2011 NOW Football Previews

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OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: QB Jason MeichtryDate to circle: Sept. 22 at Brookfield EastStrength: team speed on defense, skillplayers on offense.Weakness: building depth, two-platoonmakes kids get better faster.We say: Lancers look to carry on the traditionof making the playoffs.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 6-4Greater Metro Conference: 4-3Outcome: lost in first round to South Mil-waukee (20-13)

All-ConferencereturneesFirst team: noneSecond team: RyanJohnson (DL)Honorable mention:Bobby Mussa (C), JasonMeichtry (QB), ChikweObasih (DL)First-team losses: Dan Barwick (DB), SamRohr (TE), Marcus Aprahamian (OT/OL of theYear), Nick Hubbard (ILB)Coach: Jamie Muelemans

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Racine ParkAug. 26 Oak CreekSept. 2 West Allis HaleSept. 9 Sussex HamiltonSept. 16 MarquetteSept. 22 Brookfield EastSept. 30 West Allis CentralOct. 7 Wauwatosa EastOct. 14 Menomonee Falls

*home games in bold

LAST YEARRacine Case W 28-13Oak Creek W 21-14Menomonee Falls W 15-14Brookfield East L 14-10Wauwatosa East W 43-6West Allis Hale W 20-10Marquette L 27-0West Allis Central W 38-20Sussex Hamilton L 24-0South Milwaukee L 20-13

*home games in bold

Obasih

BrookfieldCentral coach JamieMeu-lemans is going to try and turn his team’sweakness into a strength this season.Meulemans said the Lancers need to

build depth this season, so he feels thebest way to do that is by playing two-platoon football.“Building depth is somethingwe have

towork on,” the second-year coach said.“Wewant to be a two-platoon footballteam.We feel platoon football is helpingthat (building depth). Kids get betterfaster. It’s awork in progress, but it’sgrowing for us.”Meulemans pointed out that the

players can focus just on one thing. Theycan getmore reps. The installation iseasier, so the players can get better prog-ress quicker because they are only focus-ing on one position.“For example, they only have to go to

one film session onone side of the ball,”he said. “With the playbook, they onlyhave to focus on learning one side of theball.”Based on that theory, the Lancers

hope to turn aweakness into a strength.But the question is how soon they can

do that asCentral will go into the seasonwith no two-way players according toMeulemans.The Lancers lost four first-teamall-

conference players, includingGMCLinemanof the YearMarcusApraha-mian, but they are returning second-teamall-GMCRyan ‘Rocky’ Johnson(DL) andBobbyMussa (C), JasonMeichtry (QB) andChikweObasih(DL), all honorablemention choices.“Wehave good size; our defensive line

is playingwell getting off the ball,”Meu-lemans said. “Especially Rocky JohnsonandChikweObasih.”Joining those two in the defensive

frontwill beDan Sorenson (DE), AdamMiller (NG) andMattWilcox (DL).There is plenty of depth at linebackers inNicVeling,DJ Ley, AustinVanark, TaeCannon and StevenAmbrookian,whoMeulemans called ‘the surprise of thecamp.”ChrisDubois, Billy Shimand sopho-

moreTerriWallen should anchor thesecondary.Meichtry returns at quarterback and

hewill be joined by slot backsCharlieO’Dwyer andRobRossmiller and tail-

backsCraig Jordan andDeMarioHarris.MarcusCrumand JasonToney are alsoin themix at slotback.Isaiah Sydnor (6-foot-4 inches),Nick

Olson (6-7),Michael Petijean (6-2) andDerek Schmidt (6-1) givesMeichtrysomebig targets.Mussa (305), AustinCebula (315) andCole Parker (255)willanchor an offensive line thatmust pro-tectMeichtry.Meulemans is looking forward to his

second season on the job after being arookie head coach last year.“Youhave to go through it (first year

as a head coach) to experience it,” hesaid. “I’ve heard about it, but it’s differ-ent until you sit in those shoes.”

Brookfield CentralLancers

Two-platoon footballshould build team’s depth

BY TOM ‘SKY’ [email protected]

NOW Photo by Peter Zuzga

Brookfield Central senior quarterback Jason Meichtry will lead the Lancers offense thisseason.

Coach’s Corner“We want to be a two-platoon football team. We feel platoon football is helping that(building depth). Kids get better faster. It’s a work in progress, but it’s growing for us.”

Jamie MeulemansBrookfield Central football coach

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OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: Alex James (DE), ZachSchober (RB/S)Date to circle: Sept. 19 vs. BrookfieldCentralStrength: good team speed againWeakness: young and inexperiencedWe say: If young Spartans make the playoffs itwill be just as impressive as last year’s squad.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 9-2Greater Metro Conference: 6-1Outcome: lost in second round to Franklin(36-7)

All-Conference returneesFirst team: noneSecond team: noneHonorable mention: NateMikulsky (DB), Alec James(DL), Zach Schober (All-Purpose)First-team losses: CJGregg (WR/DB/P), NickTongas (ILB/DB of the year),Tyler Lecher (DL)Coach: Tom Swittel (GMCCoach of the Year)

SCHEDULEAug. 19 GraftonAug. 26 Milwaukee SouthSept. 2 West Allis CentralSept. 9 Menomonee FallsSept. 16 Wauwatosa EastSept. 22 Brookfield CentralSept. 30 West Allis HaleOct. 7 MarquetteOct. 14 Sussex Hamilton

*home games in bold

LAST YEARGrafton W 42-7Waukesha North W 31-0Sussex Hamilton W 19-18Brookfield Central W 14-10Marquette L 0-34West Allis Central W 28-6Wauwatosa East W 26-12West Allis Hale W 30-7Menomonee Falls W 28-22Bradley Tech W 31-14Franklin L 36-7

*home games in bold

Swittel

Second-year Brookfield East footballcoach Tom Swittel sat behind his deskand laughed last week when he wasasked what he was going to do for anencore.Swittel came in and not only led his

team to a 9-2 record and the playoffsfor only the third time in East’s history,but he changed the entire attitude ofthe student body in addition to hisfootball team — he made them believethey could win.The Spartans return one full-time

starter on offense and three on defenseand will probably have six two-wayplayers this year.“We have expectations this year,”

Swittel said. “Last year we spent a lot oftime convincing guys they could do it.Now they not only understand that

they can do it, but they expect to win.That was a huge hurdle to overcome.”There is not a problem with num-

bers this season. But the starters are notset in stone yet as Swittel said there isopen competition going on at posi-tions.Returning letter winners include

eight seniors — Mike Amato (WR/DB), Andrew Sobczak (DL), Joey Torch(OL/DL), Tommy Tushaus (OL), NateMikulsky (DB), Steven Kurtz (LB), JoshVan Aartsen (DB) and Niko Bognar(DL).The other seven letter winners are

juniors — Zach Schober (RB/DB), AlecJames (DE/RB), Brian Smith (WR/DB),John LeClaire (LB), Sam Brunker (LB),John Kalupa (OL) and Eric Wetter(OL).One newcomer to watch is Bryce

Pompos, who moved to Brookfield thisyear. He played at Arrowhead last sea-son, runs a 4.6 at 40 yards, and he issplitting time at quarterback with Dyl-an Golla.“Whoever starts at quarterback will

be taking his first varsity snap,” Swittelsaid. “Pompos brings more to the tablephysically; he’s faster, throws a batterball.”One of the players that Swittel raved

about is Amato.“He could be our CJ Gregg this

year,” Swittel said. “CJ Gregg never leftthe field. Amato is in the wide receiver/cornerback mix. He had an outstand-ing summer at our different camps andbrought that into camp here. He runs a4.5.”Speaking of speed, Swittel thinks

that this team has more speed than lastyear’s, which was filled with outstand-ing track athletes. East timed 30 guyswho ran 5.0 or faster.“We had a lot of track guys who

played football last year,” he said. “Weused them within the system. We usedtheir speed, but they were not footballplayers.“This year we got football players

who are very fast. There will not be anoticeable drop off in team speed.Overall, we will be faster than last year.”

Brookfield EastSpartans


Brookfield East returns only one starter on offense and three on defense this year, but has several up-and-coming players competing forstarting positions going into Friday’s opener against Grafton.

Coach’s Corner“Last year we spent a lot of time convincing guys they could do it. Now they not only

understand that they can do it, but they expect to win.”Tom Swittel

Brookfield East football coach

Swittel looking for hissecond season to be justas memorable as firstBY TOM ‘SKY’ [email protected]

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OUTLOOK

Player to watch: Jake Schimenz, junior (QB);Zach Rhodes, junior (LB); Najee Williams,senior (RB)Date to circle: Sept. 16 vs. Pewaukee (toptwo teams in conference last year)Strength: great potential at the skill positionswith Schimenz, Williams and rising receiverjunior Tre PalmerWeakness: The Falcons took a major hit as 10first-team All-Woodland Divisional performersgraduated last spring.We say: Experience and the recovery ofSchimenz from a foot injury will be majorfactors in determining if Brown Deer makes itback to the playoffs.

A GLANCE BACK

RECORDOverall: 8-2North Shore Conference: 7-1Playoff Outcome: lost in first round toMilwaukee Lutheran (35-27)

ALL-CONFERENCE RETURNEESFirst team: Zack Rhodes (LB)Honorable mention: Palmer (WR), Williams(RB), Pietro D’Amato (DB)First-team losses: Drew Jones (OL/DE/OLB),Sean Andryauskas (WR), Troy Dibb(OL/DE/OLB), Kierre Ogbonna (TE), ChrisSmith (RB), Jordan Thompson (OL), LoganFeciskonin (DL), Joziah Mallett (DB), BrandonMcAfee (DL), Scott Richardson (LB)Coach: Rob Green

SCHEDULEAug. 19 WaterfordAug. 26 Wauwatosa WestSept. 2 GreenfieldSept. 9 CudahySept. 16 PewaukeeSept. 23 Saint FrancisSept. 30 Saint Thomas MoreOct. 7 New Berlin WestOct. 14 New Berlin Eisenhower

home games in bold

LAST YEARWatertown Luther Prep W 53-6South Milwaukee W 29-22Greendale W 41-35Cudahy W 54-19Pewaukee W 47-34Saint Francis W 40-20Saint Thomas More W 69-0New Berlin West L 32-14Whitnall W 71-36Milwaukee Lutheran L 35-27

home games in bold

Brown Deer — Football coach RobGreen remains unflappable this seasondespite the fact that he lost 10 All-Woodland Conference selections tograduation and that his projected quar-terback, junior Jake Schimenz, has hada boot on his foot for the first couple ofweeks of practice.He’s not worried because he likes

what he sees in his new-look team sofar.“They’ve got a lot of energy,” he

said. “These kids are excited. It’s theirturn to run the program. As we’ve builtthe program over the years, we reallydon’t have a lot of freshmen or sopho-mores involved unless they’re just ex-ceptional.“The kids have to put in the time

and pay their dues. Then they get theirchance.”The Falcons are coming off an 8-2

divisional championship season thatwas run by a high-powered offense thatscored 40 or more points seven times.Many of the key figures are gone

from that scheme, but pieces are still in

place for the spread/shotgun formationoffense. Schimenz, the four-sport star, isresting the foot these first couple ofweeks, said Green and should be allright in the long run.In the interim, 6-3 junior Drew

