Saturday, November 14, 2009
WIAA Playoff (Round 2)
October 31, 2009
Dominating! That is all you can say about the performance put forth by Menomonee Falls on this Halloween afternoon as they ended Homestead’s 22 game winning streak with a 27-7 victory.
The Indians would take the lead on Korey Kleinhans 43 yard pass reception from Max Poeske. Add to that a 42 yard field goal by Kyle French, and before the 1st quarter was completed, Menomonee Falls had a 10-0 lead. That lead would grow to 13 just before half as French would once again hit from 34 yards.
The second half played out much like the first. Cole Myhra’s 5 yard run with time expiring in the 3rd quarter would give the Indians a 20-0 lead. Homestead would get on the board in the 4th quarter with a 2 yard run by Tyler Gehrke. Any chance of Homestead mounting a comeback ended with 3:46 to go in the game when John Cording of Menomonee Falls intercepted a pass and returned it to the 5 yard line. Max Poeske’s quarterback sneak from the 1 yard line capped off the scoring for the afternoon.
Three turnovers and an inability to move the ball stifled Homestead’s offense throughout the game. From a defensive perspective, they did a nice job containing the run, but experienced breakdowns in their pass defense which allowed not only a score, but allowed the Indians to convert many 3rd down opportunities and sustain drives.
Menomonee Falls will continue its quest to Madison next week as they will take on the winner of Waukesha West and Arrowhead which will be played later this evening.
Waukesha
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
WIAA Playoffs: Round 1
(Don Wojczulis)
Football can be a game of inches. This was never more evident in tonight’s first round action between Waukesha West and Madison West. Waukesha West would stop Leighton Settle of Madison West just inches from the goal line on a two point conversion attempt with 37 seconds left in the game to preserve a 21-19 victory.
For many, Madison West was just the stepping stone for a showdown between Waukesha West and Arrowhead. What occurred however was a classic first round match-up that kept everyone on the edge of their seats from the opening quarter, right down to the end of the game.
Madison West would start the game with a 7 play 65 yard drive to take a 7-0 lead on a Leighton Settle 33 yard touchdown run. Waukesha West would answer in just one play as Charles Congdon would go 65 yards and tie the game 7-7. Leighton Settle would put Madison West back on top with a 49 yard touchdown run. Waukesha West would block the extra point attempt which would turn out to be the key play of the game.
Waukesha West would get their remaining scores in the 2nd quarter from Charles Congdon on a 6 yard run, and Nick Tehan on a 44 yard pass from Ryan Young. Madison West would get within two on a 1 yard run from Leighton Settle with less than a minute to play.
On a field that was muddy and slick, both Charles Congdon of Waukesha, and Leighton Settle of Madison each turned in magnificent performances. Unofficially, each player had over 100 yards in the first half, and was key in sustaining drives for their respective offenses.
The match-up between Waukesha West and Arrowhead is set for Saturday. One can only hope it lives up to the kind of game that was witnessed here tonight.
Just an Observation: Special Teams Play on the Rise
(Don Wojczulis)
As we head into the final week of the regular season, I have noticed a considerable increase in the level of play in the area of special teams, especially when it comes to the kicking game. Distance, hang time, and accuracy seem to be on the rise in southeastern Wisconsin. Please understand this perspective is purely from an observational standpoint. The data is limited, but in witnessing a variety of games from various conferences so far this season, special team play seems to be providing a positive boost in helping teams compete, and win ball games.
Back in September, during the Germantown-Port Washington game, Eric Kindler of Germantown kicked field-goals of 43, 45 and 48 yards (unofficially). Each time Eric struck the ball, there was an audible sigh in the opposing stands where I was taking in the game because there was never a doubt on the distance and accuracy as the ball left his foot.
Kyle French of Menomonee Falls and Drew Meyer of Arrowhead are just two of many experiencing success with their special teams work. Though Arrowhead eventually would get their first loss of the year, it was a pressure field goal by Meyer that kept them alive with seconds on the clock in regulation. During week 7, Kyle French launched kickoff after kickoff into the end zone on a cold and rainy evening where playing conditions were definitely not in his favor.
