The Burlington High School student section was decked out in all blue for Friday night’s home opener against Union Grove.
True, Burlington’s colors are black and orange, but this wasn’t your typical game.
The cheers were amplified, the stands were packed and the football was action-packed, but the memory of a fallen Burlington native stuck on the minds of each and every one of the hundreds in attendance.
One week ago, on Aug. 31, 18-year-old Nathan Maki, a Burlington native, lost his life.
While hunting in Texas, his new state of residence, Maki was accidentally shot and killed by a friend. In honor of Maki, a former Burlington Spider and Demon who moved to Texas before his sophomore year, students created a large “R.I.P. Nate Maki #33” sign that stretched a good 30 feet across the bleachers.
On the field, Burlington made sure Maki’s tribute game was one to remember.
The Demons jumped out to a 14-0 lead and held on for a 14-8 victory.
Neal Peterson led the Demons with 101 yards rushing, but the Demons were outgained, 270-230.
Burlington improved to 3-0, while the Broncos are now 0-3. This sets up a Southern Lakes showdown between Burlington and Badger (2-1, 1-0 SLC) next Friday in Lake Geneva. The winner of that game should have the inside track for winning conference.
Pick up Thursday’s Burlington Standard Press for more from this story and follow @mikeramczyk17 on Twitter for live updates of area sporting events. Also, LIKE our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/StandardPressSports, to view a photo album from the Burlington-Union Grove game.
Catholic Central 63, Whitefish Bay Dominican 26
The ‘Toppers broke out in a big way for their first win Friday night.
Playing at the ‘Topper Bowl in Burlington, the local boys erupted for 42 first-half points en route to the drubbing.
Cole Kresken paced the ‘Toppers with 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and Tyler Burzawa returned a punt 74 yards for a score. Sophomore quarterback Ben Heiligenthal, who saw his first varsity action of the season, was 8-for-10 passing for 166 yards and two touchdowns, one to Jake Surges and the other to Kresken.
Tegan Miles addes two catches for 57 yards for the ‘Toppers.
Badger 28, Waterford 6
What was supposed to be the game of the year turned into a lopsided contest late in the third quarter.
Badger was simply too physically imposing, scoring two touchdowns in a matter of only five minutes to take a commanding lead early in the fourth quarter.
Up 15-6, Austin Borst took a pitch and scored to give Badger a comfortable cushion late in the third.
Then, after a Matt Reynolds interception, Andrew Allen bowling balled his way through five tackles on a 10-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.
Badger’s Josh Doyle recorded two sacks in the game.
Allen (76 yards), Reynolds (74) and Collin Broderick (63) provided a three-headed rushing attack that wore down the overmatched and smaller Wolverines.
This marked the first time Badger beat Waterford since 2010.
“They’re a better football them than we are,” said Waterford coach Adam Bakken after the game.
How was Badger able to pull away late?
“Mental toughness,” said Reynolds, who personally enjoyed beating Waterford for the first time. “We came out on top, and the offensive line really stepped it up.”
Badger hosts Burlington next Friday at 7 p.m. Burlington assistant coach Bill Krien faces his brother, Ed, a former Burlington High School teacher, who’s the current defensive coordinator for Badger.
Other area scores
Wilmot 33, Delavan-Darien 24
Williams Bay 45, Johnson Creek 20
Big Foot 35, Evansville 0
Palmyra-Eagle 32, East Troy 27
Waukesha South 31, Muskego 28
Elkhorn 14, Westosha Central 2
Whitewater 31, Beloit Turner 14
Franklin 28, Racine Horlick 6
Kenosha Tremper 37, Racine Case 0
Kenosha Bradford 26, Racine Park 18
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