Worth, who is coming off a fine base-ball season as a pitcher, is filling in forSchimenz.Tools at his disposal include senior

running back Najee Williams, who filledin well when two-time All-Suburbanchoice Chris Smith got hurt last season,and junior receiver Tre Palmer.“Najee is a power runner who helps

the line look better than it actually issometimes,” said Green.And that will be a help to the Fal-

cons, as they were really hit with lossesin the line. Leading the rebuilt groupwill be seniors Ron Lor (5-10, 240);London Powell (6-4, 300); and EricParish (6-2, 215). Senior twin guardsMalik (5-11, 225) and Malachi Ward(6-2, 255) will handle the guard slots.“They’re all pretty aggressive kids,”

said Green. “Only their experience willhold them back. We want them to jellbecause an offensive line is a like achain, it’s got to move together in orderto work.”Defensively, the Falcons have a few

more pieces to work with as first-teamall-division junior linebacker ZachRhodes returns as does senior three-year starting defensive back Evan Naber,and junior defensive back Pietro D’A-mato (five interceptions last season).Green said the team had been look-

ing forward to its scrimmage last Satur-day.“We have so many new faces in

practice that sometimes you start tolook better than you really are,” saidGreen. “Then you get to hit somebodyelse and that’s when you find out exact-ly how good you are.”

Brown DeerFalcons

Replacing a ton of talent,Falcons look to getback to playoffs

BY STEVEN L. [email protected]

Photo by Mary Catanese

Brown Deer's Najee Williams will be thefeatured running back in the Falcons’spread formation offense this fall. BrownDeer opens the season at Waterford onFriday.

Coach’s Corner“It’s not the greatest thing in the world to be developing your second quarterback

right away but it shows that nothing is guaranteed.In the long run, it’ll make us stronger.”

Rob GreenBrown Deer Head Coach

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OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: Craig Christian, senior(OL); Levon Myers, senior (OL); Mike Tomasi-no, senior (DL)Date to circle: Aug. 19/26 @ Greendale/vs.Milwaukee Marquette (tough non-conferencegames)Strengths: Tradition of excellence andexperience in the offensive line.Weakness: Loss of multiple skill playersincluding all-state quarterback Lance Baretz.We say: The losses are steep for new headcoach Louis Brown, but the Sabers will getback to the playoffs.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 12-1Southeast Conference: 7-0Playoff Outcome: Lost in Division 2 statesemifinal to Waunakee (23-7)

All-Conference returneesFirst team: Myers (OL)Second team: Christian (OL)First-team losses: Baretz (QB), Brady Oates(WR), Evan Walton (WR), Macon Plewa (LB),Vinny Bialk (DB), Brenden Butler (DL), JoelKornhoff (LB), Tony Meyer (DE)Coach: Louis Brown

SCHEDULEAug. 19 GreendaleAug. 26 MarquetteSept. 2 Kenosha BradfordSept. 9 Oak CreekSept. 16 Racine HorlickSept. 23 MuskegoSept. 30 Racine ParkOct. 7 Kenosha TremperOct. 14 Racine Case

home games in bold

LAST YEARGreenfield W 40-0Marquette W 21-0Muskego W 31-6Racine Case W 51-0Oak Creek W 55-14Kenosha Tremper W 42-12Racine Park W 43-13Kenosha Bradford W 40-35Racine Horlick W 49-7Whitnall W 47-25Brookfield East W 36-7South Milwaukee W 45-27Waunakee L 23-7

home games in bold

Franklin — New Franklin footballcoach Louis Brown is used to challeng-es.So, the fact that he lost close to 10

first-team all-conference performers,including school record-holding quar-terback Lance Baretz to graduation, isnot leaving him daunted as the Saberslook to defend their Southeast Confer-ence title after a stellar 12-1 2010 cam-paign.“It’s been a good couple of weeks,”

said Brown, who spent the last 13seasons as the Sabers’ defensive coordi-nator. “We just have a lot of positionsup for grabs.”Brown, who has also led the Sabers’

highly successful wrestling program formany years, takes over for long-timecoach Jeff Klemp, who decided to stepdown but retain his duties as offensivecoordinator.He inherits a team that lost 17

starters to graduation including Baretz,who’s walking on at Wisconsin andlinebacker Macon Plewa, who’s madethe roster at Iowa.Brown will build around two mam-

moth offensive linemen. They are 6-2,240-pound returning NOW All-Sub-urban choice Craig Christian and 6-6,270-pound senior Levon Myers, who isgetting much major college interest.But after them, the offense is all

new.Vying for the quarterback’s job in

the spread/shotgun formation set arejunior Zach Eder and sophomoreShaun McGuire.Brown is pleased with his running

backs as senior Zach Miller, sopho-more Chad Walton (younger brotherof Evan) and junior Ben Smith leadthe way.Junior Shaun Quirk is the top re-

ceiver and junior Joe Falzon is a capa-ble tight end.Defensively, the Sabers are in a little

better shape, as senior defensive endMike Tomasino (6-4, 220) has had a“great camp” in Brown’s eyes andfellow returnees senior linebackerAlonzo Dentici and senior safety DylanNogalski have also looked good.

Myers will also be a force on thedefensive line, while Quirk and NateMcCarthy, who is coming off an in-jury-plagued 2010, will man lineback-ing slots.Brown knows he will have to rely

on his veterans early if an 11th consec-utive trip to the state playoffs is in thecards.“Our lines will definitely be our

strengths,” he said, “and we’ll have ahandful of kids going both ways. Buthow quickly we’ll be successful will bea matter of one or both of our quar-terbacks maturing quickly.“I know there’s a lot of pressure on

these kids, but I told them that theother kids are gone now. It’s yourtime. You have a lot of potential.”

FranklinSabers

New coach, cast of playerstry to build upon strongfootball foundation

By STEVEN L. [email protected]


The Franklin football team is hoping to make another deep run in the playoffs just as theydid last year. The Sabers won three games and were one game from the state title gamebefore they fell to Waunakee. However, they must replace 17 starters from that team.

Coach’s Corner“We’re going to have to work to get guys ready for the varsity level. These kids know

they have a certain level to get to, but there is talent there.”Louis Brown, Franklin’s new head coach

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OUTLOOK

Player to watch: Josh Mongan (QB), senior;Alec Richmond (RB), senior; Ben Holcomb(DB/WR), senior.Date to circle: Oct. 13 vs. Homestead(10-time league champ)Strength: The Warhawks are loaded with skillposition people and team speed. Mongan andRichmond will be the keys here.Weakness: Having to replace the entireoffensive line and a lack of overall size.We say: First-year coachJake Davis has enoughtalent in a wide open NSCto contend forGermantown’s first titlesince 2002. An early leaguetest at Whitefish Bay onSept. 2 will be a majorindicator.

A GLANCE BACK

RECORDOverall: 7-5North Shore Conference: 4-3Playoff Outcome: Lost in third round toMilwaukee Marquette (41-27)ALL-CONFERENCE RETURNEESFirst team: Holcomb (DB)Second team: Dan Olson (ILB)Honorable mention: Richmond (RB), LouisTuszynski (WR)First-team losses: Jake Richmond (WR),Alec Zoern (OL), Adam Hurtz (OLB), DavidGalginaitis (DE)Coach: Jake Davis

SCHEDULEAug. 19 WhitnallAug. 26 HartfordSept. 2 Whitefish BaySept. 9 GraftonSept. 16 CedarburgSept. 23 Milwaukee LutheranSept. 30 Port WashingtonOct. 6 NicoletOct. 13 Homestead

home games in bold

LAST YEARWest Bend West L 14-0Hartford W 22-6Port Washington W 49-0Whitefish Bay L 13-3Milwaukee Lutheran W 35-21Cedarburg L 28-14Nicolet W 35-7Grafton W 49-7Homestead L 21-20

home games in bold

DavisGermantown — New football coach

Jake Davis knows what it’s like to be thecenter of attention having earned NOWAll-Suburban honors at that very posi-tion for powerhouse Homestead teamsearlier this century.But as he prepares to take over for

Warhawks legend Phil Datka, whoretired last fall after 40-some years atthe helm, he wants to make sure thatthe focus is on the players and nothimself.“We took care of a lot of that (get-

ting to know each other) at our fivecontact days this summer,” said Davis.“We met with the guys and we’re mak-ing sure that this goes as seamlessly aspossible. It’s just a little different ap-proach.“No big deal. It’s not about me. It’s

about them and they’re doing every-thing that we’re asking.”Davis, who spent three years on the

staff working primarily with the offen-sive line, inherits a team that will belong on speed but a bit short on sizeand experience up front.The offense will rely on skilled se-

niors such as quarterback Josh Mongan,running back Alec Richmond (703

yards rushing and 11 TDs in 2010) andwide receivers Louis Tuszynski (23catches, 314 yards) and Ben Holcomb.They will be working behind a wholenew offensive line that will include asolid core of three individuals, whorange in size from 220-235 pounds.They include senior Matt Van Gompeland juniors Ryan Lemke and BobStemm.“Actually, this is the most balanced

size that we’ve had since I’ve beenhere,” Davis said.On the defensive side, there’s a little

more experience up front includingsenior nose tackle Nick Fretchel, seniorJames Hauser and junior Joe Kretlow.Davis said that Hauser, who will alsodouble as a fullback, had a sensational

camp.Senior Dan Olson had a great season

last year at middle linebacker and isback for more this fall, and junior TylerBaran is a small, but feisty linebackerand will also help out at running back.The senior Holcomb is a three-year

starter and was an all-conference selec-tion last season in the secondary. Hehad a great spring making state finals intrack in the high hurdles.One thing that Davis has been heart-

ened by is that the vast majority ofDatka’s coaching staff has decided tostay on.“And what’s really nice is that nine

of us (on staff) are all in the building,”Davis said. “It’s important for the kidsto see us everyday.”

GermantownWarhawks

New coach Jake Davismakes sure it’s about theplayers at Germantown



The Germantown High School varsity football player Ryan Lemke engages in an agilitydrill during the team’s practice at the school last week.