Whether it’s better coaching, kicking camps, or the influence youth soccer programs are having, the end result has been better play in a facet of the game that has not always been a strong suit at the prep level.
Waukesha
Friday, October 16, 2009
(Don Wojczulis)
Coach Bill Young’s 250th victory of his career was one he, or his team, will not soon forget. Catholic Memorial dominated in all facets of the game and came away with a 49-14 win at CarolCollege.
Pete Karczewski and Dylan Wolf each had three touchdowns on the evening. Dylan Crain would also get a touchdown on a 20 yard pass from Dominic Zanoni. Catholic Memorial would accumulate over three hundred yards of offense as Milwaukee Pius was unable to do anything defensively.
The loan bright spot for Pius came in the first quarter when Thomas Mayhew took a kick-off 98 yards and gave Pius their only lead of the game. Each team will wrap up the regular season with games Wednesday evening.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Catholic Memorial v. Milwaukee Pius
Menomonee Falls v. West Allis Central
(Don Wojczulis)
Message to any defensive coordinator who believes in the bend but don’t break style of defense; pick-up a tape of the Menomonee Falls v. West Allis Central game and enjoy. Though West Allis Central would accumulate over 300 yards of offense (unofficially), Menomonee Falls would continue their unblemished season with a 28-10 victory.
Three plays, and less than two minutes into the game, Menomonee Falls would strike first when Max Poeske would take the hand off from the 19 yard line and scamper 74 yards to the end zone. Kyle French would add the extra point and the Indians were up 7-0.
West Allis Central would get the ball on their 20 after the ensuing kickoff. However, their opening drive would be a forecast as to how the rest of the game would go. After driving the ball 66 yards to the Indians 14 yard line, Menomonee Falls would tighten their defense and force West Allis Central’s Ryan Barwick to kick a 24 yard field goal to bring them within four points.
Central would take the lead on a 17 yard pass reception from Ryan Barwick to Nick Starich. Barwick’s extra point would give West Allis Central their only lead of the game.
As Wayne Larrivee would say, the “dagger” would come in the 3rd quarter when #26 Matt Widule of Menomonee Falls found the seam down the middle of the field and took an 81 yard pass from Max Poeske for a score. Cole Myra would cap a strong evening on the ground with a 10 yard touchdown run to give the Indians their final score of the evening.
Menomonee Falls will take its undefeated record into a huge conference game next week against Catholic Memorial.
Wilmot v. Waterford
Friday, October 2, 2009
(Don Wojczulis)
If defense wins championships, Waterford has to be considered one of the top contenders not only in the Southern Lakes Division, but also in the state. Waterford’s defense held Wilmot to just 15 yards of total offense, and went on to win their homecoming game 7-0.
After Waterford forced a fumble in the 3rd quarter on a quarterback sack, #24 Greg Stephens would take the ball down to the 7 yard line on a beautifully executed sweep. Two plays later, Zach Fisher would cap the drive with a 1 yard touchdown run. Phil Schulyer’s extra point would give Waterford a 7-0 lead, and as it would turn out, be the only scoring that would take place in the game.
Give Wilmot’s defense a great deal of credit also. Though they would give up 232 yards of offense, key stops, and tremendous team play, kept them in the ball game all the way to the end.
Waterford will take its unblemished record to Westosha Central, while Wilmot will host Delavan Darien next week Friday.
Greendale (Panthers) v. South Milwaukee (Rockets)
Friday, September 25, 2009
(Don Wojczulis)
After a devastating defeat to New Berlin Eisenhower last week, could Greendale rebound and look like the team that began the year 3-0? The answer would be yes. With the weather playing a factor in the 1st half, Greendale dominated the 2nd half and went on to a definitive 44-25 victory over South Milwaukee.
The game began with a couple of bizarre plays. During the opening kickoff, South Milwaukee allowed the ball to bounce until Greendale fell on it at the one yard line. Greendale after a penalty and a bad snap, would settle for a 35 yard field goal after having outstanding field position.
