By Chris Bennett/Sports Correspondent
If the 2014 Southern Lakes Blue Devils offense and defense ever get on the same page the results might be epic.
The defense forced five turnovers, but the offense scored only three points in the Blue Devils 21-3 Ironman Football League loss July 19 to the Rock River Raptors at Westosha Central High School in Paddock Lake.
The Blue Devils play all their home games at Westosha Central. Rock River is based in Rockford, Ill.
“Our new additions on defense have been stepping up,” Blue Devils coach Tim Hawkins said. “The offense has been flat.”
Hawkins said the Blue Devils (0-5 IFL) played Rock River (1-4 IFL) without four of their regular starters on the offensive line. Hawkins said injuries, vacations and wedding commitments took their toll.
“We were down to basically one starting lineman and four new guys, or back-ups and new guys,” Hawkins said. “We couldn’t run the ball very much.”
Hawkins said he liked what the new offensive linemen offered, and said they provided plenty of time for the passing game.
A pivotal exchange unfolded late in the first half. The Blue Devils trailed 7-3 and took over after a punt at their own 10-yard-line. The Blue Devils started driving and turned the ball over on an interception. Rock River scored and lead 14-3 at halftime.
Hawkins said tight end Phil Northtrop finished with more than 100 yards receiving and another 25 rushing, and did so playing a portion of the game with a dislocated finger.
“He’s out there for the passion of the game,” Hawkins said. “He’s a tough kid. He had a killer game from the tight end spot.”
Defensively, Hawkins said recent player additions are helping.
“It’s just the hustle of the new guys,” Hawkins said. “The hitting is way up. There are some crushing hits out there.”
Hawkins said safeties Aaron Smith and Torin Turner and linebacker Darnell Lynch played well against Rock River. Smith finished with two interceptions. Hawkins also praised the play of defensive linemen Fredrick Ihlenfeld and General Jackson.
The Blue Devils play the 1-4 Kenosha Cougars Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at home. Kenosha visits Southern Lakes on a four-game losing streak.
From 2007 to 2013 the Cougars competed as a nine-man squad in the Gridiron Football League. This season is Kenosha’s first fielding an 11-man squad.
According to their web site, the Cougars won the most games in GFL history (45) during their time in the league, and also won the league championship in 2007.
“They’ve got a really nice program,” Hawkins said. “I expect them to come out and play us tough.”
Hawkins said the Blue Devils are able to add players through August 1, and encouraged anyone interested in joining the team to contact him at (262) 716-1147.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children. Children ages 5 and under are admitted for free. Advance tickets at a discount are available at Bumper to Bumper in Paddock Lake, Advance Auto Parts in Burlington and Player’s Park in Salem.