Coach’s Corner”We’ve provided so much structure for the kids that we want to see leaders develop

on their own without us telling them who they are.”Jake Davis

Germantown coach

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14

OUTLOOKPlayers to watch: Senior quarterback SamBrick, senior tackle Matt Pulizos, senior tightend Kennedy RingelbergDate to circle: Aug. 19 vs. Franklin (toughfirst game – the Sabers made it to the thirdround of the WIAA playoffs in 2010)Strength: The Panthers are well-stocked atboth the offensive and defensive lines.Weakness: More starters will be expected togo both ways this year, so they will needendurance.We say: With key returnees at both skillpositions and the lines, the Panthers should beamong the favorites in the Black Division.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 8-2Woodland Conference: 7-1Outcome: Lost in first round to Pius XI(22-20)

All-Conference returneesFirst team: Sam Brick (QB), Matt Pulizos(OL), Kennedy Ringelberg (TE), Drake Barczak(ILB)Honorable mention: Sam Bryan (OL),Jesse Johnston (OL), Bobby Hintz (DL), BrettNethery (P), Peter Pekar (DB)First-team losses: Andrew Brees (WR/K),Luke Drumel (RB), Noah Jankowski (OL),Jordan Campbell (ILB), Bobby Hall (DE/OLB),Curtis Nelson (ILB), Jo Jo Sardina (DB), JoelSirus (DE/OLB), James Wilson (DL)Coach: Rob Stoltz

SCHEDULEAug. 19 FranklinAug. 26 New Berlin WestSept. 3 Saint Thomas MoreSept. 9 New Berlin EisenhowerSept. 16 South MilwaukeeSept. 23 GreenfieldSept. 30 WhitnallOct. 7 Wauwatosa WestOct. 14 Cudahy

home games in bold

LAST YEARCampbellsport W 37-0Pewaukee W 33-0Brown Deer L 41-35New Berlin Eisenhower W 48-13South Milwaukee W 24-0Greenfield W 35-0Whitnall W 52-21Wauwatosa West W 42-8St. Francis W 50-7Milwaukee Pius L 22-20

home games in bold

Greendale —OpposingWoodlandConference football coaches are probablyworkingovertime in trying to comeupwithways to slowdownwhat appears tobe a talented andversatileGreendaleoffense.ThePanthers can startwith senior

quarterback SamBrick,who completed58percent of his throws a year ago for1,455 yards and20 touchdownswhilerunning for 668 yards and eightmorescores.“Hehas a strong, accurate arm, andhe

embraces the role of leader,” coachRobStoltz said. “Heunderstands the positionof quarterback, the risk and reward factor.He ismulti-faceted andphysically andmentally tough.He can run andpass, andhe fits our offense of spread formations.”Brick can throw to a varied groupof

fast and tall receivers, including 6-foot-2inch senior tight endKennedyRingelberg,whopulled in12balls for 317 yards lastseason, an eye-popping average of 27yards per catch.Other receivers are 6-4 junior Peter

Pekar, 6-3 juniorGaelan Siebold and6-1seniorBrettNethery,who scored threetouchdowns last year.Whenhewants to handoff the ball

and gain yardage on the ground,Brickcanutilize juniorMike Scheidt and seniorSebastianGarcia-Bankowski.Providing theholes and theprotection

for all that offensive firepower is an expe-rienced linewith four starters returning.The key is senior tackleMatt Pulizos,

whomStoltz calls an exceptional talent.Pulizos justmissed all-regionhonors atthe position last year, Stoltz said.

Other returnees in the line are juniorcenter SamBryan, senior guardBrandonKais and junior tackle Jesse Johnston.Defensive leaders includePulizos at

tackle, Pekar at safety, seniorDrakeBar-czak at linebacker and seniorBobbyHintzat tackle.“Barczak is oneof the top linebackers

in the area, andHintz is a technician inthe trenches,” Stoltz said.With all this talent back, thePanthers

will certainly be a team that everyone in

theWoodlandwillwatch as they try torepeat their division championshipof ayear ago.Not that the taskwill be easy. Stoltz

said SouthMilwaukee,which faredwell intheWIAAplayoffs last season,will be acontender.He thinksNewBerlinEisen-howerwill bounce back from its rare offyear andGreenfield couldbe awild card.ThePanthers open the seasonFriday

at homeagainst Franklin, a playoff teamfrom last year.

GreendalePanthers

Led by experienced offense,Panthers appear poised torepeat in Woodland

By JOHN [email protected]

NOW Photo by Peter ZuzgaGreendale quarterback Sam Brick goes back to pass in a game last season. Brick, whothrew for more than 1,400 yards in 2010, returns to lead the Panthers’ offense.

Coach's Corner“This is the fastest group of receivers I have had, and they are all tall and strong as well.”

Rob Stoltz, Head Coach

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OUTLOOKPlayers to watch: Right tackle Josh Ruka(senior), Quarterback Tyler Laverdure (senior)Date to circle: Sept. 16 @ Whitnall (rivalry;last year a 38-33 thriller)Strength: Good numbers (32 returninglettermen) and experience (17 starters back).Weakness: Must make up for the loss of1,200-yard rusher Jason Katrichis.We say: The Hustlin’ Hawks missed theplayoffs last year because of a one-point loss toWauwatosa West. This year, they seem posi-tioned to take that next step.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 3-6Woodland Confer-ence: 3-5Outcome: Missed play-offs

All-ConferencereturneesFirst team: BraydenCampagna (TE), Josh Ruka(OL),Honorable mention:Jared Lang (OL), Tyler Laverdure (QB), ReggieBlakely (DB), Alex Bosl (P), Yazan Rizeq (ILB),Charles Sloan (DL), Kyle Sobocinski (DL)First-team losses: Jason Katrichis (RB/DB),Max Malecki (OL), Matt Brendemihl (DE/OLB)Coach: Scott Otto

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Waukesha NorthAug. 26 PewaukeeSept. 2 Brown DeerSept. 9 South MilwaukeeSept. 16 WhitnallSept. 23 GreendaleSept. 30 Wauwatosa WestOct. 7 New Berlin EisenhowerOct. 14 New Berlin West

home games in bold

LAST YEARFranklin L 40-0Cudahy L 24-13Saint Francis L 45-28South Milwaukee L 22-7Whitnall W 38-33Greendale L 35-0Wauwatosa West L 13-12New Berlin Eisenhower W 41-14Saint Thomas More W 52-6

home games in bold

Otto

Greenfield —Losing a1,200-yardrusher aswell as a leading receiver gives afootball teamboth a challenge and anopportunity.The teammust find someone tomake

up for all that offensive production, buton the other hand, returningplayers get agood chance to showwhat they cando.Greenfield finds itself in that situation

going into the 2011season,whichopensFridaywith a game atWaukeshaNorth (7p.m.).TheHustlin’Hawks arewithout run-

ningback JasonKatrichis,who compiled1,203 yards and15 touchdownson theground last season, but second-year coachScottOtto saidhe feels his squadhas thetalent to cover that loss.Ottowill turn the runningduties over

to a groupof players.Hehas four half-backs in seniors BathongPhamandAndyLucas, sophomoreChadKarges andjuniorKyle Schahczinski, and apair offullbacks in juniorMikePerez and seniorZachTruss.Senior quarterbackTyler Laverdure is

back after completing 44percent of hispasses and rushing for 415 yards, secondbehindKatrichis on the team.“(Laverdure) is greatly improved from

last year,”Otto said. “This is his secondyear in the system, andhe can run thetriple-optionwell.”Junior tight endBraydenCampagna

also returns after earning first-teamall-WoodlandConference honors a year ago.Openingholes for the runnerswill be

senior right tackle JoshRuka,who at 6feet-6 inches and290pounds is theNo.1ratedoffensive lineman in the state andthe fifth-rankedprospect overall, accord-ing toWisSports.com.Ruka receivedeightDivision1offers before signingwithNorthern IllinoisUniversity.“Hehas size, speed and intelligence,”

Otto said. “He is leanwith long arms andbig shoulders.”Another returning lineman is senior

guard JaredLang,whoOtto said reallyholds the line together.Ottoplans to run awishboneoffense

featuring a versatile andbalanced rushingattack, findingplenty of carries for eachofthe six backs.Defensive standouts include junior

linebackerYazanRizeq, junior cornerbackReggieBlakely and senior nose tackleCharles Sloan,whoweighs in at 310pounds but is athletic for his size,Ottosaid.All received all-conferencementionlast fall.Otto is happy that interest in football is

also on the rise atGreenfield, as there are68on the varsity roster and a total of138in the program this fall.

Greenfield Hustlin’ Hawks

Offense will feature multiplebacks, top-rated lineman

BY JOHN [email protected]

Photo by Pat Robinson

Quarterback Tyler Laverdure (12) is one of 17 returning starters for the Greenfield footballteam this fall. The Hustlin’ Hawks open the season on Friday with a non-conference con-test at Waukesha North. After starting 0-4 in 2010, GHS won three of five to end the year.

Coach’s Corner“Jason (Katrichis) was big and extremely gifted, but you always lose good players.This year, we will be more balanced, more difficult to deal with (on offense).”

Scott OttoGreenfield Head Coach

August18,2011

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32

OUTLOOK

Player to watch: Cody Berger, senior (QB);Antoine Easterling, senior (RB); Benji Wichman,senior (DL)Date to circle: Oct. 13, at Germantown(knocked them out of playoffs last year)Strength: Third-year QB Berger and thespeedy Easterling will lead the way. Traditionwill also be a factor as HHS seeks its 11thstraight NSC title.Weakness: Inexperience and a lack of depth atmany positions especially in the receiving corpsand the secondary.We say: Usually apessimist by heart, coachDave Keel is even moreconcerned than usual thisfall, but it’d be a stunningdevelopment if theHighlanders weren’t majorfactors in the NSC title hunt.

A GLANCE BACK

RECORDOverall: 10-1North Shore Conference: 7-0Outcome: Lost in second round toGermantown (17-10)

ALL-CONFERENCE RETURNEESFirst team: Easterling (RB), Sam Enea (P)Second team: Berger (QB), Xavier Crumpton(OLB), Wichman (DL)Honorable mention: Luke Worthington (OL)First-team losses: Max Beckers (TE), MaxVielmetti (OL), Donte’ Phillips (DL), AndrewDebbink (OLB)Coach: Dave Keel

SCHEDULEAug. 19 HartfordAug. 26 WaterfordSept. 2 NicoletSept. 9 Port WashingtonSept. 16 GraftonSept. 23 CedarburgSept. 30 Milwaukee LutheranOct. 6 Whitefish BayOct. 13 Germantown

home games in bold

LAST YEARD.C. Everest W 36-22Wisconsin Rapids W 30-27Grafton W 42-7Milwaukee Lutheran W 28-7Cedarburg W 24-21Nicolet W 28-0Whitefish Bay W 21-7Port Washington W 48-27Germantown W 21-20Milwaukee Vincent W 35-0Germantown L 17-10

home games in bold

KeelMequon –Homestead football

coach Dave Keel likes to joke anddownplay his team in early season pre-views. He’s done that every single yearof the Highlanders’ 10-year run of dom-inance in the North Shore Conference.It usually goes something like this:

“Oh, we’ll be lucky to win four or fivegames this year,” and then it’s followedby his trademark chuckle.Only in discussions this season, the

chuckle is absent, because, no joke, thisyear Keel is legitimately concerned.“A lot of new faces and an awful lot

of work to do,” he said. “We have good,solid young men but we’re just soyoung in so many places.”The Highlanders, who have reached

double digits in wins every year since2001, have fallen in the second-round ofthe state playoffs the last two seasonsincluding last year’s defeat at the handsof rival Germantown. It was the firstloss to a North Shore team since 2002for HHS.The Highlanders will try to keep the

surging Warhawks as well as WIAAstate Division 2 runner-up Cedarburgat bay with a team that has good speedbut not a lot of size.They will build around three-year

senior quarterback Cody Berger, who

will team with all-conference seniorrunning back Antoine Easterling toform the fulcrum of the offense.Other returnees on offense include

senior guard Mensah Amuzu, seniortight end Matt Popp and mammothjunior offensive tackle Luke Worthing-ton.Berger, a second-team all-NSC selec-

tion last season, is one who believes thatthis year’s team can hold up the tradi-tion despite the heavy graduation losses.“The goals are the same,” he said.

