By Jacob Heid

Sports Editor

There is a first for everything. The Central Wisconsin Wolves, a new Minor League Football team in Stevens Point, kicked off its inaugural season with a bang on Apr. 29.

Excited to get going, the Wolves traveled to take the field for the first time in team history vs. the Mid-Western Wildcats in the first annual D.A.R.E Bowl Classic at D.C. Everest High School. 

The Wolves trailed early but came out on top in the end, 20-14.

“It felt great to represent the city of Stevens Point and get this win,” President and Head Coach Rusevelt Johnson said. “I’m hoping that my team can bring more wins to the city as we look forward to this season.”

Thrilling plays were a story early for Central Wisconsin, with Skylar Filtz putting the Wolves in prime field position on the opening kickoff.

The Wolves found the end zone paint first while moving the ball effectively. A 28-yard spurt by running back Meshaen Waukau made it 6-0. 

The Wildcats answered right back with a touchdown and two-point conversion, putting the Wolves down 8-6.

Quarterback Devin Beaulieu-Morgan Jr. had a loud answer with his arm to put the Wolves back on top. 

A long pass to receiver Warren Dorzok put Central Wisconsin inside the red zone.

A few plays later, Beaulieu-Morgan Jr. found his target for a touchdown with defensive pressure in his face.

With halftime near, the Wolves’ defense made a stand.

A misplaced snap by the Wildcats turned into a safety and momentum for Central Wisconsin, heading into halftime with a 14-8 lead.

That defensive spark led to that side of the ball making multiple decisive plays in the second half. 

The Wildcats tied the game at 14-14, but the Wolves allowed nothing else. 

Defensive back Andre Corn who was named the team’s defensive MVP for the game with 11 tackles, and Matt Groshek led a defensive drive in the fourth that led to a turnover.

Beaulieu-Morgan Jr continued his efficient day throwing the ball with an 80-yard touchdown pass to Groshek off the turnover.

He was named the team’s offensive MVP, ending the day with 159 passing yards and two touchdowns.

With just over a minute left to play, the Wolves were back on defense. 

Needing a stop to win, Central Wisconsin popped the ball loose and forced another Wildcat turnover to seal the victory. 

“I’m hoping the city as a whole gets behind us because we won’t let them down,” Johnson stated. “We will continue to try and bring them great football.”

The next game is the home opener on Saturday, May 13, at Goerke Field vs. Sheboygan County Sabercats. 

The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. kickoff.