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Warhawks limp back to action

WHITEWATER — A bye week is exactly what Lance Leipold hoped his battered and bruised UW-Whitewater football team needed.

The Warhawks (2-0), the second-ranked team in Division III, wrap up the nonconference portion of the their schedule at noon Saturday against the University of Puget Sound (0-2) at Perkins Stadium.

Whitewater will be without several starters, but Leipold is hopeful to have many of them back for the WIAC opener against UW-Platteville.

“We have a few guys out with more than just your normal bumps and bruises,” Leipold said. “I had hoped that the week off would help us heal a little bit, but there’s a couple of guys that haven’t bounced back like I’d hoped.

“The good thing is that I really like our depth. We’ve gotten the opportunity to give playing time to a lot of different people, and that’s what it takes when guys go down with injuries.”

Working in the Warhawks’ favor is a nonconference opponent coming to Perkins Stadium without a lot of credentials. The Loggers have been anemic offensively, scoring only 20 points in two games.

Whitewater beat Puget Sound, 60-7, in Tacoma a year ago, and should have its way with the Loggers on Saturday. The Warhawks have scored 96 points in two games and have allowed only three.

Leipold’s biggest concern is Puget Sound quarterback Kavin Williams, a fifth-year senior.

“He’s a pretty talented young man,” Leipold said. “They go as he goes, and when he’s on, he’s very effective. Very thick kid. Good size and a dual threat with his ability to run.

“Our job is to be efficient on offense, and hopefully, keep him (Williams) off the field.”

As efficient as the Warhawk offense has been in two lopsided wins, the defense has been just as impressive. Whitewater has allowed only 201 total yards of offense in two games and one field goal.

With several starters on the sideline, is Leipold worried about a letdown against the heavy underdog Loggers?

“I like the attitude of this team and our approach,” Leipold said. “Our guys realize they have athletes just like we do who are capable of making plays at any time.

“With the conference season around the corner, this is a good stepping stone to get ready for what is going to be a very good league from top to bottom.”