“Win conference, do well in the playoffsand maybe win the state title … I hon-estly believe we can do that because wehave gotten better everyday and every-one’s getting more comfortable with

their positions.“We’re excited to get started.”On the defensive side, without all-

state defensive lineman Donte’ Phillipsaround, the Highlanders will build withsenior defensive linemen Benji Wich-man (second-team all-NSC) and ZachRechcygl as well as senior linebackerXavier Crumpton (second-team all-NSC) and junior free safety Riley Pel-isek.Senior punter Sam Enea was a first-

team all-NSC selection last season.“Team speed will be a plus,” said

Keel, “but we’re only average size-wise.Our numbers are good (60 on varsity)and I’ve been proud of their effort sofar.”

HomesteadHighlanders

Another NSC titlefor Homestead is nota sure thing this fall


NOW Photo by Steven L. Tietz

Homestead football coach Dave Keel addresses his troops after a recent practice. TheHighlanders are looking for an 11th straight North Shore Conference title this fall.

Coach’s Corner“Cody (Berger) has done a great job (in terms of leadership).

He’s out there leading and helping others learn their responsibilities.”Dave Keel

Homestead Head Coach

August18,2011

●NW

16

OUTLOOK

Player to watch: Brett Krause (QB), junior;John Kontowicz (LB), senior; Matt Christensen(RB), senior.Date to circle: With several teams on theirearly schedule in rebuilding mode, the road tripto Marquette looms as a major test on Sept. 30.Strength: Experience throughout and strongleadership and character from sophomorethrough senior classes.Weakness: Finding a way to finish games.Falls lost four close ones last season.We say: In 2009, Falls had a majorcharacter-driven squad like this one and it wentall the way to the WIAA state finals. Though it’suncertain whether this group has enough talentto do that, this Indians squad seems ready tomake the playoffs.

A GLANCE BACK

RECORDOverall: 3-6Greater Metro Conference: 3-4Playoff Outcome: Did not qualifyALL-CONFERENCE RETURNEESFirst team: noneSecond team: Christensen(All Purpose)Honorable mention:Christensen (WR), Krause(QB), Kontowicz (ILB), DavidStaron (DB)First-team losses: KevinScroggins (RB), BobbyNelessen (ILB)Coach: John Baker

SCHEDULEAug. 19 SlingerAug. 26 West Bend EastSept. 2 Wauwatosa EastSept. 9 Brookfield EastSept. 16 West Allis CentralSept. 23 Sussex HamiltonSept. 30 MarquetteOct. 7 West Allis HaleOct. 14 Brookfield Central

home games in bold

LAST YEAROconomowoc L 22-6West Bend East L 14-13Brookfield Central L 15-14Sussex Hamilton L 25-20West Allis Hale W 13-7Wauwatosa East W 22-16West Allis Central W 45-0Marquette L 28-0Brookfield East L 28-22

home games in bold

Baker

Menomonee Falls — As the Me-nomonee Falls football team was finish-ing its conditioning session at its Aug.11 practice, one player lagged behinddespite putting in what looked like hisbest effort.But his teammates did not jump all

over him for making everybody wait.No, this strong-willed and unifiedgroup got behind him and encouragedhim to finish as best he could.And that’s the attitude that veteran

Indians coach John Baker has come toexpect out of his squad, which looks tomake a run at the state playoffs this fall.“The guys are really high energy,” he

said, “… and they’re a great group ofkids. I’m really proud of their commit-ment and their character.”Which will hopefully translate into

wins this fall.“We’ve got a lot experience this

season and that’s going to help,” saidsenior linebacker John Kontowicz, “…because we never finished games last fall(losing four close decisions). You’ve gotto have those if you want to be a goodteam. We have to go a lot harder all thetime and not be afraid or hesitant.”The Indians return five starters on

offense and six on defense.Back on offense will be junior quar-

terback Brett Krause, senior wide re-ceiver/running back Matt Christensen,

junior wide receiver/back Justin John-son, senior running back Otis Whiteand senior offensive lineman GarrettBentzler. Senior tight end Nic DeMoreand senior receiver Brandon Blanke willhelp out in the passing game.Baker has been very impressed with

the work ethic and leadership ofKrause.Upfront will be senior Kevin Walker,

juniors Dan Bell (6-6, 275) and Camer-on Green, and sophomore Jack DeWalt.On defense, Kontowicz will be the

leader and will get help from otherexperienced hands in the 3-5 set such asseniors Jared Bratchett (line), RyanBowe (linebacker) and James Ulicki(linebacker).The secondary will be very experi-

enced as safeties Zach Weyenberg (se-nior) and Cole Hernikl (junior) bothreturn, as does senior cornerback DavidStaron.Newcomers vying for spots include

linemen Spencer Kolbeck (senior) andTroy Tyler (junior), junior linebackerRyan Schmit and defensive backs se-niors Tyler Olive, Duncan McKennieand Brennan Schneider and junior MattConrady.Baker said he himself is going to do

a better job this fall.“We had so much change going into

last year (17 starters lost), and I shouldhave done a better job of getting thekids going,” he said. “This year, there’sgoing to be no excuses. The kids wantto finish games and so do I.”

Menomonee FallsIndians

Character and experiencecould lead Falls back to state

playoffs this fall


NOW Photo by C.T. Kruger

Menomonee Fall's Justin Johnson makes a reception against West Allis Central’s BrianHoppe during the Indian's 45-0 win over the Bulldogs last year.

Coach’s Corner”We have such good, high-quality kids this fall. I’m just happy to be a part of all this.”

John BakerMenomonee Falls coach

August18,2011

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34

OUTLOOK

Player to watch: Antoine Davis, junior(RB/DB); Jamar Evans, junior (DB); JustinoRodriguez, senior (OL/RB).Date to circle: Sept. 17 at Whitefish BayDominican. Area rivalry will have both teamshungry for a win.Strengths: Leadership of Davis and largesenior group, winning history of new coachDrake Zortman and a positive attitude.Weaknesses: Lack of tradition and continuityin coaching ranks. Need early wins to reinforcegood attitude.We say: Zortman is talking a strong game butmaintains realism. If injuries can be avoided,Greyhounds should improve.

A GLANCE BACK

RECORDOverall: 1-8Midwest Classic Conference: 1-7Outcome: Missed playoffs

ALL-CONFERENCE RETURNEESFirst team: NoneHonorable mention: NoneFirst-team losses: NoneCoach: Zortman

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Brookfield AcademyAug. 27 Lake Country LutheranSept. 2 Racine St. CatherineSept. 9 Hope SchoolSept. 17 DominicanSept. 23 SWCHASept. 30 Kenosha St. JosephOct. 7 Living Word LutheranOct. 14 Wayland Academy

home games in bold

LAST YEARSaint Francis L 48-9Racine Lutheran L 43-6University School L 42-8Kenosha St. Joseph L 41-0Shoreland Lutheran L 52-6Martin Luther L 54-0Catholic Central L 56-14Racine St. Catherine L 61-20Heritage Christian W 21-14

home games in bold

Shorewood –With a full-range ofsuccess behind him in basketball andfootball, first at Homestead and then atNicolet, new Messmer/Shorewoodfootball coach Drake Zortman bringsno shortage of confidence as he be-comes the latest coach to try and makea success of this North Shore co-op.But if the Greyhounds want to build

a culture of success after many years ofstruggling, it is going to be up to theplayers, he said.“I like the idea of a new challenge,”

said Zortman, who was just hired inlate June. “But I’m already starting tofeel at home here. The kids have beenjust awesome and I’ve made it clear tothem that it’s going to be all aboutthem and nothing to do with me.“It’s going to be all about the play-

ers.”The Greyhounds, in the 12th season

of the co-op, struggled to a 1-8 recordlast season but did get that win in theirfinal game against Heritage Christian.What Zortman has found encouragingso far is a large group of seniors (18 to20 in number). What he needs to holdhis breath about is that there are onlyabout three juniors backing those play-ers up.Leading the way will be junior de-

fensive back/running back AntoineDavis who has led by example in all thetraining and conditioning drills so far,

said Zortman.Others stepping up are senior defen-

sive back Jamar Evans and senior offen-sive lineman/linebacker Justino Rodri-guez. Others Zortman will count oninclude junior middle linebacker AlecGrimmer and senior defensive endJordan Eastern.Zortman said he will start with a

run-first/pass-second style of offense.“We’ve started with some basic con-

cepts,” he said. “Simple technique andfundamentals and it has gotten bettereveryday. We’re going to look at the big

picture here. We know it’ll be a slowprocess. Let’s just get good at a fewthings first and then build from that.”And that starts with attitude, he said.“We’re going to work on a lot of

mental things,” Zortman said, “becausein my mind, this game is 90 percentfrom the neck up. The other 10 percentof it, well, that’s what we’ve been work-ing on the last couple of weeks.“But the kids really have bought in.

They really want to make a change.They’re the ones driving the bus. I’mjust holding the map.”

Messmer/ShorewoodGreyhounds

Zortman brings in soundcredentials, realistic attitude


NOW Photo by John O’Hara

Under new coach Drake Zortman, the Shorewood/Messmer football team is looking forsuccess such as was achieved by now-graduated quarterback Mario Giacobassi (center),who led the Greyhounds to this victory over Milwaukee Marshall in 2008.

