As good as advertised

News Republic Sports

WAUNAKEE — The Badger North leading Waunakee Warriors (4-0, 7-0) football team was every bit as impressive on Friday as their romp thus far through the 2008 season.

The host Warriors — ranked No. 5 in the state entering Friday by the Associated Press — went up early on the Baraboo Thunderbirds (1-3, 1-6) and rolled to a 49-7 victory.

Waunakee recorded scores on its first three possessions to stake a 20-0 lead with 1:10 remaining in the first quarter.

Baraboo played stubborn football in the second period, forcing Waunakee's first two fumbles-lost of the season. However, the squad couldn't capitalize in the scoring department, putting together one assertive drive before turning the ball over on an interception.

Waunakee added two more touchdown in the final minutes of the half to take a 35-0 lead.

The Warriors defensive front and second level bottled up Baraboo's run game (25-68 yards) , but the T-Birds did do some positive things through the air. Their passing attack keyed an 80-yard fourth-quarter drive, capped by quarterback Jake Banks (14-24-131) connection to Micah Kuchta (7-103) on 3rd and goal from the 11. Wideouts Ethan Dosier and Mark Kowalke recorded catches during the march, while Jordan Leonhardt made a big reception to set the T-Birds up with 1st and goal.

Barabaoo's touchdown put the score at 42-7 with 9:53 remaining. The hosts tacked on one more score late in the period.

BHS returns to action Friday welcoming Sauk Prairie.