NIAGARA, Wis. — Brayden Bartels threw four touchdown passes and ran for another to lead the Niagara Badgers to a 58-8 rout of Wausaukee in a M&O Conference game Friday in Niagara.

“Our offense executed very well all game, and our defense forced four turnovers,” Niagara coach Benjamin Laarman said. “Everyone contributed, and it’s a win we can all feel good about.”

While the Badger offense clicked for eight touchdowns, it was a defensive play that started the whole onslaught, Laarman said.

“Sawyer Rouse made an interception on the second play of the game and that really set the tone for the night.”

Bartels started the scoring with a 17-yard pass to Wyatt Dunkes. Bartels followed with a 2-point conversion as the Badgers took an 8-0 lead.

Bartels hit Kaden Courts for the next TD and added the 2-point conversion for a 16-0 advantage. Still in the first quarter, Bartels ran in from 22 yards and posted his third conversion of the evening to put Niagara up 24-0 heading into the second.

Bartels added two more TD passes before halftime, a 32-yarder to Owen Dunkes and a 4-yarder to Wyatt Dunkes as the Badgers took a 38-0 lead into the break.

Rouse took over in the second half and led Niagara (2-1) to three more scores. He ran in from the 1-yard line and connected with Courts on a 5-yard connection in the third quarter and then hit Courts with a 1-yard score in the fourth. Rouse passed to Landon Sweig for the 2-point conversion after that TD to account for the final scoring.

Wausaukee’s lone touchdown came in the third quarter when Hank Nuetzel found Gavin Thomson on a 48-yard strike.

Laarman said Thomson’s abilities concerned him heading into the matchup.

“Thomson had five touchdown receptions and intercepted four passes last week, so we were worried about trying to contain him,” Laarman said. “He had a good night against us with over 100 yards receiving, but we were able to limit the damage.”

Niagara will travel to Newman Catholic (2-1) for its next game on Friday.

Niagara stats leaders:

Brayden Bartels 7 carries, 86 yards, 1 TD; 14 of 15 passing, 113 yards, 4 TDs

Sawyer Rouse 6 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD; 8 of 8 passing, 72 yards, 2 TDs; two interceptions on defense

Kaden Courts: 8 receptions, 47 yards, 3 TDs.

Abain Patterson: 5 receptions, 50 yards

Owen Dunkes: 32-yard touchdown reception; 1 interception

Connor Guardiola: 5 receptions, 30 yards; 8 tackles

Wyatt Dunkes: 3 receptions, 26 yards, 2 touchdowns; 5 tackles

Noah Wheeler: 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended, 1 fumble recovery.