Waukon football team bounces back from season-opening loss to post first win at Decorah in over a decade, 15-0

by Perry Hesse

After opening the 2021 season with one of its most difficult losses in recent memory, Waukon Indian football pride was quickly restored on a drizzly Friday night, September 3 at Decorah as Waukon rebounded from that season-opening loss with a 15-0 victory over the host Vikings. It was believed to be Waukon’s first win at Decorah since 2006 and its first shut-out of the Vikings since the fall of 2007, although the two teams have not matched up in five of those seasons during that past timeframe.

“One of the things we stressed with the kids this week is talent is not the issue with this team,” said Waukon football coach Chad Beermann. “We just need to focus so we can show and use the talent on the field. Obviously, our line played with more focus this week. Now we have to get our skill players on the same page.”

The Indians will play their final non-district affair this Friday, September 10 at Cresco. Ironically, the two teams have faced identical opponents in their first two weeks, with the Cadets losing, 41-14, to Decorah and suffering a 48-6 defeat to Waverly Shell-Rock this past Friday.

“Cresco will provide another challenge for us to get ready for district play,” added Beermann. “They are a very physical ball club with a large offensive line. They also have a new head coach so we will have to watch a lot of film to see how they have changed philosophies. We have to avoid getting in our own way with turnovers and penalties. We stress ball security in practice but we obviously need to work on it more.”

Kick-off Friday is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with the freshmen opening the action at 5 p.m. The grid Tribe will then return home Friday, September 17 for its Class 2A District 4 opener against North Fayette Valley in a game that will also cap off Waukon’s 2021 Homecoming week.

For more complete coverage, pick up this week's print edition or subscribe to our e-edition by clicking here.