Springfield College football can run the ball on almost any team, but unfortunately for the Pride, the midwest is just built differently.
In the second matchup between two of the most premiere programs in Division III football, Platteville toppled Springfield in a dominating 37-14 victory.
“The kids fought all the way throughout the course of the game, and that’s what they always do,” Springfield coach Mike Cerasuolo said. “[Platteville] played better. We have to coach a little better, and play a little better.”
Despite the loss, the first quarter looked promising for the Pride. Springfield quarterbackDrew Heenan rolled out to his right on third-and-6 from his own 49-yard line, delivering a perfect pass to Caleb Hantho for a 44-yard gain. The connection led to a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Jayden Aziz, giving the Pride their first lead — a lead that lasted only 2 minutes and 57 seconds, and a lead they never got back.
In last year’s meeting, Platteville ran the second quarter. The Pioneers put up 28 points in 2025, and didn’t look much different on Saturday. Platteville quarterback Nathan Uselding put on a clinic, ending the half completing seven of eight passes with three passing touchdowns; two of them going to Jaxson Garbisch. Uselding and the Pioneers scored 14 points in the second quarter, while the Pride looked sluggish on offense, failing to string a good drive together, and looked up at the scoreboard to find themselves down 20-7 entering halftime.
Although the Stagg Field atmosphere was buzzing out of the half, it’s nothing Platteville hadn’t seen before, considering the environments that arise in Wisconsin. The Pioneers continued to dominate, driving down the field in a flash, and scoring on the opening possession of the third quarter to reiterate that momentum was on their side.
The Pride never seemed to catch up, with Platteville pulling ahead after another Uselding threw another touchdown, to none other than Garbisch. The scoring didn’t stop as the Pride had one trick up their sleeve, flipping a double pass to backup quarterback AJ Vurchio, who threw a 32-yard touchdown to Bradley Barcello.
In a 23-point loss, the Pride got beat up in the trenches. Platteville was stout on both sides of the ball, turning the tide with their offensive line, and its defensive line disallowing a push.
“We try to prepare the same way each week and get the guys ready. Our kids did a lot of good things today, and a lot of positives to take out of the game,” Cerasuolo said.
Springfield will turn to Sept. 26, as MIT comes to Stagg Field with a record of 2-0, looking to upset the Pride at 3 p.m.
For the Pride’s contest against the Engineers, Cerasuolo’s message was the same as it always has been.
“It is the same as it always is,” Cerasulo said. “Prepare, so that you have an opportunity to perform when it is needed most.”