The Beaver Dam High School football team hosts Fort Atkinson tonight in their 2024 season opener. The Golden Beavers are coming off a 6-4 season that saw them finish 3rd in the Badger Large and qualify for the WIAA Division Two Playoffs.
Brock Linde’s squad returns 33 letter winners and 13 starters from last years team (seven on offense and six on defense). QB Eli Bryant returns after a junior season that saw him throw for 1234 yards and 16 touchdowns. The squad’s top rusher, senior Josiah Barnes is also back after rushing for 795 yards and seven TDs a year ago. Brandon Morrissey and Jeff Freund each caught eight passes in 2023. Morrissey had 118 receiving yards and 3 TDs. Freund scored a trio of touchdowns and 142 yards receiving.
Senior offensive lineman Ben Brown was a 2nd Team All-Badger Large pick in 2023 while Freund was a 2nd Team selection as a punter. Returning players who earned All-Badger Large Honorable Mention honors include; Morrissey (TE/LB), Barnes (RB), Bryant (QB), Gavin Vitense (DL), Jerek Westover (LB).
Fort Atkinson went 1-8 last season and 0-7 in the Badger Small. Senior Trace Hadler was a 1st Team All-Badger Small at defensive line last season. Jack Kammer was a 2nd Team pick at linebacker.
Last year, Beaver Dam jumped out to a 43-0 lead at the half and rolled to a 50-13 win at BDHS on September 1st, 2023. Gabe Klatt ran for 210 yards and 3 TDs in the win, while Eli Bryant tossed a pair of TD passes. Mason Dressler ran for both of the Blackhawks scores.
You can watch tonight’s game on DailyDodge TV and hear it on 1430 ESPN Beaver Dam. Coverage begins at 6pm with the Friday Night Kickoff Show. Coverage from the field begins at 6:45pm with the kickoff at 7pm. After the game get scores and highlights across the state of Wisconsin during Football Friday Night form 9:30pm to 11pm.
You can watch DailyDodge TV at DailyDodge.com and on your smart phone, smart TV, Roku or other OTT device by searching the DailyDodge Channel on YouTube.
Click the link below to hear from BDHS Coach Brock Linde
Click the link below to hear more about tonight’s home opener from Athletic Director Ryan Geber
If you have a question about this story or have an idea for a future local sports story, please email ddsports@goodkarmabrands.com
