Big Foot wins in 42-7 win over Beloit-Turner, rise to 2-1 overall, 1-0 in conference
By Dan Truttschel
Correspondent
It looked like the Big Foot football team may have its hands full with visiting Beloit Turner in its Rock Valley Conference opener Friday night.
But that was just on paper – on the field, it wasn’t a contest.
Big Foot scored 14 points in each of the first three quarters and dominated the upstart Turner squad in a 42-7 victory. The win improved the Chiefs to 1-0 in the RVC and 2-1 overall, while Turner, coached by former Williams Bay coach Derek Diehl, fell to 2-1 and 0-1.
As often is the case, especially in the high school game, the tide turned up front, and that’s where the Chiefs set the tone.
“We played strong up front, both on the offensive and defensive line,” Big Foot coach Greg Enz said. “This neutralized their run game and allowed (senior) Ben Bauer to flourish inside on the offensive side of the ball.”
And boy did he ever.
Bauer finished the night with 18 carries for 172 yards and three touchdowns to lead the rout. He scored on runs of 14, 1 and 58 yards.
“Ben really broke out,” Enz said. “We needed to establish an inside run game presence, and up to that point in the season, it was virtually non-existent.
“He had very good vision, and this is also a testament to the efforts of the offensive line. By Ben doing this, he really has brought about the potential to have a strong and well-rounded offense.”
Sophomore Jackson Enz got into the act as well with eight carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns of his own.
Enz scored on a 4-yard run in the second quarter and added a 36-yard jaunt to paydirt in the fourth.
“Jackson is really starting to feel comfortable running the option,” his father said. “He is a change up at quarterback, where Zak (Quick) has shown prowess in throwing the ball, Jackson has done the same with running.
“Now we are working both players to be able to be proficient in the other part of the game as well to limit tendencies.”
Quick was a perfect seven for seven on extra-point attempts.
Defense does its part
Not to be outdone, the Big Foot defense held the Trojans scoreless until the fourth quarter.
And the Chiefs also scored from that side of the ball when Beau Cary returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
“The defense took another step forward,” Enz said. “We have installed a new scheme this year and new that it would take time.
“Things by no means are perfect, but the players are very intent on improving and learning. They have really stepped up in this part of the game as a unit.”
Brennan Malone and Jacque Christman each had 10 tackles to lead the Chiefs, followed by Charlie Peterson and Mickey Setteducate with nine and Olinh Craig, Bauer and Sam Ritchey each with seven.
Big Foot welcomes longtime RVC rival Brodhead-Juda to Walworth Friday night for a 7 p.m. matchup.
The Cardinals earned their first win of 2015 last week with a 42-7 whipping of Palmyra-Eagle. Brodhead improved to 1-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play with the win.
Enz knows this week’s contest will be another tough battle.
“They have aggressive (line) play, Ned Slocum will be the focal point, but their quarterback, Matt Schmitz, has really been the unsung hero of their team,” he said. “Running back Dylan Kubly may be one of the best downhill runners in the league.
“This is classic Brodhead-Juda and a team that probably gets the nod because they beat us last year. It should be the makings of a great game.”
