JANESVILLE — Janesville Parker struggled to get their offense going in a 37-7 loss in last week’s game against Monona Grove. This week, many of the same struggles plagued the Vikings.
Facing a Burlington team that racked up 4 TDs and 38 points in a season opening win over Kenosha Tremper, Parker needed a complete game to grab a win Thursday night.
Instead, the Vikings fell 26-7 to the visiting Demons.
Both teams’ first drives resulted in 3 and outs and decisions to punt.
On Burlington’s first offensive play of the game, Parker Linebacker Avery Eastman chased down quarterback Grant Sulik for an 8-yard-loss, followed by a rush for no gain, and an incomplete pass.
Parker got the defensive stop they needed but it would be the Demons who cashed in the games first four touchdowns.
“It certainly wasn’t the outcome that we wanted,” said Parker head coach Joe Flister. “My thoughts are we need to get better.“
The Demons second drive of the game started out just like their first. Eastman got into the backfield on first down, resulting in a 3-yard-loss.
On 2nd and 13 on their own 46 yard line, Sulik rolled out right, finding his receiver for a first down.
With a new set of downs, Sulik feathered the ball over the top of the Parker defense for a 47 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brady Weis.
On the ensuing kick-off, the Vikings looked to respond. Javion Hill returned the kick for an 80-yard score that would be negated after a penalty. One of two critical errors Parker would commit on this drive.
The Vikings worked their way down the field. After two first downs, the Parker offense found themselves near midfield.
On a first and ten, QB Palmer Butters found a receiver in stride over the middle of the field for a 31 yard completion.
In prime position to score, running back Grady Lutterman rushed for what would have been a touchdown if not for an offensive hold. Things turned from bad to worse when Lutterman fumbled on 3rd and goal resulting in a loss of possession after a Burlington recovery.
The game’s next three touchdowns all belonged to Burlington running back Kade Boyd. Boyd had a rushing TD in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarter.
Boyd’s second touchdown in the third quarter was easily the most impressive as he muscled his way through the Vikings defense to rip off a 39-yard score.
“This is what we practiced to do,” said Boyd. “We just executed as planned.”
Boyd made sure to give credit to his offensive line for his production tonight.
“As long as I get them, I think we can achieve anything,” Boyd said.
The Demons first extra point tonight was no good. The team elected to try a 2-point conversion after their second touchdown. The attempt was not converted, leaving them with 12 points after two touchdowns.
With Boyd’s strong running, and consistent passing from Sulik, the Demons were able to consistently move the chains resulting in four touchdowns on the night.
“That’s the nature of this game. That’s why it’s such a special game,” said Flister. “You’re going to face adversity at some point during this game, and during a season.”
Flister remains confident his squad can find their footing going forward.
“This particular group, I told them when we met after the game, I love them, and I know that they care. And I know they ‘re going to continue to battle,” said Flister.
Parker got on the scoreboard after a rushing touchdown with 1:23 left to play in the fourth.
Despite not having the results they wanted through two games, the Vikings are going to continue to work hard to be the team they want to be.
“Our whole team is competing. Our whole team cares. The result is not what we want. We know that, the players know that. This particular team, there’s something special about them,” Flister said.
Janesville Parker (0-2 overall, 0-0 conference) stays at home next week for a game against Verona on Friday at 7 p.m.
BURLINGTON 26, PARKER 7
Burlington 6 6 7 7 — 26
Parker 0 0 0 7 — 7
First Quarter
B — 47 yard TD from QB Sulik to WR Brady Weis (Kick no-good)
Second Quarter
B — 13 yard rushing from Boyd TD (2-point conversion no-good)
Third Quarter
B — 39 yard rushing TD from Boyd
Fourth Quarter
B — Boyd 3 yard rushing TD
P — Rushing TD
Local News
Comments / 0