Last Friday was a pivotal night in the Southern Lakes Conference.
Waterford showed us why they’re still an elite team defensively with a civil war victory over Burlington.
Wilmot showed us it may have what it takes to challenge for the top spot.
And Delavan-Darien proved an explosive offense can beat anybody any week.
That brings me to Elkhorn. The Elks, much improved from last year, have been showing promise all season and maybe, just maybe, a playoff berth was on the horizon.
But then Friday happened. Top running back Braden Mann returned from injury but was held to 69 yards on 24 carries, an anemic average of 2.9 yards per carry.
Quarterback Arik Anderson had his worst game of the season. He was 4-for-19 with three interceptions.
However, after the dust settled, the Elks still find themselves in second place and only two wins away from a Division 2 playoff berth.
But three of the remaining four games are against Badger, Burlington and Waterford, and it will take a major upset to reach the postseason.
At least for now, Badger appears to be the clear front-runner with Waterford its biggest challenger. Wilmot and Elkhorn must still make huge strides if they want to be in the elite conversation.
Which brings us to this Friday. Waterford at Elkhorn is the best bet if you’re wondering what game to attend. The winner of that will likely make the playoffs eventually.
Here are my picks for this week:
Last week: 3-1
Season: 21-11
Westosha Central (0-5, 0-3 SLC) at Burlington (3-2, 1-2), 7 p.m.
After running the gamut against Badger and Waterford, the Demons are due for a breather. Enter the Falcons.
The Badgers crushed Central last week much like every other Falcon has this year.
The Demons got away from traditional Burlington football with a shotgun formation last week against Waterford.
On their last two possessions, Burlington quarterback Brad Burling was chucking the ball all over the field, and the Waterford defensive line feasted upon the young passer.
The Demons won’t be forced to have that problem this Friday night in their annual homecoming. Burlington Stadium will be rocking, and the Demons’ superior offensive line should dominate Central and open plenty of running lanes.
“We need to work to improve in all aspects of the game,” said Burlington coach Hans Block. “Westosha presents some different challenges as they run the spread offense. Homecoming is always exciting, and we hope to be able to use all of the positive energy from our fans to give us a home-field advantage.”
Burlington fullback Luke Gannon is doubtful for the game, Block said.
PREDICTION: Burlington 49, Westosha Central 7
Delavan-Darien (2-3, 1-2) at Lake Geneva Badger (4-1, 3-0), 7 p.m.
Badger is all but a lock to win its first outright Southern Lakes Conference title since 1992. And the Comets shouldn’t pose any real threat.
Badger is averaging 30 points per game and 88 percent of its offense comes on the ground. The Lake Geneva squad leads the conference with 314 rushing yards per game, led by Andrew Allen’s 678 yards and eight touchdowns.
Delavan quarterback Jesse Collins, arguably the best dual-threat talent in the area, led his team to an impressive 21-14 win over Union Grove last week.
The Comets may score some points, but Badger’s offense won’t even be slowed down until the playoffs.
PREDICTION: Lake Geneva Badger 55, Delavan-Darien 28
Waterford (3-2, 2-1) at Elkhorn (3-2, 2-1), 7 p.m.
The marquee matchup in the league this week by far, an Elks’ victory would be huge for the city.
Elkhorn hasn’t beaten Waterford since 2010, and the Elks’ lackluster offensive performance in Week 5 should play right into the hands of Waterford’s defense.
While the Wolverines offense is still struggling, running back Jake Bauer and the offensive line can get the tough yards when needed. Also, Waterford’s defense is undoubtedly the second-best unit in the league behind Badger.
Expect a low-scoring affair.
PREDICTION: Waterford 19, Elkhorn 12
Wilmot (3-2, 2-1) at Union Grove (1-4, 1-2), 7 p.m.
You would have to consider this the ultimate trap game for Wilmot.
On the road, favored to win and playing a team with nothing to lose. The Broncos are most likely not going to make the playoffs, and they would love to spoil Wilmot’s chances.
Wilmot boasts Zach Dodge, one of the best linemen in the state, and Wilmot’s balanced rushing attack gained almost 200 yards a week ago. Cam Loveless leads the team with 294 yards on the ground and quarterback Mike Lindeman is right behind him with 239.
Wilmot’s move to the triple option is paying off, and the defense can put the hurt on opposing offenses.
But Union Grove, with Kyle Pohjola and J.K. Witkofski, is no cupcake. They will be amped up at home and may get lucky Friday night.
PREDICTION: Union Grove 28, Wilmot 21
Shoreland Lutheran (1-4, 0-3) at Burlington Catholic Central (2-3, 2-1), 7 p.m., Friday
With dynamic playmakers like Ben Heiligenthal, Cole Kresken and Tyler Burzawa, the ‘Toppers dispatched Racine Lutheran with ease last Friday.
Bring on Shoreland, which has struggled mightily in the Midwest Classic Conference.
But don’t let the record fool you. Shoreland only lost, 30-29, last week and the Pacers average 28 points per game.
Expect a high-scoring affair, but Central is tough at home. This shootout should go in favor of the ‘Toppers.
PREDICTION: Catholic Central 42, Shoreland Lutheran 28
Other area predictions:
Fall River 30, Williams Bay 21
Kenosha Indian Trail 35, Kenosha Bradford 30
Muskego 48, Waukesha North 20
Franklin 27, Racine Case 24
Racine Horlick 23, Racine Park 14
Mukwonago 33, Waukesha South 31
Big Foot 42, Clinton 24
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