BY RICK ARGALL
MMC STAFF
The Central Wisconsin Bandits hosted the Mid-Western Wildcats out of Black River Falls, Wis., on Saturday night, April 20, 2024, at Jay Stadium. This was the second and final pre-season game for each team before moving on to the regular season that kicks off on Saturday, May 4.
The Wildcats kicked off to begin the game and each team turned the ball over on their first drive as the game turned into a defensive battle throughout the first quarter which ended in a 0-0 tie. The game stayed scoreless until the 13:09 mark in the second quarter when Bandits’ Quarterback Dylan Zanders tossed a 30-yard touchdown pass to put Central Wisconsin up 6-0. The lead would be short lived, however, as Mid-Western scored on three straight possessions to take the lead at 22-6.
The Bandits appeared to score on a long touchdown pass of 55 yards inside of one minute in the first half, but the play was blown dead on the three-yard line by an inadvertent whistle by the referee. The Bandits were never able to cross the goal line and turned the ball over on a fourth down fumble as the half ended. The Wildcats remained in the lead 22-6 at halftime.
The teams traded scores in the second half as the Bandits were able to move some players around and utilize the half as their final game situation practice before the regular season. Team Co-Owner, Head Coach, and Quarterback, Austin Levine entered the game and tossed a 65-yard touchdown pass to close the gap to 36-12 with 9:48 left in the third quarter. That would finish the scoring for the Bandits, as the teams played to a scoreless fourth quarter, with the game ending as a victory for Mid-Western Wildcats 42-12.
“We look forward to having the community come out and support us and enjoy spring football here in Merrill,” Austin Levine said. “We are always interested in recruiting new talent for our program. If players are interested in learning more, contact me on our Central Wisconsin Bandits Facebook page for more details.”
The Bandits open the regular season on the road, taking on the Rock River Rampage in Rockton, Ill., with game time set for 6 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, May 4.
The Bandits’ home opener is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at Jay Stadium. Game time and opponent to be determined.
Box Score:
Mid-Western Wildcats 42 @ Central Wisconsin Bandits 12
