Baraboo Thunderbirds Fall in Season Opener Against Sauk Prairie

In a challenging season opener, the Baraboo Thunderbirds faced a tough defeat against the Sauk Prairie Eagles by a score of 21-0. The game commenced under a warm, sunny sky, offering perfect weather for the night's football match. This regular season opener also served as the National Guard/Military Recognition Game, where both teams donned special jerseys; Sauk in black and Baraboo in gold. A pre-game ceremony honored military services, setting a respectful tone for the evening. The first half proved pivotal as Baraboo struggled offensively against a robust Sauk defense. Baraboo's defense kept the game close with the score at 7-0 for most of the first half. However, the Eagles capitalized on their opportunities, extending their lead to 14-0 after connecting on a critical long pass touchdown towards the end of the second quarter. The halftime score stood at 14-0 in favor of Sauk Prairie. The third quarter saw Baraboo unable to recover as Sauk secured a fumble and returned it for a 40-yard touchdown, making the score 21-0. Notable defensive efforts for Baraboo were marked by Drake Niles, Parker Wagner, and Isaac Stelzer leading the way in tackles, with Niles intercepting a pass in the first half. Defensive lineman Aiden Dineen and linebacker Aleki Scott each had a sack of the QB. Defensive Lineman Gunner Hill recovered a fumble by the Sauk QB after a long run. Despite these efforts, multiple lost fumbles by Baraboo hindered any offensive progress. Running back Logan Sweeney attempted to spearhead the rushing attack with 47 yards on 12 carries accompanied by Drake Niles carrying the ball for 14 yards on 7 attempts, Ethan Hueselmann running for 15 yards on 10 tries and Rashad Hodges going for 30 yards on 4 carries with a long scamper of 36 yards. Overall, the T-Bird offense ran over 45 plays for a total of just over 100 yards. The special teams performance witnessed Jon Moon average 38.5 yards over eight punts, testament to the frequent changeovers necessitated by Sauk's defensive pressure. Looking ahead, the Thunderbirds aim to rebound in their next game against the Portage Warriors on August 28, 2025, at Flambeau Field at Beryl Newman Stadium in Baraboo.