WAUKESHA, Wis. - Senior quarterback Colton Bahling (Belvidere, Ill.) completed 13 of 28 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns as the Carroll University football team defeated Lakeland University 45-26 in a hot, humid season-opening nonconference game at Schneider Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
It was a significant victory as it marked the first time Carroll has won its season opener since 2014 and was its highest point total since Nov. 7, 2015.
Trailing 26-24 after three quarters, the Pioneers scored 21 unanswered points in the decisive fourth quarter to snap a frustrating eight-game losing streak dating back to last season. 
Bahling connected with senior tight end David Meza (Berlin, Wis.) on what proved to be a game-winning 1-yard touchdown pass to cap a five-play, 57-yard drive with 13:43 remaining in the fourth quarter.
On the game-winning third-down conversion, Bahling took control of the snap, worked out of play action and delivered a pass to a wide-open, 6-foot-5, 235-pound Meza in the left side of the end zone.
"Coming into the second half, we knew that we had the ability to move the ball downfield and really attempted to shore up our mistakes," said Bahling, a second-year returning starter whose first TD came on a 17-yard pass to junior halfback Garret Campbell (Elmhurst, Ill.) in the second quarter. "That's when we kept plugging away, began to make some big plays and put our foot down on the pedal the rest of the way. 
"With four different running backs taking the ball in the backfield and a big offensive line to lead the way upfront, it really provided a huge boost and created a balanced attack throughout the day. It was just nice to come out, get a great victory in front our fans in the season opener and finish it off by having some fun ringing the bell afterwards. Hopefully, this will give us a lot of momentum and serve as great motivator in the weeks to come."
Senior running back J.J. Keels (Melbourne, Fla.) rushed nine times for 79 yards and three touchdowns to lead a balanced, bruising 267-yard ground attack for the Pioneers, who amassed 20 first downs and 388 yards of total offense.
"It was an amazing experience," said a smiling Keels, who scored on runs of 6, 8 and 30 yards. "After struggling throughout last season, it left a sour taste in our mouths so we wanted to come out and show that its a new year and we're a different Carroll team. From beginning to end, we just attempted to play to the best of our abilities, follow the lead of our coaches and get the job done on the field.
"Last year, we were still adjusting to the new scheme at times so we were on a mission today and wanted to show that we have a disciplined, multi-dimensional offense. I just tried to follow my instincts, take advantage of the great blocking upront and find the end zone. As seniors, we really want to show appreciation for all of our supporters, get the community involved and give them something to cheer about. It was just an exciting way to start the season and a blessing to be a part of it."
Freshman running back Preston Bell (Scottlandville, La.) followed with three carries for 77 yards, Bahling had 14 carries for 55 yards, senior running back Drake Pusateri (Lombard, Ill.) contributed 12 carries for 40 yards and senior running back Sam Spence (Punta Gorda, Fla.)  added 13 attempts for 40 yards for Carroll, which averaged 5.2 yards per carry and converted 5 of 6 times in the red zone.
Senior Parker Zitzke (Waukesha, Wis.) was the leading wide receiver with four catches for 37 yards.
Sophomore defensive back Sean Schmidt (Manteno, Ill.) registered a team-high nine tackles with a sack and broke up two passes for the Carroll defense, which yielded 11 first downs and 293 total yards. Senior defensive end Sam Nelson (Eagle, Wis.) collected six tackles with senior linebacker Andrew Danculovich (Cudahy, Wis.) and sophomore defensive tackle Donald Lowe III (Kenosha, Wis.) each recovering a fumble. Senior free safety Cam Cassaro (Rockford, Ill.) added a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown as momentum shifted in the pivotal third quarter.
"This was our first victory over Lakeland in the opener since I've been here so it was definitely a good way to start the season," said Cassaro, whose first collegiate pick-six regained a key 24-20 lead for the Pioneers. "The coaching staff put us in good position to be able to make plays and we did our best to take advantage of the opportunities. Early on, we were battling through some first-game jitters but continued to get stronger and improve as the day went on. When the momentum started to shift in our favor, you could feel the atmosphere change and the crowd began to get louder. It was really exciting to be on the field at that time and feed off of the energy.
"On the interception, I was just trying to follow my assignment within the gameplan, stay in the right area and attempt to make a play. That's when the ball came my way, I made the catch and took off. It was one of those surreal moments that will always be remembered. It felt like I was running forever so it was an amazing feeling to finally reach the end zone."
Carroll eighth-year head coach Mark Krzykowski was proud of the way his team reacted to its first big challenge of the season.
"It was a tremendous effort," said Krzykowski, whose stingy defensive unit yielded only six points in the second half and forced three turnovers in the Labor Day Weekend battle. "This one belonged to the guys and is a testament to all of the hard work they put in over the course of the offseason. The ongoing contributions and sacrifices made by the coaches, trainers and our families also played a key role in our ultimate success on the field today. This was a huge victory because its never easy to get the first one of the season and will only give us momentum for the games to come. We stayed focused, made some adjustments at halftime and executed.
"To win the the home opener is always special so to hear the Carroll victory bell ringing off in the distance was truly music to everyone's ears."