To say this was just another football game for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panther football club and Marquette University’s football club would be a lie.

In a highly anticipated showdown Saturday, bragging rights for the city of Milwaukee were on the line as both teams hungered for a victory in this year’s annual Brew City Classic.

The Panther handled the Golden Eagles and coasted to a 31-14 victory at Valley Fields in front of a spirited crowd.

UWM was led by quarterback Chris Kafarakis, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another one.

UWM jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead in the first quarter. In the start of the 2nd quarter, they were threatening at the 10-yard line and looked to put the game away, but Kafarakis threw an interception that was returned 97 yards for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 13-7.

After both teams fumbled without either team scoring, UWM converted on a touchdown run with less than three minutes to go in the half, to increase the lead to 19-7.

On the ensuing possession, UWM got an interception and returned it to the Marquette 40. However, the Panther turned the ball over with one minute to go in the first half.

The turnover led to a 40-yard Marquette touchdown pass at the end of the half, which cut the lead to 19-14 at halftime and seemed to give the Golden Eagles new life.

However, in the second half, the Panther would coast to victory. On the first play from scrimmage, Kafarakis completed a 50-yard pass down to the Marquette 10, which lead to a 10-yard touchdown run as the Panther increased their lead to 25-14 after three quarters.

At the start of the 4th quarter, UWM officially sealed the game with another touchdown run, making it 31-14.

After the convincing win on Marquette’s home field, the Panther now have possession of the coveted Golden Keg, which is the Brew City Classic’s traveling trophy.

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