By Julie Schooley
STEVENS POINT – The SPASH Panthers football season came to an end after falling to Chippewa Falls in a heartbreaking loss in overtime.

SPASH hosted Chippewa Falls for the Division 1 WIAA Level 1 playoff game on Oct. 22 at Goerke Field in Stevens Point. After a scoreless first quarter, SPASH was able to score first with a short touchdown run by Braylon Smola. Chippewa Falls answered right before the end of the first half with a touchdown, but a missed extra point kick attempt left SPASH leading at the end of the first half, 7-6.

After a non-scoring battle in the third quarter, the SPASH defense got a break in the fourth quarter after Ty Madlena ran a 32-yard interception for a touchdown. With 6:13 left of the second half, Chippewa Falls scored again, and this time were able to connect for a two-point conversion, tying the game 14-14. Neither team would score again, forcing overtime.

The Panthers received the ball first in overtime and were able to capitalize on the opportunity with a Riley Warzynski to Quinton Martin pass for a touchdown. Panther kicker, C. Saeger nailed his extra point attempt to get the 21-14 lead.

Chippewa Falls then got the ball on their 25-yard line and scored quickly on a long pass. The 2-point conversion attempt was successful, giving Chippewa the go ahead point and win, 22-21.

SPASH’s quarterback, Warzynski had 170 yards in passing with 14 out of 19 passes completed. Martin totaled 104 yards receiving and Smola had 89 yards rushing.

The Panthers season ends with an overall 7-4 record.