Coach Linde addresses his team in practice across from the Beaver Dam High School Football Field. Beaver Dam was an undefeated 5-0 on their home turf last season.
Beaver Dam football has hit the practice field, and with 30 days remaining until the home opener against Fort Atkinson, there’s a heightened standard following a successful 2023 campaign.
Head Coach Brock Linde utilized one of his contact days on July 23rd, exactly a month out from the start of a pivotal 2024 season.
With the crack of shoulder pads ensuing and all units breaking off into their various groups, the Golden Beavers are aiming to mount momentum.
Back To Their Winning Ways
The Golden Beavers are fresh off a 6-4 showing in 2023, one that ultimately ended in a first-round playoff exit.
After putting just two wins on the board in 2022, Linde’s squad surpassed that total with three consecutive victories to start the year.
Key wins against Watertown (27-21) and Oregon (17-14) highlighted the team’s newfound success in conference play.
Possessing a middle seed heading into WIAA postseason play, Beaver Dam embarked on a journey to Slinger for the first round of competition.
After the Beavers jumped out to a 7-0 lead, Slinger outscored them 38-21 the rest of the way to end Beaver Dam’s first winning season in 12 years.
Strong In The Trenches
While it’s still early to make any concrete conclusions on the type of team that’ll be taking the field on Aug. 23, Coach Linde said the offensive and defensive lines have plenty of capable competitors up and down the depth chart.
“We feel like our line is a huge asset to our program this year,” Linde said. “We’ve got good players to replace from last year, and nothing is guaranteed for anyone who earned playing time last year at the JV or varsity level.”
While 2023 sack leader Camron Mendoza has graduated after taking down the quarterback eight times last year, Gavin Vitense is expected to return for his senior season after logging six sacks and a team-best three forced fumbles.
A Brand-New Conference
After finishing at 4-3 in conference play behind only Waunakee (7-0) and Sun Prairie East (6-1), Beaver Dam is migrating to the East Central Conference.
Joining Beaver Dam in the move is long-time rival Watertown in a conference that also includes Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Kewaskum, Plymouth and Port Washington.
The Golden Beavers will take on Fort Atkinson on Aug. 23, a team that they dismantled 50-13 in last season’s conference opener.
The full interview with Coach Linde is available below.
