By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
UNION GROVE – Senior quarterback Brad Burling accounted for five touchdowns, and the Burlington football team finished the game on a 28-0 run Friday night to run away with a 42-14 victory over host Union Grove.
The victory was the first of the season for the Demons, who are now 1-2 under first-year head coach Steve Tenhagen.
Thanks to his passing and running abilities, Burling may have to change his name to Bradley Football, in honor of Cleveland Browns rookie Johnny Manziel, or Johnny Football.
Manziel got his nickname from his ability to do everything at the quarterback position, and Burling displayed his full arsenal Friday.
He ran for two touchdowns in the first half, the second of which put Burlington up, 21-14, at halftime against the previously unbeaten Broncos.
The 6-foot-2 dual threat was only getting started. Burling ran for a nifty 25-yard touchdown in the third quarter to extend the lead to 28-14, and he added touchdown passes to Ty Wiemer and Frankie Hozeska in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter to put the game well out of reach.
Burling threw for 200 yards and added 99 on the ground. When asked about his dominant performance, Burling credited the defense for holding Union Grove.
“The defense had a great week of practice this week and really played with a chip on their shoulder because they felt they had something to prove,” he said after the game. “It was a real team effort. Our line, receivers and running backs all played great games. It feels great to get that first win after two close losses. This should provide lots of momentum moving on into conference play.”
Hunter Melby added 98 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Demons. Wiemer led Burlington with three catches for 85 yards and the touchdown.
Burlington improved to 1-2 overall and 1-o in the Southern Lakes Conference.
The Demons return home Friday, Sept. 12 to play Lake Geneva Badger (0-3, 0-1).
Check out the Standard Press Sports Facebook page for photos from tonight’s game along with the Waterford-Badger game.
Also, pick up Thursday’s Burlington Standard Press for the complete story.
Other area scores
Catholic Central 43, Shoreland Lutheran 28
Waterford 17, Lake Geneva Badger 7
Delavan-Darien 28, Wilmot 14
Elkhorn 21, Westosha Central 0
Big Foot 33, Whitewater 0
Cambria-Friesland 38, Williams Bay 16
Clinton 36, East Troy 28
Waukesha West 21, Mukwonago 9
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