Warhawk defense locks up Salem trip

After getting knocked around a bit the first two weeks of the playoffs, the UW-Whitewater defense has allowed just 17 points in the past two games.

For the fourth consecutive week, UW-Whitewater didn't have Matt Blanchard at quarterback. But once again, it didn't matter. Both the Warhawk offense and defense were clicking on Saturday as the defense intercepted five passes, including three picks in four Justin Sottilare pass attempts, to pull away to a 27-7 win.

"There were turnovers on our part and there were turnovers on their part and that's what happens in games like this," UW-Whitewater coach Lance Leipold said after the game. "It was a very good defense (for Wesley). ... At this stage we're just happy to get out with a win."

Sottilare was 24-for-43 passing and was sacked four times as Wesley's season ended at 12-1. Brekke completed 13 of 19 passes for UW-Whitewater for 144 yards, while Levell Coppage scored twice and ran for 146 yards on 27 carries.

Wesley took a 7-3 lead on a long pass from Sottilare to Matt Barile, who got behind the secondary for a 38-yard touchdown, capping a quick drive. But after that, the Wolverines had only four drives of longer than four plays, three of which ended on interceptions.

"UW-Whitewater, there weren't any chinks (in their armor)," said Wesley coach Mike Drass. "You don't get out there and say 'ah hah, here's where we're going to attack them.' You gotta outplay them.

"I think there are some teams out there that are real close but you gotta perform."

More coverage of this game to come.