Sires earns starting QB job for UW-L - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

La Crosse, WISCONSIN (WXOW)  Andy Sires is emerging as the leader after a tight battle with Zachary Mestelle for the starting quarterback job at UW-La Crosse.

The Houston, Minnesota native will be under center when the season opens this Saturday at North Central College.

Head Coach Joel Dettwiler ended the speculation Monday night after practice.

Sires started two games for the Eagles last season as a sophomore, throwing for 220 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions.

In the end, it was that experience that was key.

"Andy has shown to be the guy who's most consistent during this first weeks of camp. He's a vocal leader and our kids respond to him. Not to take anything away from Zach, it's just that Andy has risen to the occasion here and done a good job with it. He's go the value of the experience he had last year too. I think he's got that confidence," Dettwiler said.

It will be a tough task for Sires and the Eagles in the opener. 

North Central College is ranked in the preseason top 10 in division three.