For anyone that is wringing their hands on the Birds’ 0-2 start, here’s a couple of things to think about:  The last time Darlington lost the first two games of the regular season (2011) they went undefeated in conference play. A case could also be made that with a pair of 1-point losses, the ‘Birds are really only 2 plays away from being undefeated in non-conference play.
    What is upsetting is that both of these games are ones we should of a had, but if you have been around long enough you know that would ofs & should ofs don’t get you anything. Improvement on both sides of the ball was seen against Praire. If we don’t put the ball on the ground at the goal line, we are up by two scores right out of the gate & the whole complexion of the game might have changed. The turnovers & penalties need to be cleaned up. While the run defense was much improved, the Blackhawks were able hit some big plays in the throw game.  
    This week Cuba City. The Cubans have also started the season 0-2 with losses to Platteville & Lancaster. Cuba’s issues have been on the offensive side of the ball as they scored 1 touchdown in their opener & were shut out by the Arrows last week. This is a bit of a surprise since the Cubans feature the explosive Kordell Stillmunkes at RB. He ran a 4.42 in the 40 at the WFCA Combine back in May.
    End of the day, this is the week we draw a line in the sand & say no more. If the season is going to turn to the positive, it happens now.

AROUND THE AREA
    The Warriors served noticed as they rolled over the Potosi/Cassville co-op 30-12. Big day on the ground as Brody Milz went off for over 200 yards rushing & Colby Argall added a buck 32. Both each scored two TDs. The Warriors rushed for over 350 yards against a P/C squad that was thought to be the favorite in Many Rivers.
    Highland scored a pair of 4th quarter scores to rally past the Miners. Shullsburg hooks up with the Braves, who dropped one to Benton/Scales Mound. This is an important game for both teams.

AROUND THE SWAL
    Southwestern, I-G & Fennimore all finished the non-conference portion of their schedule unbeaten. SW routed North Crawford 46-6 last week. Brady Peat has put up big numbers on the ground in both of I-G’s victories & Fenny scored 56 against Richland Center after their win over Lancaster. The Golden Eagles also gave up 26 points to the Hornets.    
    Point picked up their first win of the year defeating Dodgeville 42-21.

AROUND THE STATE
    The small schools were on display as Amherst & Springs hooked up in what is becoming an annual non-conference matchup. Springs held on for a 14-13 victory as Amherst went for two & the win, but was unable to convert. Both of these squads will be looking to end their seasons at Camp Randall once again.
    Stanley-Boyd knocked off Regis 31-2 in game that was closer than the score indicates.  
    While there were not any shoot-outs like the Cumberland/Grantsburg game, there is one score that raised a few eyebrows. Muskego defeated Arrowhead 59-14. Muskego opened up a 45-0 lead at halftime.  
    The landscape of football in the state seems to be shaking out how it has the past few years. The upper divisons appear to be ultra-competitive, while the lower enrollment divisions will revolve around a handful of programs.