Union Grove comes into game with unblemished record
The football season reaches its halfway point this weekend.
While conference favorites like Lake Geneva Badger and Union Grove continue to win and are undefeated at 2-0 in the Southern Lakes Conference, the young, sophomore-led Burlington Demons have won two in a row and have snuck into an early three-way tie for first place.
There’s a lot of season left, and the Demons must run into the buzz saw Broncos this Friday, but I can’t help but be impressed by do-it-all receiver Tommy Teberg, a sophomore receiver who not only pulled off a long pass completion but also the game-winning 66-yard touchdown catch in last Friday’s 20-17 win over Westosha Central.
Burlington saw the emergence of Drew Weis at running back, and sophomore quarterback Jack Sulik continued to show wisdom beyond his years at quarterback.
The 6-foot-4 gunslinger makes it look easy at times with pinpoint throws on longer routes.
“We are starting to show some good depth,” Burlington coach Eric Sulik said. “It’s confidence. A young team playing confident and really starting to believe is special. Some of our senior kids, I don’t know how much is expected of them, but I told them I expect a lot. When you face a high expectation on a player, they’ll either meet it or go underneath it.
“A lot of our kids are trying to go over, and that’s been cool to see.”
Sulik added that every week is going to be a battle, and Union Grove is a “heck of a team.”
The Broncos appear bound for a historic season.
The first piece of history took place last weekend with the school’s first victory over Waterford since 2008.
The Grove crushed their rivals behind 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns in a 27-7 domination.
The Wolverines have had their way with Union Grove for a long time, so this year is an official changing of the guard.
Lake Geneva Badger cruised to victory over rival Wilmot thanks to another big-time performance from quarterback Keegan Huber and running back Cole Berghorn.
The Badgers cruised to a 51-32 victory behind 237 yards and three touchdowns rushing from Berghorn and 109 yards and three rushing scores from Huber.
Huber also completed 6-for-8 passes for 90 yards.
Last week, Huber committed to Division 1 North Dakota State to continue his football career.
The SLC features some of the state’s best performers, as Central’s Jakob Simmons leads the state in rushing with 931 yards, Berghorn is fourth with 887 and Cotton is seventh overall at 828.
You have to give it up for these stud athletes.
On a final note, the Green Bay Packers looked atrocious in a 38-3 loss at New Orleans last week.
They will be fine, everyone gets a mulligan, but I am still deeply disturbed by Aaron Rodgers’ offseason antics.
It looked like he was horribly unprepared for the start of the season. Hopefully, he’s not tanking because he wants to be traded.
Without further adieu, let’s get into this week’s picks.
FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS: Last week: 6-4. Season: 11-4
Game of the Week
Kenosha Christian Life (3-1) at Catholic Central (3-1)
The Eagles are coming off a shellacking at the hands of crosstown foe Kenosha St. Joe’s, but they have a big line and have a solid squad.
The Toppers have been playing well this season behind a strong defense and a dynamic triple option offense, spearheaded by versatile quarterback Max Robson.
With homecoming popping off this weekend for Catholic Central, the Topper Bowl will be rocking.
The Hilltoppers have a legitimate shot at the Midwest Classic crown this season, and this will be a must-win.
PREDICTION: Catholic Central 35, Christian Life 25
Union Grove (4-0, 2-0 SLC) at Burlington (2-2, 2-0)
The Demons are somehow undefeated in the SLC and on a two-game win streak thanks to victories over Elkhorn and Central, but the luck should run out against a loaded Broncos squad Friday night.
Cody Cotton is running wild this fall, and though the Demons contained Jakob Simmons at times last week, they still allowed him to rush for 220 yards.
I predict Cotton goes off for more than 200 yards, and Burlington has major problems scoring against the Broncos’ stout defensive front.
PREDICTION: Union Grove 40, Burlington 14
Other area predictions
- Waterford 23, Wilmot 17
- Lake Geneva Badger 55, Elkhorn 20
- Westosha Central 42, Delavan-Darien 10
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