http://cslab.uwlax.edu/~ander_rj/foot/preosh.html (Internet on a CD, 07/1998)The Titans, however, are not the pushover they once were.
Oshkosh finished 2-5 in the WSUC last season, 5-5 overall, thanks to two players who are again key ingredients in their offense ð quarterback Brian Tomalak and receiver Rob Stoltz.
Tomalak has thrown for 859 yards and eight touchdowns with just three interceptions in the Titans' 2-1 start. Stoltz has 23 catches for 434 yards and four touchdowns.
Does this combination mean points against UW-L? It didn't last year.
``We have been able to put some points on the board prior to this. It is always interesting when you get into the league,'' said Oshkosh coach Ron Cardo, whose team has scored 113 points in three games. ``You get more of a feel for where you are at.''
UW-L has left Oshkosh feeling numb the past 10 years, and 21 of the past 23. Will it happen again? Remember, UW-L has won 16 straight games, which is the longest winning streak in Division III.
UW-L coach Roger Harring is still trying to get a handle on just how good his 1996 Eagles are. UW-L has scored 104 points in two games, but the Eagles defense has given up 48.
``With our kids having faced that many passes, that definitely has helped us,'' Harring said. ``Or we hope it has. We know we have to stop their passing attack. Stoltz is an excellent big receiver, and Tomalak is a good athlete who moves around pretty good.''
UW-L has one way to neutralize both Tomalak and Stoltz ð keep them off the field.
The Eagles have the potential to do just that with their ground attack. An attack that has averaged 335 yards per game, thanks to a wealth of talent and depth. Five Eagle running backs are averaging more than seven yards a shot, and UW-L has used eight different running backs in all.
Beau Counter, who rushed for a career-high 141 yards and five TDs last week, has 167 total yards. Fullback Brian Steines has 160 yards rushing and four TDs. Mike Bechtel, after an outstanding season-opening performance, has 126.
Toss in a healthy John Barrett, and the Eagles have the makings of a stampede.
``All three of those backs ð Coulter, Barrett and Bechtel ð are pretty good,'' Harring said. ``We have three quality backs there. And with Brian Steines and Matt Unertl, we have two strong fullbacks.''
A third fullback, Ryan Shaver, had arthroscopic knee surgery this week and is out for at least two more weeks.
Oshkosh is well aware of UW-L's ability to simply to overpower opponents. Last year's 44-0 Eagle victory is proof.
``La Crosse is a good football team. They are explosive. They can come up big,'' Cardo said. ``We don't want to give up any easy scores. La Crosse has done a good job over the years of taking advantage of mistakes.''
Harring has been quick to seize critical opportunities in the first two games ð calling for an on-side kick against Winona State after scoring a TD, and challenging the defense at halftime against Huron.
Cardo is fully aware of how UW-L has stole the momentum early against Oshkosh in past games, then kept rolling.
``Our kids were ready to play last year, and all of a sudden they get two scores real fast,'' Cardo said. ``It was tough. The confidence built in them, and left us. We are real confident. Our people fell confident about themselves.''