FOOTBALL WEEKEND: The skinny

By Mike Ramczyk~Sports Editor

 

Waterford (2-2 overall, 1-1 Southern Lakes) at Burlington (3-1, 1-1), 7 p.m.

This is the biggest game of the week in the Southern Lakes Conference.

Two rivals, separated only by about six miles, will go at it in what should be an intense, physical contest.

Everyone knows about Waterford’s defense. The Wolverines pitched a shutout last week in a double-overtime 7-0 triumph over Wilmot. The win may have salvaged Waterford’s playoff hopes and any chances of a third consecutive conference crown.

Burlington coach Hans Block will prepare for Waterford’s stout defense, and quarterback Brad Burling must cut down on crucial mistakes. The junior signal caller tossed an interception in Badger’s red zone last week, and the Badgers ended up routing the Demons, 41-12.

Burlington has a superior offense, and the return of Hunter Melby and Luke Gannon provides more firepower the rest of the way. The Demons should shut down Waterford’s inept offense, which averages only 10 points per game.

PREDICTION: Burlington 17, Waterford 10

 

Elkhorn (3-1, 2-0) at Wilmot (2-2, 1-1), 7 p.m.

The Panthers are coming off a gut-wrenching double overtime loss, but the Elks are riding the momentum of a new-found dynamic passing game.

Last week, Elkhorn quarterback Arik Anderson hit Steven Whales for a 96-yard strike to help eke out a one-point victory over rival Delavan-Darien. The Elks’ defense was strong, holding the explosive Comets attack to 13 points.

However, star quarterback Jesse Collins, Delavan-Darien’s leading offensive player, missed the second half due to injury.

Wilmot did virtually nothing on offense last week, so they will be poised to turn things around Friday at home.

Both teams are vying for second place in conference, as Badger has distinguished itself as the cream of the crop.

Expect Wilmot to want this one a little bit more.

PREDICTION: Wilmot 28, Elkhorn 17

 

Lake Geneva Badger (3-1, 2-0 SLC) at Westosha Central (0-4, 0-2), 7 p.m.

There isn’t much else I can think of other than, “Look out below!”

When the Badger run game gets going (317 yards per game), nobody can stop it. And the Falcons, who not only haven’t stopped anyone this year but also struggle to score, have their work cut out.

Central has been owned by Lake Geneva in recent years, and this year’s Badgers may be better than the 2012 team that shellacked Westosha, 35-0. Expect Badger’s massive offensive line, which averages about 260 pounds, to beat up Central all game long.

I once witnessed Badger rush for nearly 550 yards (2011). The boys could surpass 600 Friday.

PREDICTION: Lake Geneva 70, Westosha Central 0

 

Union Grove (1-3, 1-1) at Delavan-Darien (1-3,  0-2), 7 p.m.

Union Grove finally got its first win last weekend against Westosha Central.

I know, you’re saying it’s just the Falcons, but the Broncos have been within a touchdown in each loss and put it all together last week.

The questionable status of Delavan quarterback Jesse Collins puts a huge red flag on the Comets offense. He was injured in last week’s 14-13 loss to Elkhorn.

Even if Collins is healthy, Union Grove dynamic duo Kyle Pohjola and J.K. Witkofski will be too much for Delavan.

PREDICTION: Union Grove 27, Delavan-Darien 24

 

 

 

 


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