MEQUON, Wis. – The CUW faithful went home happy from the home opener to the 2022 season. The Falcons picked up the 28-14 victory over Northwestern to improve to 2-0.

The Falcons drew first blood in the victory when an interception from senior Julian Johnson (Zion, Ill.) set the Falcons up at the five-yard line. Junior Ashar Thomas (Punta Gorda, Fla.) ran up the middle for five yards and the touchdown.

The Eagles took the lead with a pair of touchdowns in the second and third quarters.

Defense sparked the offense again in the third quarter when Jarod Ontiveros forced a fumble that was recovered by senior Paul Ball (Kenosha, Wis.). Ashar Thomas once again took advantage and found the endzone on a 17-yard rush.

CUW continued to take advantage of the UNW miscues and after senior Chase Coots (Round Rock, Texas) recovered another Northwestern fumble, junior Michael Joshua Jr. (Richton Park, Ill.) found the endzone on a three-yard burst.

The Falcons closed the scoring through the air in the victory with a 61-yard connection from senior James Linn (Chino Hills, Calif.) down the middle of the field to junior Brett Dowler (Tyrone, Ga.).

The CUW defense showed why they are one of the top units in the country and forced two fumbles and three interceptions. They also held the Eagles to 69 rushing yards.

Senior Eli Wallace (Davenport, Iowa), Julian Johnson and Paul Ball all had interceptions in the victory.

James Linn threw for 163 yards in the victory.

Ashar Thomas had 106 yards on the ground to go with his two touchdowns.

Sophomore Zach Heinen (Sand Springs, Okla.) was a perfect four-for-four in extra-point attempts.

The Falcons open NACC play on Saturday at Benedictine.