Stebnitz catches 4 touchdowns in rout of Westosha
By Daniel Schoettler
Sports Correspondent
What started out as an offensive struggle for both teams ended in being a showcase for Elkhorn quarterback Mason Buelow and wide receiver Mason Stebnitz.
Buelow threw for six touchdown passes, four to Stebnitz, and the Elks routed visiting Westosha Central, 41-6, on Aug. 30 at their new turf field.
“Phenomenal night, and I have not witnessed that in Elkhorn since I have been here,” Elkhorn head coach Tom Lee said. “They (the Masons) both work extremely hard and are great kids, and have great football IQ.”
The win snapped a nine-game losing streak dating back to the beginning of last season for the Elks.
Also, it was the first Southern Lakes Conference victory since a win over Westosha Central in 2015.
After a Sage Rushing fumble recovery, the Elks turned a turnover into points five plays later when Buelow connected with Stebnitz for a 27-yard touchdown pass to grab a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. After forcing a punt, the Elks added another Buelow to Stebnitz 14-yard touchdown connection to grab the two-score advantage.
“The offensive line gave me a lot of time up front,” said Buelow, a junior. “I have amazing targets, and I made some passes and scored some touchdowns.”
After falling behind by two scores, the Falcons responded as quarterback Zachary Burzawa connected with Cameron Krueger on a 5-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 14-6.
“Offensively, they were playing in a press coverage and we were getting past them,” Westosha Central head coach Tyson Mengel said. “We’re still working on the line and trying to get better offensively, and defensively we have to avoid having a let-down.”
The Elks responded on the next possession as Buelow connected with Stebnitz on a 54-yard touchdown pass to Nick Rockweiler extend their lead as they went into the locker room with a 21-6 lead.
After four punts on the first five possessions of the second half, the Elks added on as Buelow completed another 20-yard touchdown pass to Jake Mogenson to extend the lead to 28-6.
After a turnover on downs by the Falcons, the Elks continued to eat their prey as Buelow connected on a 6-yard touchdown pass with Stebnitz to extend the lead to 35-6.
After forcing Westosha Central to punt, Elkhorn added its final score of the game as Buelow connected with Stebnitz for a fourth time on a 15-yard touchdown pass as the Elks took the 41-6 win.
Elkhorn improved to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the SLC.
Buelow completed 14 of his 25 passes for 247 yards, with the six touchdown passes, while leading the team in rushing with 14 carries for 43 yards.
Stebnitz had seven receptions for 116 yards with four touchdowns.
“We have pretty good chemistry, and we have been playing together for eight years,” Stebnitz said of his chemistry with Buelow. “Coaches laid out a great concept for us that got everybody open, and they (Westosha) couldn’t really key in on one person and it was great throws and great pass protection.”
Burzawa went 9-for-23 for 178 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
Samy Greco led the rushing attack for the Falcons, carrying the ball for 13 carries for 115 yards, and led the team in receiving with three receptions for 124 yards.
Elkhorn will travel to rival Delavan-Darien Friday. Westosha Central drops to 0-3 on the season, and hosts Union Grove next week.
