By Joe Bachman
Editor

NEKOOSA — It was an uncharacteristically muggy late September night on Friday, and with it, a tale of two halves in Nekoosa’s matchup against Mauston.

After a scoreless first quarter with tough defensive play on both ends, it would be quarterback Kyle Olson who put Nekoosa’s first points on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Papermakers up over Mauston 6-0. The Golden Eagles soon responded with a touchdown of their own with a 23-yard Kyran Fitzgerald touchdown reception to tie the game at 6.

Into the half, both teams were feeling the literal heat, tied up 6-6. However, the second half told a much different story.

Nekoosa would allow two touchdowns passes from quarterback Dakota Barnier, and two touchdown runs over 40 yards that would lead to a dominate second half by the Golden Eagles, and a 42-6 Mauston victory.

Kyle Olson went 5-for-13 and 41 yards, while Dylan Bills led in total offense with 14 carries and 53 yards. Now 2-4, Nekoosa will look to regain their momentum next week as they hit the road to play Wautoma.