Citizen Staff/James Wold
Beaver Dam wide receiver Steve Propst (85) collides with Hartford's Dustin Wilcox (29) during Friday's game.
HARTFORD — Hartford hit Beaver Dam from the beginning and never relented as the Orioles routed the Golden Beavers, 42-7, in Friday's Little Ten football contest.
"Other than Wisco, they were the most physical team we've played," BD coach Tim White said. "They did a lot of stunting up the middle and pushed us around."
Hartford coach Dan Brunner said hitting was a point of emphasis this week in practice and it showed throughout the game.
"That was our game plan to be physical with Beaver Dam," Brunner said. "We wanted to match their intensity."
BD (3-4, 2-3 LTC) found itself quickly behind as the Golden Beavers were pinned deep in their own territory on the opening kickoff.
Hartford forced a quick punt and took over inside BD's 45. From there, the Orioles (6-1, 4-1) pounded out a nine-play drive culminated by a 5 yard touchdown run from Jordan Stephans.
On its next possession, BD punted again and Mark Cadena returned the ball 46 yards down to the BD 20. Three plays later, Austin Krueger scored to make it 14-0 Hartford.
"We knew field position was going to be key tonight," White said. "They pinned us down so deep we couldn't do much."
BD was also physically hurt. Seven plays into the contest, all-LTC offensive tackle Hank Jacobs sprained his ankle while playing defense and did not return.
White said the team's confidence dropped between falling behind early and losing Jacobs.
"It was very difficult without Hank in the lineup," White said. "Not only was it a blow physically but also psychologically not having him in there."
Brunner and the Orioles knew that was going to be a big loss for the Golden Beavers.
"He's a Division 1-type of football player," Brunner said. "He's more impressive in person than he is watching him on film."
Hartford took advantage as it scored two more rushing touchdowns with Tyler Dippel and Krueger for a 28-0 lead.
While the Orioles ran for 194 yards, they were just as effective and efficient through the air.
Stephans was nearly flawless, completing eight of nine passes for 127 yards. David Johnson was the recipient of five passes, gaining 85 yards.
"Jordan had a great week of practice," Brunner said. "He was very impressive."
BD's lone highlight came late in the third quarter when Ben Brooks found Tony Grandprey for a 42-yard touchdown. Hartford kept BD's top threat, Devin Kellenberger, in check as the senior had only 74 yards of total offense.
BD now must win its final two games against Oconomowoc at home next Friday and at Watertown the following Thursday to qualify for the playoffs.
"We have to accept the outcome, move on and get ready for Cooney next week," White said. "That's all we can do."
HARTFORD 42, BEAVER DAM 7
Beaver Dam 0 0 7 0 - 7
Hartford 14 14 7 7 - 42
H - Stephans 5 run (Malinowski kick), 1st 7:02
H - Krueger 12 run (Malinowski kick), 1st 3:26
H - Dippel 1 run (Malinowski kick), 2nd 6:51
H - Krueger 2 run (Malinowski kick), 2nd 3:34
H - Bissett 6 run (Malinowski kick), 3rd 6:42
BD - Grandprey 42 pass from Brooks (Propst kick), 3rd 3:14
H - Selden 5 run (Malinowski kick), 4th 10:33
BD H
First downs 6 16
Total Net Yards 147 321
Rushes-yards 22-45 44-194
Passing 102 127
Comp-Att-Int 4-17-1 8-10-0
Penalties-Yards 5-50 1-15
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 1-0
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS: RUSHING - BD, Kellenberger 17-52. H, Krueger 12-72, Stephans 12-67. PASSING - BD, Brooks 2-2--60, Berg 2-15-1-42. H, Stephans 8-9-0-127. RECEIVING - BD, Grandprey 1-42, Propst 1-27, Kellenberger 1-22. H, Johnson 5-85.