Huskies back in state title game after winning 3 overtime thriller

Burlington hosted Encampment on Friday in the semifinals of the state football playoffs. With a stress-inducing, back-and-forth game that featured three overtimes, the Huskies pulled off the win and advanced to the state championship game. 

The Huskies had won their last six games by large margins, with their only loss of the season coming from Little Snake River in the opening game. Unlike the previous games, Burlington faced a deficit in the first quarter, with Encampment jumping out to a quick two touchdown lead. They continued to disrupt the Huskies, holding them to only 20 points at halftime. The second half featured many lead changes and ultimately led to a 56-56 tie as the game clock ran out, sending the game into its first overtime. The intensity continued as each team was able to match the other until the third overtime, when the Huskies stopped Encampment on their drive and the game ended with a 74-68 final score.  “I’m super proud that our guys didn’t give up. They kept themselves in the battle and worked through the adversity that they faced,” said Coach Trent Aagard. 

Offensively, the Huskies had 264 rushing yards and 215 passing yards for a total of 479 yards. Jordan Broederlow led the team with four touchdowns, followed by Joe Basset with three, Jordan Casey with two and Brikton Wardell and Kyler Winters each getting across the goal line once. “Jordan B and Joe did a good job of running the ball,” said Aagard. “Both made some big plays when we needed them to. Kole Walker came in and made some big throws for us. Joe, Jordan C, Weston (Gotfredson) and Brikton all made some big catches. Most of the day, we were pretty efficient on offense.” 

Defensively, the Huskies had 74 tackles and some key defensive moments that helped determine the outcome, including a blocked extra point kick by Broederlow, a pass break up by Casey and an interception by Gotfredson. “We had some ups and downs. Once we kind of settled in, I thought we played a lot better,” said Aagard. “Encampment’s offense will put some of your guys in conflict and they are tough to cover. I thought we did a good job of not panicking, but kept working at it. Both Jordans did a good job in pass coverage. Casey’s pass breakup in overtime number two was huge. Rykael (Andrew) did  a great job rushing in the last overtime to help seal the victory. Joe, Kyler and Weston all finished with a lot of tackles. Will, Brikton and Taft applied good pressure throughout the game.

“I thought both teams fought really hard to make it to Laramie. Hats off to Encampment, they really battled and made us earn it.” 

The Huskies will head to Laramie on Saturday, where they hope to repeat as 1A six-man state champs. They will face Little Snake River in a repeat of the championship game for the last two years. “We are excited to have another shot at a championship. The guys deserve it. They have been working hard and improving all season. Trips to state are not easy to earn. This game was a good one to send us to Laramie,” ended Aagard. 

The six-man championship game will be held at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday with kickoff at 10 a.m. 

BURLINGTON 74, ENCAMPMENT 68

RUSHING – Burlington 31-265 (Jordan Broederlow 20-216; Joe Bassett 6-38; Jordan Casey 4-16). 

PASSING – Burlington 18-of-21 for 215 yards (Kole Walker 6-of-6 for 89 yards; Broederlow 6-of-9 for 85 yards; Casey 2-of-2 for 28 yards; Bassett 3-of-3 for 12 yards). 

RECEIVING – Bassett, 6 catches for 66 yards; Casey, 2 catches for 44 yards, Weston Gotfredson, 2 catches for 33 yards; Broederlow, 3 catches for 30 yards. 

DEFENSIVE STANDOUTS – Bassett led the team with 40.5 points (17 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, .5 tackle for loss), followed by Gotfredson (5 solo tackles, 5 assisted tackles, .5 tackle for loss, 1 pass break up and 1 interception), Kyler Winters with 18.5 points (5 solo tackles, 3 assisted tackles, .5 tackle for loss and 1 fumble recovery) and Broederlow with 18 points (5 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle and 1 blocked kick).