Demons move into first-place tie in SLC
By Mike Ramczyk
Sports Editor
WATERFORD – When asked how the Demons would build off Friday night’s 27-17 win over Waterford for next week, Burlington coach Steve Tenhagen wasn’t ready to go there, and rightfully so.
“We’re going to enjoy this one,” he said with a smile on his face.
While any victory feels good, this one was so much sweeter for Burlington.
The Demons knocked off the Wolverines for the first time since Tony Romo was throwing touchdowns to Tenhagen in the 1990s. Waterford had won six straight dating back to 2006, including a playoff victory. Since Burlington rejoined the Southern Lakes Conference in 2009, Waterford had its number.
That all changed Friday.
The Demons played most of the first half like they were shot out of a cannon. The defense forced a pick-six from Kyle Jones and another interception that set up Burlington in the Waterford red zone.
Also, Brad Burling rushed for two touchdowns, and before Waterford could blink, the Demons had a 24-0 lead in the second quarter.
“Overall, it’s worth it to have that family feeling and be able to trust each other,” said junior defensive end Hegeman Tiedt, who harrassed Waterford quarterback Dylan Malecki all night long despite playing with two broken fingers. “We came together before the game and focused. It feels awesome.”
Burlington, which gave up a fumble return for a touchdown last week against Badger, finally had the bounces fall its way. Two picks and a fumble recovery in the first half helped provide a large cushion for Burlington.
The Demons improved to 2-1 in the SLC, while the Wolverines dropped to 1-2.
Burlington is now tied atop the conference standings with Elkhorn, Wilmot and Badger.
“Those two turnovers were a huge part of our momentum shift,” Tenhagen said. “I knew they were very good defensively. I knew we’d have our work cut out for us offensively. When the defense flips the field, it puts us in a lot better position.”
“It was a big win for our program. A win like this can do great things for a team. I’m excited moving forward.”
Senior kicker Brian Dankle, who didn’t line up at receiver because of a separated shoulder, made the most of his limited role. He boomed a 42-yard field goal in the second quarter that would’ve been good from 50, and his 33-yarder with 3:32 left to play iced the victory.
“We’ve been getting up before school and working out together,” Dankle said after the game. “It helps us come together. This is the first game where we all really came together. Our defense stepped up with two big interceptions.”
Burling was 12-for-18 passing with 114 yards and ran for the two touchdowns with only 21 yards. Hunter Melby rushed for 137 yards on 26 carries.
Check out Thursday’s Burlington Standard Press for a full story, including more from Tenhagen, Tiedt and Dankle.
Other area scores
Catholic Central 38, Racine Lutheran 6
Wilmot 21, Elkhorn 7
Union Grove 38, Delavan-Darien 28
Lake Geneva Badger 34, Westosha Central 13
East Troy 49, Whitewater 0
Big Foot 35, Palmyra-Eagle 0
Williams Bay 34, Randolph 20
Racine St. Cat’s 32, Kenosha St. Joe’s 14
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