RIVER FALLS, Wisc. – Wisconsin-River Falls quarterback Kaleb Blaha defied the freezing wind chill and fierce gusts reaching up to 40 mph on Saturday, opting to forgo the warmth of a sideline cape during a thrilling Division III semifinal against Johns Hopkins. Blaha showcased an impressive performance, setting a school record by throwing for 520 yards and five touchdowns, leading the third-seeded Falcons to a 48-41 victory and securing a spot in their first championship game on January 4 in Canton, Ohio.
With a 13-1 record, River Falls is advancing to the Stagg Bowl for the first time since making the postseason in 1996. They will challenge top-seeded North Central (14-0) from Naperville, Illinois, in a highly anticipated matchup taking place near the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Blaha’s defining moment came in the final minutes of play when, facing third-and-seven from their own 21-yard line, he connected with Blake Rohrer for a spectacular 79-yard touchdown pass that broke the last of four ties in the game. The crowd of 2,897 erupted as Rohrer, who had been a bartender alongside Blaha two years prior, made the catch just inches from an interception attempt by a Johns Hopkins safety.
“We faced a battle, a real dog fight,” said River Falls head coach Matt Walker, who celebrated his team’s 14th home victory. “This game has shown us we can win under any circumstances. We had to keep outscoring them, and our defense delivered when it mattered.”
Blaha and Rohrer’s connection was forged two years ago at the Tarnation Tavern in River Falls, where Blaha encouraged Rohrer to join the football team after he transferred from Grand Canyon University. Rohrer, initially pursuing basketball, was able to showcase his speed and agility on the football field, culminating in this landmark victory.
“I knew I had to go get the ball,” Rohrer said about the game-winning catch. “I was just thinking, ‘Get there, don’t go down.’ It feels incredible.”
The support from the local community was palpable, with fans tailgating from 7 a.m. on a cold holiday weekend. Walker expressed gratitude for the enthusiasm and commitment of the fans, emphasizing their role in the game’s atmosphere.
The Falcons found themselves trailing 27-21 at halftime. Despite suffering a stinger that sidelined him temporarily, Blaha returned to deliver a remarkable performance, completing 30 of 48 passes with one interception. His rushing yards were limited to 30 on 16 attempts, a shift towards a heavier aerial strategy in recent games.
Rohrer led all receivers with nine receptions for 236 yards, while fellow teammate Jalen Reed tallied a team-high of 52 rushing yards on just four carries. The matchup was a high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for over 1,000 total yards. Johns Hopkins managed 233 rushing yards and 228 through the air, with quarterback Bay Harvey completing 14 of 31 passes for two touchdowns, although he faced some controversy after a targeting foul was overturned in the second quarter.
Ultimately, River Falls’ defensive lineman Brady Block intercepted a crucial pass from Harvey, extinguishing any remaining hopes for Johns Hopkins and securing the victory for the Falcons. Coach Walker now faces the exciting challenge of balancing preparation for the championship while enjoying the team’s remarkable playoff success.
“It’s a fun challenge to have,” Walker remarked with a smile, reflecting on the adventure ahead for his team. The Falcons’ journey is not just a testament to their resilience, but also a testament to the hope and unity that sports bring to the community.