By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
WAUKESHA – Waukesha West stud running back Elijah Fort proved why he’s one of the best players in the state Friday night.
In a Division II Level 3 playoff game, West’s high-powered running attack and talented, massive offensive line was simply too much for visiting Waterford.
Fort ran for 193 yards and two second-half touchdowns to propel West to a 27-7 victory.
Waterford finished its season at 9-3.
The Wolverines mustered only 166 total yards.
Jake Bauer, who ran for 100 or more yards in five straight games entering Friday, was held to 68 yards on 16 carries. Dylan Malecki threw for 75 yards and a touchdown, a seven-yard wide receiver screen to Johnny McCormick, which cut the lead to 21-7 with 2:53 left in the third quarter. Waterford was forced to pass much of the second half after falling behind, 21-0.
Fort’s seven-yard score with nine minutes remaining effectively put the game out of reach.
Bauer, a senior, said after the game he’s proud of his team’s eight-game winning streak after a 1-2 start.
“We’re a huge family, and I’m going to miss this more than anything,” he said.
Waterford head coach Adam Bakken, who has led the Wolverines to the Southern Lakes Conference championship in his three seasons with the program, commended his team’s effort against Waukesha West, but he said West just executed better throughout the game.
“This is the most unselfish team I’ve ever coached,” Bakken said. “It was a 100 percent team effort this season. There was never a complaint about playing time or any of that stuff. It was so nice to see them accomplish what they accomplished from just being good kids. There was no arguing, fighting or placing blame.”
Bakken, an energetic coach who motivates with a hands-on, in-your-face style, said his expectations are high for the program.
“I’ll always try to improve myself as a coach,” he said. “I think the kids know how much time I put in to get them as ready as possible. They know I do it to give our seniors the most successful senior season possible. I know how much it meant to me when I played. In three years, we’ve had three good teams that play really hard. We’re lucky we’ve had real good kids, and I take it personal to get them prepared as possible each week.”
Check out Thursday’s Waterford Post for a complete story, including comments from Malecki, Max Fisher and Bauer. Also, pick up Thursday’s Burlington Standard Press for a Catholic Central game story.
Other area scores
Lake Country Lutheran 13, Catholic Central 7
Franklin 41, Milwaukee Marquette 13
Platteville 7, Big Foot 2
Mukwonago 55, Oconomowoc 21
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