The Beaver Dam High School football team fought hard but dropped their 2021 season opener to Menasha 34-23 at Derleth Field on Friday night.
After Beaver Dam’s offense went three and out on the season opening drive, Menasha took a 6-0 lead when Devantre Smith capped a 15-play, 84 yard drive with a one yard TD plunge.
The Golden Beavers answered right back when QB Cam Mendoza hit Alex Soto up the right sideline on a 70-yard scoring strike. Mendoza’s extra point gave Beaver Dam the 7-6 lead.
The Beavers extended their lead to 9-7 when Riley Rueckert sacked Blue Jays QB AJ Korth in the end zone with 7:18 left in the half.
Menasha used a strong ground game to jump back in front as Korth’s 5-yard TD run with 4:04 left in the 2nd pushed the Blue Jays to a 13-9 lead at the half.
The 2019 Division 3 State Runner-Up extended their lead to 27-9 on 5 yard scoring runs by Korth and Smith. Korth added a 73 yard scoring run early in the 4th to push the Blue Jays lead to 34-9.
Beaver Dam didn’t roll over, as sophomore Gabe Klatt ripped off TD runs of 57 and 50 yards to finish off the games scoring.
Menasha outgained BDHS 494-266 on the day.
Klatt finished the night with 144 yards rushing and 2 TDS. Mendoza went 6-12 for 119 yards and a TD through the air. Alex Soto caught six passes for 82 yards and a TD.
Korth ran 24 times for 262 yards and three touchdowns while Smith carried the rock 24 times for 155 yards and two TDs.
Beaver Dam (0-1) will travel to Sauk Prairie next Friday night. You can watch that game on DailyDodge TV and listen to it on 1430 WBEV.
Click the link to hear postgame comments from BDHS head coach Brock Linde
If you have a question about this story or have an idea for a future local sports story, please email Wade Bates at ddsports@goodkarmabrands.com
