FENNIMORE — The Fennimore football team gave the undefeated Cuba City Cubans all they could muster in the first half of a 21-0 Southwest Wisconsin Activities League loss on Friday, Sept. 11.
Fennimore advanced inside Cuba City’s 20-yard-line on three separate occasions in the first half and twice inside their 10-yard-line but came away empty.
“I think it was nothing but us,” Fennimore coach Boone Tollefson said of his team’s inability to score. “We got down there and missed some blocks, missed some throws and had a couple penalties. When you are sniffing that goal line you have to beat the man across from you.
“We have got to clean that up this week if we are going to take those next steps this season and achieve our goals.”
After surrendering more than 50 points to Mineral Point a week prior, Fennimore’s defense held Cuba City without a score until there was less than a minute to play in the first half. The Cubans held a 7-0 lead at halftime.
“I am most proud of how the defense stepped up after the Mineral Point game,” Tollefson said. “The defense played really well but they ran a couple counters that caught us and that hook and ladder. That we stopped the run and pass and they had to resort to some other means.
“Cuba City’s offense was similar to what we played in week one and week two. We played well defensively in those games too. Each week the kids take to heart what the coaches are saying and they are looking to improve.”
Nick Henkel and Colton Kartman led the way defensively for the Golden Eagles with five tackles each. Trevor Neuroth had two interceptions and Colton Henkel had one as well.
Tucker Trefz ran for 34 yards to lead Fennimore before departing the game due to injury. Colton Henkel caught three passes for 21 yards.
Cuba City called a hook and ladder play from midfield with :58 seconds to play in the first half that resulted in a big gain and led to their first touchdown.
Fennimore will travel to Boscobel looking for a SWAL victory on Friday night.
“Defensively, sticking to assignment football will be important for us against Boscobel,” Tollefson said. “We need to stick to that. Special teams I thought played pretty well against Cuba City. We just need to continue with the steps we have taken there. Offensively it will be about executing in the red zone.”
Injuries have plagued the Golden Eagles’ depth chart this season, but have created opportunities for underclassmen to shine.
“We have had a couple sophomores step up,” Tollefson said. “Trevor had a nice catch on that first drive. He gets better and better every week. He is getting into that varsity football mode.
“Liam Kenney steps up for us and is catching our eye in practice each week. They have helped alleviate some problems in the depth chart.”
A win for Fennimore (1-3, 0-2) at Boscobel will not only stop a two-game losing streak, but will give the Golden Eagles a shot in the arm prior to their Sept. 26 Homecoming game against Southwestern.
“We always talk about that football is going to have adversity,” Tollefson said. “Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that because there has been more than we could have thought.
“We have a lot of things we can do this week. We have never really had our full team on the field and we have shown some flashes. Hopefully we can get to the point where we can turn all the lights on at once. Our goal is to get back to the playoffs and that is still in reach. If we can get on a roll here we will be just fine. “
