PLYMOUTH. Wis. - The Carroll University football team showed glimpses of its potential in a season-opening 43-29 nonconference loss to Lakeland University at refurbished Taylor Memorial Field on Saturday night.
It was an eye-opening learning experience for Carroll, which was outscored 36-7 in the first half, including 21 unanswered points in what proved to be a decisive second quarter.
Senior quarterback Michael Whitley completed 27 of 46 passes for 473 yards and four touchdowns in leading Lakeland, which amassed 28 first downs and 647 yards of total offense. Whitley also rushed 10 times for 66 yards and two touchdowns for the Muskies.
Carroll responded to the adversity in the second half, gradually culminating in a confidence-building 22-point fourth-quarter scoring surge (highlighted by three touchdowns and two, two-point conversions).
The Pioneers scored on drives of 60, 62 and 68 yards over the course of the final 15 minutes.
Junior quarterback Colton Bahling (Belvidere, Ill.) completed 12 of 25 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns in leading the Carroll offensive attack. Bahling additionally rushed 19 times for 69 yards and a 57-yard touchdown for the Pioneers, who had 13 first downs and generated 433 total yards.
Senior running back J.J. Keels (Melbourne, Fla.) rushed 15 times for 149 yards to pace Carroll's bruising 251-yard ground attack. Junior running back Drake Pusateri (Lombard, Ill.) added five carries for 20 yards and a touchdown.
Senior wide receiver Brandon Ehrke (Deerfield, Wis.) contributed three catches for 99 yards, including a 55-yard TD reception in the fourth quarter. Junior wide receiver Parker Zitzke (Waukesha, Wis.) followed with five catches for 73 yards and a TD for the Pioneers, who committed four turnovers.
Junior safety Cameron Cassaro (Caledonia, Ill.) had a team-high 10 tackles to spark the Carroll defense. Senior defensive lineman Ethan Molisee (Brookfield, Wis.) had eight tackles and a sack.