Coach’s Corner“I like the character of the kids. There’s a real thirst for football success here. They

definitely want to get better and the motivation is there.”Drake Zortman

Messmer/Shorewood Head Coach

SW●

August18,2011

17

OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: Senior running back BradySimkowskiDate to circle: Sept. 9 vs. Kenosha Tremper(lost to the Trojans twice last year, once inplayoffs)Strength: Plenty of experience, with the entireoffensive line and seven defensive starters allbackWeakness: Last year, the Warriors snuck upon people; this year, opponents will be ready forthemWe say: Muskego was rolling at the end oflast season, and most of the key contributorsare returning. If they are not overwhelmed byhigh expectations, the Warriors can have a bigyear.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 7-4Southeast Conference: 4-3Outcome: Lost in second round to KenoshaTremper (24-10)

All-Conference returneesFirst team: Alex Wallner (OL), JordanGruettner (LB/P)Second team: Collin Smith (OL), RolandDunlap (DE), Tommy Stark (LB)First-team losses: Connor Anderson (TE)Coach: Ken Krause

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Port WashingtonAug. 26 BurlingtonSept. 2 Racine HorlickSept. 9 Kenosha TremperSept. 16 Racine ParkSept. 23 FranklinSept. 30 Racine CaseOct. 7 Kenosha BradfordOct. 14 Oak Creek

home games in bold

LAST YEARPort Washington W 42-20Waterford W 10-0Franklin L 31-6Kenosha Tremper L 20-16Racine Park W 42-7Kenosha Bradford L 69-44Racine Horlick W 58-20Oak Creek W 42-30Racine Case W 63-21

home games in bold

Muskego — Optimism was run-ning high in the Muskego footballteam’s pre-season camp this season— but so was caution.

The Warriors went on a real rolllate last season, averaging 50 pointsand 500 yards of offense in their finalfive regular-season games, then win-ning a WIAA playoff contest overMilwaukee Riverside before falling toKenosha Tremper in the secondround.

A total of 14 starters return fromthat squad, including the entire offen-sive line and four of the top fiverunners, so much is expected of thisyear’s team, which does not exactlymake coach Ken Krause rest easily.

“I am guardedly optimistic,”Krause said. “We have a lot of experi-ence. Our main enemy is probablythat people are telling us how goodwe are. We have to stay hungry.”

The offense will be keyed by adeep and talented running corps.Senior Brady Simkowski was the toprunner on the junior varsity last sea-son and scored three touchdowns inthe Warriors’ scrimmages Saturday.

“He can break one at any time,”Krause said of Simkowski. “He hasbeen in the weight room 99 percentof the time, so he is strong, and he isshifty. He can be a home-run threat.”

Senior Jordan Gruettner is back

after running for 987 yards (averagingjust under 10 per carry) and 14touchdowns last season. Also return-ing are senior Roland Dunlap (about400 yards rushing and receiving com-bined), senior Tommy Stark and se-nior Josh Baker.

The quarterback is senior EricPachowicz, who was the backup lastseason.

“He is a winner and has been thequarterback of this class all along,”Krause said. “He makes good deci-sions.”

The offensive line is intact, withsenior guards Alex Wallner and Collin

Smith, senior tackles Connor McIn-tosh and Jeremy Kindl and seniorcenter Jeff Bolster.

“This is the most intelligent offen-sive line I’ve ever had,” Krause said.“The kids know the systems.”

Defensively, Gruettner and Starkare back at linebacker. Gruettner israted second among linebackers in thestate by WisSports.com and Stark isseventh. Both are three-year starters.Senior Austin Wendlandt is also backat linebacker.

In addition, defensive linemanDunlap is rated fourth at his positionin Wisconsin.

MuskegoWarriors

Expectations — andpressure — will be high

for veteran team



Muskego’s Roland Dunlap ties up Oak Creek quarterback Kyle Veloz in action from lastseason. Dunlap is one of several key returnees for the Warriors this year.

Coach’s Corner“Last year, we flew under the radar a bit. This season

we are getting a lot of press, but we can’t rest on our clippings.”Ken Krause

Muskego head coach

Aug

ust1

8,20

11●

SW

16

OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: Turner Sagat (OL/LB),John Crowley (LB), Paul Gaber (OL)Date to circle: Aug. 19 vs. New Berlin West(cross-town rivalry)Strength: Defense returns five starters,including two all-conference linebackersWeakness: Only two starters return onoffense; must learn new systemWe say: The young Lions have a lot of holesto fill, but hope to get back to contending status

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 3-6Woodland Conference: 3-5, BlackDivisionOutcome: missed playoffs

All-Conference returneesFirst team: Turner Sagat (DE/OLB), JohnCrowley (ILB)Honorable mention: Paul Gaber (OL)First-team losses: Bennet Hasseldeck (RB),Steven Utz (OL)Coach: Jeff Setz

SCHEDULEAug. 19 New Berlin WestAug. 27 St. Thomas MoreSept. 2 PewaukeeSept. 9 GreendaleSept. 16 Wauwatosa WestSept. 23 WhitnallSept. 30 South MilwaukeeOct. 7 GreenfieldOct. 14 Brown Deer

home games in bold

LAST YEARPewaukee L 25-15St. Francis W 13-12Cudahy W 28-6Greendale L 48-13Wauwatosa West W 40-23Whitnall L 22-17South Milwaukee L 13-3Greenfield L 41-14New Berlin West L 42-7

home games in bold

New Berlin Eisenhower footballcoach Jeff Setz and his staff will havetheir hands full this season.The Lions finished 3-6 last season,

3-5 in the Woodland ConferenceBlack Division, their first losing seasonsince 2004. If the Lions hope to getback above the .500 mark, they mighthave to rely on their defense to carrythem in the early going.“We have the experience on de-

fense, due to the fact that we havetwo all-conference linebackers return-ing,” Setz said. “Then add to that factthat we have three other starters re-turning, that should be the strength ofthis year’s team.”Just saying the names Turner Sagat

and John Crowley brings a smile toSetz’ face. Both players were first teamall-conference selections last fall, Sagatas a defensive end/outside linebackerand Crowley as an inside linebacker.Now add the names senior Dillon

Petre, a 6-foot-4 inch, 200-poundcornerback, junior lineman AnthonyStewart (5-11, 224) and senior defen-sive back Mitch Teipner (5-11, 187) tothe group and you can see why Setz isexcited about the defensive side of theball.Setz also looks to get help from

junior linebacker Steve Sakar (5-9,172), junior linebacker BrennanO’Brien, senior lineman Steve Tausz

(5-10, 195) and sophomore defensiveback Vince Gabrielson (6-0, 160).The Lions have only two returning

starters — junior Paul Gaber (6-2,225) and Petre at wide receiver —back on offense and they are learninga new system.“We have a new coordinator and

we’re installing the winged T,” Setzsaid. “We’ll have some growing pains,plus we have to fill several positions.”Mike Teipner, the former defensive

coordinator, is the new offensive coor-dinator and Sean Crowley took overas the new defensive coordinator.Setz has moved the talented Crow-

ley (6-0, 215) from running back toquarterback, which should work outwell in the Winged T.“We can get more out of John by

moving him to quarterback,” Setzsaid. “He knows the keys to the of-fense. And he will be running theball.”

Senior fullback Derron Lehsten(6-0, 205), running backs Teipner,senior Nick Taylor (6-0, 180) andsenior Jordan Mather (5-11, 163) willwork in the backfield. Senior SteveItsines (6-1, 215) will key the linefrom his guard spot.“It is an offense based on decep-

tion and we all need to get on thesame page,” Setz said.The Lions will have six guys play

two-ways to start the season.“Eventually we would like to play

two-platoon football,” Setz said. “Wewill get there. We lost a significantnumber of starters. We still have a lotof holes to fill, but time will tell. Thekids are competing and we hope toget back to contending and get intothe playoffs.”Looking at his own division, Setz

feels that Greendale, Greenfield andSouth Milwaukee will be the teams tobeat.

New Berlin EisenhowerLions

Experienced defense keyto success; only twooffensive starters return

By TOM “SKY” [email protected]

Photo by Pat A. Robinson

Eisenhower Lions senior wide receiver Dylan Petre is one of two returning starters onoffense this season. He is also a returning starter at defensive back.

Coach’s Corner“We still have a lot of holes to fill, but time will tell. The kids are competing

and we hope to get back to contending and get into the playoffs.”Jeff Setz

Eisenhower head coach

SW●

August18,2011

15

OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: Casey Bedwell (RB/LB),Alex Cranfill (G/LB)Date to circle: Aug. 19 against crosstownrival New Berlin Eisenhower in the seasonopener.Strength: The Vikings may be young, butthey will be hungry. Several players will bringgood competition to position battles.Weakness: Inexperience. Seven first-teamAll-Conference players were lost to graduation.We say: If the young Vikings are playing theirbest at the end of the year then it will be asuccessful season.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 6-4Woodland Conference: 6-2Outcome: Lost in first round to WisconsinLutheran (32-9)

All-Conference returneesFirst team: NoneHonorable mention: NoneFirst-team losses: Dom Bledsoe (QB), JakeLiban (RB/DB), Chad Mathwig (WR), ZacharyReuteler (OL), Adam Ruiz (WR/DB), JakeReuteler (LB), Bryan Thiessenhusen (DE/OLB/P)Coach: Aaron Mack

SCHEDULEAug. 19 New Berlin EisenhowerAug. 26 GreendaleSept. 2 South MilwaukeeSept. 9 St. Thomas MoreSept. 16 CudahySept. 23 PewaukeeSept. 30 St. FrancisOct. 7 Brown DeerOct. 14 Greenfield

home games in bold

LAST YEARSouth Milwaukee L 27-13Whitnall L 31-28Wauwatosa West W 41-0St. Thomas More W 55-6Cudahy W 61-21Pewaukee L 51-33St. Francis W 19-16Brown Deer W 32-14New Berlin Eisenhower W 42-7

home games in bold

New Berlin West football coachAaron Mack had a winning season inhis first year at the helm last year andbased on his turnout this year, student-athletes are buying into the program.“The numbers are up and that’s the

first time we’ve had that in back-to-back seasons,” Mack said. “We haveabout 90 kids in the program. Thatgives us some stability. That has comefrom having a good season. The moresuccess you have the more players comeout. We don’t want to fool around withmediocrity.”Mack and his staff have done more

than just coach football since comingaboard.“We want to take the program in the

right direction,” Mack said. “I think thekids want to know that you care aboutthem. We have their best interests inmind.“We believe in ‘doing the hard things

well.’ That has been the best sellingpoint to our players.”Mack will have his work cut out as

he lost seven first-team all-WoodlandConference players to graduation.Key losses from the offense were

quarterback Dom Bledsoe, runningback Jake Liban, wide receivers ChadMathwig and Adam Ruiz and linemanZachary Reuteler. Defensive backs Liban

and Ruiz, linebacker Jake Reuteler anddefensive end/linebacker and punterBryan Thiessenhusen were big losses onthe other side of the line.“We will have 18 new faces out of 22

starters,” Mack said.Preston Porter and Andrew Ziefle

will battle for the quarterback spot inMack’s multi-spread offense. CaseyBedwell, Jordan Fagen and Brian Wat-son will be running backs and seniorAdrian Teil will lead the wide receivers.Guards Alex Cranfill and Justin

Roundtree and center Cole Goodwillwill anchor the offensive line.Bedwell and Cranfill at inside line-

backer will anchor the 4-4 defense for

Mack.However because of the Vikings’

large numbers they hope to gain anadvantage by platooning.“We should be able to platoon be-

cause of our numbers,” Mack said.“With our inexperience that shouldhelp us because the kids can focus onone position. We might be able to win afew games against certain teams byplatooning.”Mack looks for Pewaukee, St. Francis

and Cudahy to be tough this season.“If we are playing our best at the end

of the year,” Mack said. “If we are doingour job and getting things done, then itwill be a successful season.”

