Here was an opportunity for the Boscobel football team to take a giant step forward.
Instead, the Bulldogs put up a lackluster effort in a 33-12 loss Friday at SWAL rival Fennimore.
"It was really disappointing," said Boscobel coach Todd Fischer, who watched his team drop to 0-6 overall and 0-4 in the SWAL.
"It seemed like we were making strides, and we thought Fennimore was a beatable team - talent-wise and athletically. We just made a lot of mistakes, where you look at the tape and there are one or two kids making a mistake that determined whether it was a successful or unsuccessful play."
Friday's win was the first of the season for the Golden Eagles, who were led by Everett Schwer. He ran for four touchdowns and 101 yards on 19 carries. Fennimore is now 1-5 overall and 1-3 in the SWAL.
Fennimore led 26-0 at the half. Schwer's 4-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter made it 33-0.
Boscobel responded with a couple of Ryan Boebel touchdowns. It was a big night for Boebel, who scored on a 75-yard touchdown pass from Tom Moravits.
Later, Boebel hauled in an 18-yard scoring strike from quarterback James Marks.
On the ground, Boebel led Boscobel with 41 yards on six carries.
"He did well," said Fischer. "He got a couple of opportunities to run the ball, and then he made some nice catches and got some receiving yards."
Through the air, Boebel caught two passes for 93 yards.
In a comparison of yardage totals, Fennimore rushed for 294 yards on 62 carries, with Boscobel settling for 58 yards on 24 carries.
The Golden Eagles also finished with 19 first downs, compared to the Bulldogs' five.
On Friday, Boscobel hosts Mineral Point.