The thirteenth-ranked Warhawk football team fell to WIAC conference rival UW-Stevens Point 17-14 Saturday at Community Stadium in Stevens Point.

The loss was the first time the ‘Hawks have lost consecutive games since 2001.

Sophomore quarterback Matt Behrendt was pressured by the opposition’s defense all game long.

The Pointers intercepted Behrendt and returned it for a touchdown, then added on an extra point to take an early lead.

“We really couldn’t get into a groove and finish on offense because of mistakes we made all game,” Behrendt said.

On the next drive, Stevens Point quarterback Mitch Beau connected with Theo Maglio for an 84-yard touchdown to give the home team a 14-0 lead.

Senior Warhawk defensive lineman Anthony Dowery thought this was a big game in front of an energetic crowd at Community Stadium.

“This was a big game for Stevens Point in terms of their program is headed in the future,” Dowery said. “We’ve certainly have played in better environments but they were excited to get another shot as us.”

Junior wide receiver Zach Howard contributed in large part to the ‘Hawks offensive attack, catching eight passes for 117 yards.

Behrendt completed 23 of 37 passes for 243 yards.

Howard caught a 27 yard pass during the ‘Hawks 56 yard drive to set up a one yard rushing touchdown by sophomore running back Nick Patterson.

The ‘Hawks completed a two-point conversion to put the score at 17-14.

“We came out and competed together in the second half, but you can’t expect to play well for one half or football and win,” Howard said.

The ‘Hawks were put in position to tie the game in the final drive of the fourth quarter on a huge completion from Behrendt to Howard for 24-yards.

On third and twenty, senior kicker Eric Kindler had a chance to tie the game on a 47-yard field goal attempt, but the opposition managed to get a hand on ball and the kick fell short.

The Pointers proceeded to run out the clock to seal the victory.

With the loss, the ‘Hawks’ Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference record fell to 3-2 and the overall record to 5-3. The Pointers improved to 1-4 in the WIAC.

Going forward, Howard said he thinks the ‘Hawks need to take it one game at a time.

“We have the toughest conference in the country,” Howard said. “Our goal is to be 1-0 at the end of the week. UW Eau-Claire is our focus right now. We have to continue to work and get better as a team.”

The final home game of the year for the ‘Hawks is against UW-Eau Claire and will start at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Perkins Stadium.