New Berlin West Vikings

West coach pleased withlarge turnout for second

straight season


Photo byPat A.

Robinson

NewBerlinWest's,ZacScholz,breaksoffseveraltackleat-temptsduringtheconfer-enceplayoffgameagainstNewBerlinEisen-howerLionsOctober20.

Coach’s Corner“We believe in ‘doing the hard things well.’

That has been the best selling point to our players.”Aaron Mack, New Berlin West football coach

NS

●August18,2011

33

OUTLOOK

Player to watch: Brandon Kappel, senior(QB/K/P); Alex Walker, senior (TE); JohnMcKay, senior (LB)Date to circle: Aug. 26 at Wauwatosa East.Key early win in 2010 gave Knights competitiveedge all season.Strengths: Kappel’s leadership, positivefeelings from 2010’s better-than-it-looked 3-6recordWeaknesses: A fourthcoach in four years does nothelp continuity, neither doesoverall numbers (35) due tothat aforementioned issue.We say: With a chroniclack of depth, new coachBrad Kozaczuk will find itdifficult to match theheartening effort of last year.

A GLANCE BACK

RECORDOverall: 3-6North Shore Conference: 2-5Playoff Outcome: Did not qualify

ALL-CONFERENCE RETURNEESFirst team: NoneSecond team: Kappel (P)Honorable mention: Kappel (QB/K)First-team losses: NoneCoach: Brad Kozaczuk

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Waukesha SouthAug. 26 Wauwatosa EastSept. 2 HomesteadSept. 9 Milwaukee LutheranSept. 16 Port WashingtonSept. 23 GraftonOct. 1 CedarburgOct. 6 GermantownOct. 14 Whitefish Bay

home games in bold

LAST YEAR

Waukesha South L 34-28Wauwatosa East W 9-0Whitefish Bay L 35-0Port Washington W 13-7Grafton W 29-7Homestead L 28-0Germantown L 35-7Milwaukee Lutheran L 48-18Cedarburg L 45-6

home games in bold

KozaczukGlendale –When some of his charg-

es tilted the two-man blocking sled thathe was standing on to an acute andpotentially dangerous angle at a recentpractice, all newNicolet football coachBrad Kozaczuk could dowas laugh andsay:“That’s what I call a ride!”But the veteran of head coaching

positions at Fond du Lac and in Virginiais not looking to take the Knights for aride this year or any other year. Heknows he stepped into an awkwardsituation this season, as it looked likeNicolet was going to be stable for thelong haul with Brian Sommers at thehelm.An encouraging 3-6 record last fall

pointed in the right direction.But then budget concerns forced

Sommers to leave Nicolet and take asimilar job at University School leavingKozaczuk to be the Knights’ fourthcoach in asmany years.As a result, overall numbers (35) have

fallen dramatically and Kozaczuk didn’tget all the people back he was hoping for.Still, he said he’s in it for the long hauland hopes to improve things soon.“I really like the kids’ enthusiasm and

their willingness to learn,” he said.“They’re learning new things andmov-ing forward, which are all things to like.“We’ll take the kids we have.We

would love to have about10-12moreespecially at the linebacking and offen-

sive line positions.We’ll just take themwhere we can get them.”Kozaczuk, who admits that he’s a

ground-based coach, will build aroundsenior quarterback BrandonKappel,whowill also be the team’s punter andkicker. He will work with junior GabeKinzer.Kappel will have a good target in

senior end AlexWalker andwill workwith running backs junior Trey Jenkinsand senior Bernard Stutts.As Kozaczuk said, linemen are at a

premium as some did not come out thisfall and several others graduated.On defense, the Knights will work

with a 3-5 set and look to build aroundsenior state-qualifying wrestler andlinebacker JohnMcKay and junior twinsHunter (linebacker) and Tyler (safety)Crass.“I think when it’s all said and done,

we’ll have a good set of linebackers,” said

Kozaczuk.The new coach has also been happy

with the leadership of Kappel,McKay,Walker and senior running back andlinebacker Bryce Bowen.“We’re still hoping to get people out

yet,” said Kozaczuk. “I know there areguys out there leery of another newcoach, but we’re just not looking to dothis for this year.We’re looking to buildthis into a tradition.”

NicoletKnights

Kozaczuk works past smallnumbers to bring stability


NOW Photos by C.T. Kruger

Linemen work on containment during pre-season practice by the Nicolet High Schoolvarsity football team.

Coach’s Corner“We’re getting the basics down and firmly established (defensively).

Then we can move forward with some specific pressures.”Brad KozaczukNicolet Head Coach

Nicolet quarterback Brandon Kappel fires athrow during pre-season practice.

Aug

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OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: JordanVeloz, junior (TE/DE); ReyOverland, senior (WR);Lincoln Wylie, senior (RB)Date to circle: Sept. 9vs. Franklin (SEC champslast year)Strengths: Good skillposition players on offenseand an experienced defen-sive line.Weaknesses: New secondary and newoffensive line.We say: If the Knights’ blockers can give theirspeedy skill athletes some room it could be afun season for Oak Creek.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 3-6Southeast Conference: 2-5Outcome: Missed playoffs

All-Conference returneesFirst team: NoneSecond team: NoneFirst-team losses: Rafael Saez (OL), Mar-win Evans (DB)Coach: Mike Bartholomew

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Milwaukee HamiltonAug. 26 Brookfield CentralSept. 2 Racine ParkSept. 9 FranklinSept. 16 Racine CaseSept. 23 Kenosha BradfordSept. 30 Kenosha TremperOct. 7 Racine HorlickOct. 14 Muskego

home games in bold

LAST YEARHartford W 31-14Brookfield Central L 21-14Racine Case W 33-0Kenosha Bradford L 55-20Franklin L 55-14Racine Horlick W 27-0Kenosha Tremper L 49-21Muskego L 42-30Racine Park L 30-23

home games in bold

Wylie

Oak Creek — How excited is fifth-year Oak Creek football coach MikeBartholomew about the Knights turn-ing things around from their disap-pointing 3-6 season of a year ago?Just listen to his comments after the

Knights battled a playoff-heavy scrim-mage field last Saturday, includingdefending state champion WaukeshaWest, to a standstill.“We looked fine,” he said. “We went

toe-to-toe and didn’t back down. Ourleague (the Southeast) really preparesus for just about anybody we’ll face.We won’t be intimidated by anyone.”Bartholomew’s optimism is fueled

by an experienced front on defense andthe return of speedy athletes on of-fense, some of whom were lost toinjury last season.Though the Knights have just two

returnees for their split-back, veeroffense, there is optimism that the unitwill be able to put points on the board.Senior Nick Marks moved from out-side linebacker to quarterback thisseason and looked sound in the scrim-mage.He will have an excellent receiving

target in senior track star Rey Over-land, who missed all of last season toinjury but had a couple of TD grabs inthe scrimmage.Junior tight end/defensive end Jor-

dan Veloz is a 6-2, 240-pound speci-men who has “D1 college written allover him” according to Bartholomew.Also fueling the offense is senior

running back Lincoln Wylie, a three-year starter, and junior running backVirgil Hammond.The major question mark is the loss

of the entire line, including power-house tackle and two-time state place-winner in the shot put Rafael Saez.“The blocking is coming together,”

said Bartholomew. “I’m just so proudof their effort so far. They have a longways to go, but they played well in thescrimmage.”On defense, Veloz will lead a veteran

front seven that operates out of a 3-4set. Other veterans include 6-5, 215-pound inside linebacker Bryce Agg;5-11, 215-pound nose guard Jake Joz-wiak; senior inside linebacker JoshRegazzi (5-10, 180); junior outside

linebacker Austin Sirovina (6-3, 220)and junior tackle Alex Hahn (6-2, 220),whom Bartholomew calls the team’sbest defensive lineman.Others who will likely help include

junior linebackers Kyle Koepsel (5-10,215) and Colin Thilos (5-10, 210).The secondary is entirely new, but

senior safeties Ben Quentin and JoeySchrank have stepped up as leaders,said Bartholomew. The unit is lookingto improve on a 2010 effort that sawthe Knights give up more than 40points four times.“Our team speed is going to be very

good this year,” said Bartholomew.“The kids were really good getting tothe ball. We only gave up about threescores on Saturday.”

Oak CreekKnights

Speed on offense, experienceon defense look to improve

Knights this season



Oak Creek's Lincoln Wylie, a three-year starter at running back, returns for the Knights,who are coming off a 3-6 season. But he will be playing behind an entire new line in 2011.

Coach’s Corner“I would agree that the kids are hungry this season.Their effort and attitude has been outstanding so far.”

Oak Creek coach Mike Bartholomew

August18,2011

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OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: VinceCupertino (WR/DB), DJGreenhill (OLB)Date to circle: Aug. 20vs. Wauwatosa West, firstgame since 1996Strength: offensive skillspositions — deep at run-ning back and wide receiverWeakness: depth on theoffensive and defensive linesWe say: Red Raiders could surprise with theiroffense, will snap 20-game losing streak

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 0-9Greater Metro Conference: 0-7Outcome: missed playoffs

All-Conference returneesFirst team: noneSecond team: Vince Cupertino (WR)Honorable mention: DJ Greenhill (OLB)First-team losses: noneCoach: Jake Wolter

SCHEDULEAug. 20 Wauwatosa WestAug. 26 NicoletSept. 2 Menomonee FallsSept. 9 West Allis CentralSept. 16 Brookfield EastSept. 23 MarquetteSept. 30 Sussex HamiltonOct. 7 Brookfield CentralOct. 14 West Allis Hale

*home games in bold

LAST YEARCudahy L 34-7Nicolet L 9-0West Allis Hale L 43-7Marquette L 42-0Brookfield Central L 43-6Menomonee Falls L 22-16Brookfield East L 26-12Sussex Hamilton L 42-21West Allis Central L 41-2

*home games in bold

Cupertino

Wauwatosa East second-year footballcoach Jake Wolter — still looking forhis first victory — has plenty to smileabout this season.“I’m really excited about our skill

position players,” Wolter said. “We havefive players back there who can carrythe ball at the varsity level. Coming in, Ithought we had two, maybe three, butwe have two sophomores who havelooked good.”DJ Greenhill, Michael Mead and

James Kenagy lead the group, but Mac-Kenzie James and Sully Schermerhanare the sophomores Wolter spoke highlyabout.Wide receiver Vince Cupertino, a

returning second-team all-GMC selec-tion, will be joined by Shaquille Redd-ing, Josh Smentek and Riley Poe, whohas moved from quarterback.But if there is a player who is the key

to this team it is 6-foot-3 inch juniorquarterback Kyle Vnuk. Vnuk showedflashes of brilliance last year againstMenomonee Falls and Sussex Hamil-ton.“Kyle was great at the end of the year

and has picked up everything so far,”Wolter said. “Kyle has developed andhas progressed so much with what wecan do at quarterback. I would not besurprised if he is one of the top 2-3quarterbacks in the league.”

