When the Milwaukee Panther football team took the field Sunday at 12:15 p.m. against Lakeland College, they were without Nate Harker, their leader and head coach, who was on his way back from a wedding in Colorado. The Panthers responded by annihilating the Muskies’ in the first half, outscoring them 20-6.

The first half was a show, starting off with an interception by safety LaTroy Austin only two minutes into the first quarter. The Panthers, who were unable to convert that turnover into points, stopped Lakeland from gaining a first down on the ensuing drive. When UWM got the ball back, quarterback Chris Kafarakis led a touchdown drive that was capped off by Kafarakis’ own running touchdown off a quarterback draw.

Lakeland followed that up with a touchdown throw lofted into the end zone, cutting the Panthers’ lead to one point. After a few more stalled drives, UWM finally broke through and Kafarakis threw his first touchdown pass of the day, expanding the lead to 14-6.

UWM took that lead and pushed it to 20-6 at halftime with an unbelievable touchdown throw from Kafarakis to running back Jeff Cottam.

The second half was anything but an offensive fireworks show. Lakeland’s 8 second half points came on two different possessions. Both possessions were of UWM. The first score, a touchdown, was an intercepted pass thrown by No. 2 Mike Lopata, in which the defensive end ran it back 10 yards for a quick touchdown.

Lopata had an otherwise solid effort, leading the option portion of the Panthers’ offense for many first downs, setting up touchdown drives. Lakeland’s other points came on a high snap over Kafarakis’ head. Kafarakis was attempting a punt, but the ball sailed feet above his fingers and out of the back of the end zone.

UWM scored another touchdown to put Lakeland College away, 28-14. Next week’s game is the big one. Marquette’s football team is hosting the Milwaukee Panthers at Valley Fields. The game is next Saturday, the 15th of October, at 1818 Canal Street. The game begins at 1:00 P.M., so get out there and support the Milwaukee Panther football team.

For more info… Visit [www.uwmfootball.com](http://www.uwmfootball.com].

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