FIRST AND SHORT

Weekend Warriors: Buck helps Whitewater clinch, Blackburn big for UWO

JR Radcliffe
jr.radcliffe@jrn.com
Oct 8, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Brian Smith (26) attempts to make a catch behind Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Greg Mabin (13) in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. The Hawkeyes won 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

This week's Weekend Warriors include a couple big outcomes in the WIAC at the NCAA Division III level and an area player dismissed from his Big Ten team after a breakout season.

Joe Thomas (Brookfield Central) of the Cleveland Browns said frustration has begun to mount as the losses continue to pile up.

Nick Bellore (Whitefish Bay) notched eight tackles, second on the San Francisco 49ers against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, but San Fran fell to 1-7 on the year.

Ricky Wagner (West Allis Hale) was considered the Baltimore Ravens' second-best offensive player by Pro Football Focus when the Ravens knocked off the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. He did not surrender a QB pressure in 41 pass-protection snaps.

At Minnesota, Brian Smith (Brookfield East) has been kicked off the football team after a fight. He had started six of seven games this season and was the Gophers' second leading receiver. The Badgers close the regular season against Minnesota.

Illinois State staged its second upset win in a row by downing Western Illinois, 31-26. Alec Kocour (Catholic Memorial) and Mitchell Brees (Greendale) combined for six tackles in the winning effort. For Western, Sean McGuire (Franklin) threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns

At UW-Whitewater, Colin Buck (Franklin) was named WIAC co-Defensive Player of the Week for UW-Whtiewater after he registered three tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble to help his team survive in overtime against UW-River Falls, 27-20.

In UW-Oshkosh's 51-29 win over LaCrosse, CJ Blackburn (Waukesha North) had a huge day with seven catches for 70 yards and a touchdown plus two more touchdowns on the ground and 92 yards rushing. Chad Walton (Franklin) also had a touchdown run.