Unfortunately, the Red Raidersweakness is the depth on both lines.“The quality is there, but we have no

quantity,” Wolter said. “We will rotateour five offensive linemen with thedefensive linemen. We will have torotate about eight to 10 guys and 10might be stretching it a bit. Most teamshave 12-15.”Jerry Vance returns to the coaching

staff and will handle the defense.“We want to use our quickness and

speed to our advantage,” Wolter said.“We want to blitz them, play man-to-man and use our strengths.”

On offense, the Red Raiders areusing the ‘pistol’ this year instead of theshotgun — Vnuk is closer to the centerand they hope to take advantage oftheir speed on both sides of the ball.Now the bad news.Oct. 10, 2008 was the last time Tosa

East won a game (42-38 at West AllisCentral).The Red Raiders have dropped 20

straight games, 16 in the Greater MetroConference.“But there is a new mentality,” Wol-

ter said. “There are a lot of differentguys on this team.”

Wauwatosa EastRed Raiders

Wolter excited about hisskill position players


Photo by Mary Catanese

Wauwatosa Eastsenior widereceiver VinceCupertino earnedsecond-teamall-conferencehonors last year.

Coach’s Corner“Kyle Vnuk was great at the end of the year, and he has picked up everything so far. Iwould not be surprised if he is one of the top 2-3 quarterbacks in the league.”

Jake Wolter, Wauwatosa East football coach

WNT

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OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: ReggieCole (DB)Date to circle: Aug. 20vs. Wauwatosa EastStrength: Team speed isexceptional; Front and backseven on offense anddefense are very good.Weakness: overall teamdepth, lack of varsity experi-enceWe say: Trojans looking to play deep into thefourth quarter this season.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 2-7Southeast Conference: 2-6Outcome: missed playoffs

All-Conference returneesFirst team: Reggie Cole (DB)Honorable mention: noneFirst-team losses: Dillon Knight (OL), TroyFestge (DE/OLB), Aaron Payne-Atkinson (DL)Coach: Matt Good

SCHEDULEAug. 20 Wauwatosa EastAug. 26 Brown DeerSept. 2 CudahySept. 9 WhitnallSept. 16 New Berlin EisenhowerSept. 23 South MilwaukeeSept. 30 GreenfieldOct. 7 GreendaleOct. 14 Saint Francis

*home games in bold

LAST YEARMilwaukee Hamilton L 29-16Saint Thomas More W 40-0New Berlin West L 41-0Whitnall L 46-29New Berlin Eisenhower L 40-23South Milwaukee L 21-0Greenfield W 13-12Greendale L 42-8Pewaukee L 42-6

*home games in bold

Cole

It is difficult to build awinning foot-ball program. Just askWauwatosaWestcoachMattGood,who is beginning hisfourth season at the helm.“Some things are easier, but some

things cause you less sleep at night,” hesaid.Hopefully, the early going isn’t a sign

of things to come for theTrojans, asGood lost five starters to injuries beforethe season even began and10 returneesaren’t accounted for.“We lost a lot of kids this year,”Good

said. “I don’t know if it’s the early startdate orwhat.Wehave 80 players out, butnormallywe have around 90.Wehave10kidswho areAWOL, butwe’reworkingon getting themback.”Then add the fact that five starters

were hurt in the offseason (MCL, dis-located ankle, banged knee thatwasdislocated,MCL surgery thatwas re-torn).“Just a big of freaky things that hap-

pened,” the soft-spokenGood said.But there are positives for theTrojans,

who are coming off a 2-7 season, 2-6 inWoodlandConference BlackDivision.“We return six starters on offense,”

Good said. “Andwe’re on the third yearwith our defensive system, so our kidsshould know it better and know the insand outs of it.“Overall our team speed is exception-

al.Our front and back seven onbothsides are really, really good football play-ers.”One of the problemsGoodwill have

to deal with is the lack of overall teamdepth.“Not only that, butwe have varsity

inexperience,” he said. “Formany ofthese kids it will be the first time on thevarsity.”Goodwill have some talented skills

players in quarterback Josh Stoeckmann,running backsAmauri Rushing,GregLewis andBrandonLove andwide re-ceiver ReggieCole, Jr.,MickeyMorgan,TylerGross, Kenny Spence and tight endSamClough. Brion Felixwill anchor theline at right tackle.Cole, whomade theNOWAll-Sub-

urban team last year, at defensive back,

Felix, Lewis and JonDoolenwill anchorthe linebacking corp.“Khaled Salemat defensive tackle and

safety JamisonBrock at safety hadnicesummers and are the surprises of campso far,”Good said. “The rest are roleplayers.”As for two-way players, Good feels

that only four kidswill have to play onboth sides of the ball regularly.Sowhat are theTrojans’ goals?“Keeping ourselves in the game in the

fourth quarter,”Good said. “We’re stilldeveloping thewhole program.We’restill building.We’re learning how towin.”

Wauwatosa WestTrojans

Good still looking for rightbuilding blocks to win


Photo by Robert Lewis

Wauwatosa West running back Amari Rushing will hopefully live up to his name and keythe Trojans’ running game.

Coach’s Corner“Overall, our team speed is exceptional. Our front and back seven

on both sides are really, really good football players.”Matt Good

Wauwatosa West football coach

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OUTLOOKPlayers to watch: Senior wide receiverBrian Hoppe, senior defensive tackle JacobSpennerDate to circle: Sept. 23 vs. West Allis Hale(crosstown rival)Strength: The Bulldogs should have goodteam speed throughout the lineup.Weakness: They would appear to lack depthin both the offensive and defensive lines.We say: With a number of starters back, theBulldogs should be improved from last season.They will have a tough job ahead of them in thealways-powerful Greater Metro Conference.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 1-8Greater Metro Confer-ence: 1-6Outcome: Missed playoffs

All-ConferencereturneesFirst team: NoneSecond team: NoneHonorable mention:Eric Vis (ILB), Brian Hoppe (All-Purpose)First-team losses: Jon Green (DL)Coach: Dax Rodriguez

SCHEDULEAug. 19 Catholic MemorialAug. 26 Racine HorlickSept. 2 Brookfield EastSept. 9 Wauwatosa EastSept. 16 Menomonee FallsSept. 23 West Allis HaleSept. 30 Brookfield CentralOct. 7 Sussex HamiltonOct. 14 Marquette

home games in bold

LAST YEARCatholic Memorial L 41-7Racine Horlick L 26-7Marquette L 28-6West Allis Hale L 42-6Sussex Hamilton L 33-25Brookfield East L 28-6Menomonee Falls L 45-0Brookfield Central L 38-20Wauwatosa East W 41-2

home games in bold

Rodriguez

West Allis — Not much wentright for the West Allis Central foot-ball team during a rough 1-8 cam-paign in 2010.“We are going to improve,”

vowed coach Dax Rodriguez. “Lastyear, we had so many injuries, andwe had no consistency. This year, sofar, we have been consistent (inpractice).”A total of 16 starters are back

from that squad, including seniorwide receiver Brian Hoppe, seniorrunning back Troy Brown and se-nior quarterback Brandon Danowski.Hoppe was the second-leading

receiver behind the graduated NickStarich last year, and Rodriguez islooking forward to seeing what hecan do this time around.“He is big (6 feet-3 inches) and

can jump out of the gym,” thecoach said. “He is also fast. He hasall the tools.”Brown was fifth among rushers

last season, but the other four allgraduated, so he will now becomethe featured back.Danowski started the last four

games at quarterback last season,including the lone victory, a 41-2decision over Wauwatosa East in thefinale. He passed for 900 yards andnine touchdowns.“He has been part of the offense

for all four years,” Rodriguez said of

Danowski. “He has decent armstrength and can control the game.”The Bulldogs’ offensive line is

keyed by senior left guard JacobSpenner, who weighs in at 330pounds.“He is actually a three-year start-

er but was hurt midway through theseason the last two years,” Rodri-guez said. “He can squat 595pounds, and he has a mean streakon the field. He is one of the big-gest and toughest kids on the team.”Also returning to the line is se-

nior center Brandon Cox.The Central defense welcomes

back senior linebacker Eric Vis, atwo-time WIAA state qualifier inwrestling, as well as sophomorelinebacker Dushon Glover, who

started five games as a freshman.Other returnees include senior

safety Joey Fogl, Spenner and Cox attackle and Hoppe in the defensivebackfield.Rodriguez believes overall team

speed will be a plus this season.“We are not burners, but we are

consistently fast throughout thelineup,” he said.Central opens the season on Fri-

day against Catholic Memorial atthe Carroll University field. Thesecond non-conference contest isAug. 26 against Racine Horlick atthe West Allis Athletic Field.The Greater Metro Conference

opener is Sept. 2 at home againstBrookfield East.

West Allis CentralBulldogs

Key returnees on both sidesgive Central hope for betterresults in 2011 season



West Allis Central’s Brian Hoppe (left) looks for yardage against Menomonee Falls in agame from last season. Hoppe is back at both wide receiver and safety for the Bulldogs.

Coach’s Corner“We had a total of nine sophomores start at least four games for us last year, and all

are back. We are a year wiser and .500 is a legitimate goal.”Dax Rodriguez

West Allis Central Head Coach

MW

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OUTLOOKPlayers to watch: Senior quarterback SteveKopet, junior running back Zach Smith andsenior linebacker Sam OlszewskiDate to circle: Aug. 19 vs. Cedarburg (12-2last year)Strength: The Huskies return three offensivelinemen, helping Smith find holes.Weakness: They must reload at some keypositions, including defensive back, widereceiver and tight end.We say: The Huskies used many youngerplayers last season. If they can mature andimprove, Hale could be at the fringes of theWIAA playoffs.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 3-6Greater Metro Confer-ence: 2-5Outcome: Missed play-offs

All-ConferencereturneesFirst team: NoneSecond team: SamVersnik (OT)Honorable mention: Sam Olszewski (ILB),Jeremy Shimetz (OG), Cole Lampe (OG), ZachSmith (RB), Dan Sotiros (All-Purpose)First-team losses: Justin Przeracki (FB),Colton Kreckler (K)Coach: Sean Hegarty

