown came one play after Kyle Hargrave busted loose for a 48-yard gain down to the two.

Chippewa Falls came right back with a 76-yard touchdown drive to tie the score, but it didn’t take long for the Cats to answer when Hargrave scored on a five-yard touchdown run. The extra point was blocked and the Wildcat lead was 13-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The Cardinals marched 73 yards to take a 14-13 lead on their ensuing drive. River Falls answered with a 22-yard field goal from Ryan Kusilek to take a 16-14 lead with 5:54 remaining in the first half.

The Cardinals took a 21-16 lead with 3:03 remaining. River Falls took over at its own 28 yard line and moved the ball to the Cardinal 12, with the big play a 36-yard pass from Ryan Kusilek to tight end Eric Wunrow. Ryan Kusilek kicked a 29-yard field goal with 17 seconds remaining in the half to cut the Cardinal lead to 21-19.

The second half was all Chippewa Falls. After Alex Call picked off a Cardinal pass in the end zone, Chippewa scored touchdowns on its next four possessions to open up a 49-19 lead.

The Cats made the final 49-26 on a six-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Kusilek to Aaron Rodewald.

See the Sept. 28 print edition of the River Falls Journal for more on the game.

Tags: sports, news, wildcats, football, prep