Third-year coach Tenhagen predicts Demons to win SLC
By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
Former Burlington High School standout wide receiver Steve Tenhagen returned to his alma mater as head coach in 2014 and has posted back-to-back winning seasons.
While both regular seasons ended with a 5-4 record, it meant a long-awaited Southern Lakes Conference championship and playoff win in 2014 but a disappointing season finale loss and narrow playoff miss in 2015.
Tenhagen has the luxury of solid varsity numbers and experience on the line of scrimmage this season, which begins with a home opener Friday night at Don Dalton Stadium against Racine Case.
Tenhagen, a recent University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Hall of Famer, was asked to rank the eight SLC teams in terms of favorites, and he picked the Demons to finish first.
Some would say picking your own team to win it is quite bold, but Tenhagen has plenty of backing to support his claim.
“We are deeper than we have been in recent years,” he said. “We have 14 starters returning this season along with a number of other players who saw time last year. We have a large senior class that has experience at the varsity level.”
Success in football begins up front, and Burlington boasts four returning starters on the offensive line, including three three-year starters.
Senior Dylan Derks, a second team All-SLC pick in 2015, leads the offensive line, along with fellow seniors Connor Raboine, Cole Biehn, Zack Koch and Garrett Wieners.
Furthermore, the Demons welcome back five of their front six defensively, led by all-conference inside linebacker Aaron Sturdevant, all-SLC defensive end Joey Needle and defensive tackle Luis Benitez.
Linebacker Donal O’Sullivan is a team captain along with Miller and Sturdevant.
Tenhagen said Jack Miller and Grant Tully will return in the offensive backfield as running backs, and there are four or five players in contention at wide receiver.
“We have good speed at the skill positions,” Tenhagen said.
Senior tight end Dale Damon will be a key downfield threat and is the team’s leading returning receiver.
Tenhagen said the secondary will young with limited experience.
Burlington had its first action in a scrimmage against Waukesha West, Oak Creek and Sussex Hamilton, three traditionally strong programs, on Friday.
“We did some things well and found some areas we need to work on,” Tenhagen said. “Our staff was pleased to see our team compete with some pretty good football programs.”
From catcher to thrower
Junior Nick Klug, who was All-Region, first team all-SLC and first team All-Area as a sophomore last year, will take over the reigns at quarterback from Cal Tully, who put up solid numbers as a senior in 2015.
Klug led the conference with 812 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns, while grabbing 54 passes.
A transition from receiver to quarterback may seem drastic at first, but Klug played under center at the junior varsity level last season.
An all-conference point guard on the basketball court, Klug is the type of gifted all-around athlete to pull off the switch with ease.
“I’m enjoying the process,” Klug said Sunday.
“The biggest challenge is leading the offense and being a more active leader than last year. I think as a team, we have a good bond with each other.”
Klug is a run-pass threat, much like predecessors Cal Tully and Brad Burling.
Grant Tully and Miller will see plenty of carries, and Damon provides big-play potential from the tight end spot.
Jake Leonard, Liam Safar and Lance Otter should provide Klug with outside passing threats.
“Our goal is to win as many games as we can and take one game at a time and end up making the playoffs in the end,” Klug said.
Tenhagen said the game plan is in place for Friday’s season opener against Case.
“It will come down to execution on Friday night,” he said. “We are excited to get the season started.”
2016 BHS Football Schedule
(7 p.m. Home games in capital letters)
Aug. 19: RACINE CASE. Aug. 26: at Racine Horlick. Sept. 2: LAKE GENEVA BADGER. Sept. 8: at Waterford. Sept. 16: at Westosha Central. Sept. 23: DELAVAN-DARIEN. Sept. 30: at Wilmot. Oct. 7: ELKHORN. Oct. 14: at Union Grove.
-
-
-
-
-