SCHEDULEAug. 19 CedarburgAug. 26 BadgerSept. 2 Brookfield CentralSept. 9 MarquetteSept. 16 Sussex HamiltonSept. 23 West Allis CentralSept. 30 Brookfield EastOct. 7 Menomonee FallsOct. 14 Wauwatosa East

home games in bold

LAST YEARArrowhead L 31-7Badger W 17-14Wauwatosa East W 43-7West Allis Central W 42-6Menomonee Falls L 13-7Brookfield Central L 20-10Sussex Hamilton L 28-13Brookfield East L 30-7Marquette L 27-6

home games in bold

Hegarty

West Allis — One year ago, theyoung West Allis Hale football teamwas just not ready for prime time —that is, the Greater Metro Conferenceschedule — as they finished 2-5.This year, coach Sean Hegarty be-

lieves the extra year of experience willhelp the Huskies become more com-petitive in the always-rugged league.Senior quarterback Steve Kopet

returns, as do junior running backZach Smith, three members of theoffensive line and four of five lineback-ers.Kopet played quarterback last sea-

son, sharing time with the graduatedNeil Messina, and Hegarty thinks he isready for the No. 1 role.“I felt Steve gave us the best oppor-

tunity to win,” Hegarty said. “He wasour leader last year. He reads the de-fense well and can run the triple-option. He knows how to give andpitch the ball. His arm strength alsoimproved, since he did a great job inthe off-season.”Hegarty said Kopet might have

battled junior Nick Sotiros for the job,but Sotiros, the junior varsity quarter-back last season, underwent TommyJohn surgery on an elbow after aninjury sustained during the baseballseason.Smith ran for a team-high 533

yards as well as four touchdowns lastseason.“He is one of the faster guys on the

squad,” Hegarty said. “His hips andlegs are powerful, and now he has ayear under his belt on varsity.”When Kopet throws the ball, his

main targets will be senior Dan Sotirosat flanker and senior Shawn Bansemerat tight end.The returning offensive linemen are

senior tackle Sam Versnik, juniorguard Cole Lampe and senior tackleJeremy Shimetz.The veteran linebacking group is

spearheaded by senior Sam Olszewski,a third-year starter at the position.Olszewski collected 36 tackles, in-cluding seven for losses and three sackslast season.

Other key defenders include juniorfree safety Alex Schwab, senior defen-sive end Luke Langer and junior de-fensive end Reese Weishar. Schwab had22 tackles and Langer 21 (six for loss-es) a year ago.Hegarty said the entire front eight

should be a defensive strength for Halethis season.The Huskies open the season on

Friday at home against Cedarburg,which was the WIAA Division 2 staterunner-up last season but must replaceLogan Lauters, the school’s all-timeleading rusher.The GMC slate opens on Sept. 2 at

Brookfield Central. The Huskies mustmeet Central and Marquette, twostrong contenders for the conferencecrown, on the opening two weekends.

West Allis Hale Huskies

Year of experience couldmake Huskies more of afactor in tough GMC



Tight end Shawn Bansemer will be one of the key figures in the West Allis Hale receivingcorps this season. The Huskies are trying to improve on a 3-6 mark from last year.

Coach’s Corner“We had a super-young team last year, and our younger players could not competewith the GMC seniors. This year, we should be improved, but we need a fast start.”

Sean HegartyWest Allis Hale Head Coach

NS

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OUTLOOK

Players to watch: Jackson Weber, junior(TE/LB); Darien Walker, junior (DB/WR);Deontaye Brown, senior (RB)Date to circle: Sept. 2 at home againstGermantown in an early match of NSCcontendersStrengths: Talented and deep junior class;potentially explosive corps of running backs.Weaknesses: Loss of large and experiencedlinemen to graduation; small (nine total) seniorclass.We say: This Bay team is an intriguing one. Ifthe young Blue Dukes jell quickly and avoidinjury they could be a force.

A GLANCE BACK

RECORDOverall: 5-5North Shore Conference: 4-3Playoff Outcome: Lost in first round toPlymouth (28-7)

ALL-CONFERENCERETURNEESFirst team: Weber (DB)Second team: Brown(RB), Weber (WR)Honorable mention:Jacob Pandl (OLB)First-team losses: CalEhrke (QB), Taylor Hoff (OL),Jack Beck (DL)Coach: Jim Tietjen

SCHEDULEAug. 19 West Bend WestAug. 26 SlingerSept. 2 GermantownSept. 8 CedarburgSept. 16 Milwaukee LutheranSept. 23 Port WashingtonSept. 30 GraftonOct. 6 HomesteadOct. 14 Nicolet

home games in bold

LAST YEARWaukesha West L 41-13Slinger W 28-21Nicolet W 35-0Germantown W 13-3Port Washington W 41-19Grafton W 50-13Homestead L 21-7Cedarburg L 15-6Milwaukee Lutheran L 41-35Plymouth L 28-7

home games in bold

Tietjen

Whitefish Bay – Smaller, youngerbut potentially much faster and moreexplosive, the Whitefish Bay footballteam will more than likely be an enter-taining bunch this fall.“Our skill kids are just very good

right now,” said veteran Bay coach JimTietjen. “If we can somehow coachthem up and get them going in theright spots, we could have a nice sea-son.”The Blue Dukes will be led by a

talented trio of running backs includingsenior Deontaye Brown (second-teamall-NSC), and juniors Rashadeem Grayand Julian Posey, all of whom saw sig-nificant time last season. Gray was amember of both the Blue Duke 400 and800-meter state champion track relayslast spring.“We have a lot of competition at

running back,” said Tietjen. “All told,we have about six backs who could beon the field at any one time.”Junior Grant Menard, who is com-

ing off a fine baseball season for thestate semifinalist Blue Duke squad, willtake the reins at quarterback, whilefilling in at the receiver slots will bejuniors Darien Walker and Ian Buchan-an and the tight end will be juniorJackson Weber (second-team all-NSClast season).Tietjen is happy to have on the

coaching staff former Milwaukee Wash-ington WFCA State Hall of Famer GregLehman, who will be running the of-fense this fall.Lehman will have his work cut out

for him finding clocking for that tal-ented crew as Bay got a bit smaller thisyear with only seven players at 200pounds or better and none more than225.Among those that Tietjen has high

hopes for on the line include seniorRyan Drews (“the leader of the group,”Tietjen said), junior Alec Monaghanand junior Will Shanley.All told, Bay (5-5 last season) has

just nine seniors on the squad this fallbut will have more experience on thedefensive side, as due to scheming,injury and other factors, Tietjen used

about 23 players on that side of the ballin 2010.Leaders upfront include senior nose

guard John Platzer, Shanley and juniorQuintin Dismukes.Weber will move from the secondary

to a linebacker’s slot and will team backthere with senior Mike Letizia. Thesecondary is loaded with experience andincludes junior Jacob Pandl, Walker andjunior Jeremiah Holt as safeties andsenior Pat Rose and junior JordanJohnson as safeties.Special teams will be handled by

sophomores Turner DeMuth and ColinDowning.“The goal is always the WIAA play-

offs,” said Tietjen. “Right now, we’reworking on a formula to win just a fewmore games.”

Whitefish BayBlue Dukes

Relying on speed,Blue Dukes look

to get back to playoffs


NOW Photo by Steven L. Tietz

Whitefish Bay football players knock heads during a tackling drill in a recent practice. TheBlue Dukes are looking to earn yet another WIAA State playoff berth this fall.

Coach’s Corner“Do I wish our guys had lifted a few more weights and had better football

off-seasons? Yes, but you have to remember about 87 percent of my kids play other sports.”Jim Tietjen

Whitefish Bay Head Coach

MW

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OUTLOOKPlayer to watch: Senior wide receiverStephen Pelkofer, seniortackle/middle linebackerAlex SterlingDate to circle: Sept. 30@ Greendale (first in confer-ence last year)Strength: The Falconspossess plenty of athlet-icism on the perimeter.Weakness: Both the offensive and defensivelines are largely inexperienced.We say: Whitnall has the potential to score alot of points, but whether or not the Falconsmake the WIAA playoffs will depend on howwell the defense can stop the opponent.

A GLANCE BACKRecordOverall: 4-6Woodland Conference: 4-4Outcome: Lost in first round to Franklin(47-25)

All-Conference returneesFirst team: Stephen Pelkofer (WR)Honorable mention: Travis Karweik (RB)First-team losses: Nate Marshall (OL/DL),Joel Stave (QB), Ben Schaefer (WR)Coach: Robert Leboeuf

SCHEDULEAug. 19 GermantownAug. 26 CudahySept. 2 Saint FrancisSept. 9 Wauwatosa WestSept. 16 GreenfieldSept. 23 New Berlin EisenhowerSept. 30 GreendaleOct. 7 South MilwaukeeOct. 14 Pewaukee

home games in bold

LAST YEARPius XI L 63-15New Berlin West W 31-28Saint Thomas More W 52-7Wauwatosa West W 46-29Greenfield L 38-33New Berlin Eisenhower W 22-17Greendale L 52-21South Milwaukee L 36-14Brown Deer L 71-36Franklin L 47-25

home games in bold

Pelkofer

Greenfield — One of the mainweapons from last year’s squad is gone,but Whitnall football coach Rob Le-boeuf is hoping his team can still be anoffensive force in 2011.Quarterback Joel Stave, who com-

pleted 56 percent of his passes for 2,635yards and 22 touchdowns, is off to theUniversity of Wisconsin, and Leboeufknows full well that his departure leavesa large gap.Leboeuf also knows, though, that

there is plenty of talent returning, start-ing with senior wide receiver StephenPelkofer and senior running back TravisKarweik.Pelkofer, in his first year of high

school football, hauled in 59 passes for937 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2010.“He gives us fantastic leadership,”

Leboeuf said of Pelkofer. “He has agreat work ethic and desire. He is also atrend-setter; the other players naturallyfollow him.”Karweik was the leading rusher last

year with 676 yards and five scores.“He has power and elusiveness,” the

coach said. “He was not tackled often inour scrimmages, and he is not easy totackle.”Taking over at quarterback will be

senior Luke Mentkowski, the backuplast season, who beat out brother Samfor the spot.“He moves the chains,” Leboeuf said

of Luke Mentkowski. “He is athletic anda dual threat. He throws well, partic-ularly the deep ball, and he can run. Hemakes plays, and he makes good deci-sions.”Mentkowski will have a strong re-

ceiving corps in addition to Pelkofer,with juniors Danny Weymier, NickCimler and SamMentkowski.The offensive line is something of a

question mark, the coach said.

“We have a good quarterback, one ofthe better receiving corps around and agood running back,” Leboeuf said. “Onthe line, we have size but lack experi-ence.”The defense is paced by senior out-

side linebacker Michael Bonin, a three-year varsity starter. The secondary fea-tures Weymier and Pelkofer, along withsenior Jake Earle and junior Zach Sut-ton.The Falcons open the season on

Friday at Germantown, which is with-out head coach Phil Datka for the firsttime in 41 seasons.

Whitnall Falcons

Offense tries to keep rollingbehind deep, talentedreceiving corps


Mary Catanese

Whitnall's Stephen Pelkofer leaps high to intercept a pass in a game last season. Pelkoferis back to lead the receiving corps and secondary for the Falcons in 2011.

Coach’s Corner“You don’t replace (quarterback) Joel Stave. Each season is different, though, and you

are not approaching things the same way each year.”Rob Leboeuf

Whitnall Head Coach

2011 NOW Football Previews

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