Greendale would put points on the board in each quarter. Ernesto Valente had a huge day for Greendale scoring three touchdowns on the ground (13, 7, and 1 yard runs), while also throwing for two. Sam Olden threw two touchdown passes for South Milwaukee in the loosing effort. South Milwaukee never seemed to rebound after a rough set of downs right before the end of the half. The Rockets had a touchdown taken off the board when the back judge ruled the receiver didn’t get a foot in bounds after the catch. They than had a 30 yard field goal erased after a procedure penalty, and the following 35 yard field goal try went wide left.
Greendale will take on Greenfield next week, while South Milwaukee will battle Wauwatosa West.
Hartland Arrowhead v. Waukesha West
Friday, September 18, 2009
(Don Wojczulis)
When I walked through the gate this evening, it was hard to figure out why Waukesha West had scheduled their homecoming game with Hartland Arrowhead. What occurred will be the stuff legends are made from. Waukesha West handed Arrowhead their first loss of the season with a thrilling 12-6 overtime win.
After a scoreless first quarter, Arrowhead would take the lead on a Drew Meyer 20 yard field goal. That would be it for scoring until the fourth quarter. The turning point of the game would come when Arrowhead fumbled on 3rd & 5 and gave Waukesha West incredible field position. A run by quarterback Ryan Young and a blocked extra point gave West a 6-3 lead.
Waukesha West however couldn’t close the door on Arrowhead. Arrowhead would get the ball back and mount one last drive which would get them to the 17 yard line. With 3 seconds left, Drew Meyer would connect on a 34 yard field goal that would tie the game and send it into overtime.
Arrowhead would get the ball first in overtime. On third down, a botched pass play would cause them to loose yardage, and set up a 57 yard field goal attempt. The attempt was blocked setting the stage for Waukesha West. A pass interference call would give West the ball inside the 5. On the second quarterback sneak, Ryan Young would cross the goal line and give Waukesha West one of the most improbable, and memorable homecomings in the school’s history.
Port Washington (Pirates) v. Germantown (Warhawks)
September 11, 2009
(Don Wojczulis)
Germantown overcame an abundance of mistakes to open conference play with a 16-0 win over Port Washington. Penalties that were in the double digits, equaling yardage in the triple digits, hampered Germantown offensively throughout the game. The loan touchdown of the game came in the first quarter when Mike Fischer’s 3 yard run capped a 47 yard drive for Germantown.
The bright spot in this evening’s game came from the foot of Germantown’s Eric Kindler. With just seconds remaining in the first half, Kindler connected on a 43 yard field goal that put the Warhawks up 10-0. Kindler would continue to impress with field goals in the 4th quarter from 45 and 48 yards.
Port’s defense did a commendable job led by middle linebacker Shane Kennedy. Offensively, a stifled running attack coupled with two turnovers kept the Pirate’s out of the end zone.
I think it is safe to say that both teams will have interesting film sessions as they prepare for their upcoming opponents.
West Allis Central (Bulldogs) v. Racine Horlick (Rebels)
West Allis Sports Complex
Friday, September 4, 2009
(Don Wojczulis)
The question hanging over West Allis Central entering their game with Racine Horlick was; is this team on the rise, or was last week’s win over Catholic Memorial a fluke? Judging by the team's 42-13 win this evening, West Allis Central is a team on the rise and one that should not be overlooked by their opponents for the ‘09 season.
Quarterback Ryan Barwick led the Bulldogs on a 75 yard drive in the 1st quarter that was completed with a 1 yard run from Thomas Dayton to put West Allis Central on top 6-0 (extra point failed). It would be one of 3 touchdowns for Dayton on the evening. Horlick answered in the second quarter when Torin Turner snared a 19 yard pass from Kellen Miller and took the lead 7-6. It would be the only time in the ballgame that Horlick would have the lead.
There were two big plays that really hampered any chance of Horlick getting back into the game. The first came in the second quarter when Sal Conroy partially blocked a punt and gave Central great field position. Two plays later, the Bulldogs would be up 21-7 (8 yd. run by Dayton). The second happened in the fourth quarter. With Horlick driving, Terry Fletcher intercepted a pass and went 68 yards for a score.
Mike Westrich also had a big night for the Bulldogs. With an interception, blocked extra point, and a number of clutch catches which helped Central maintain momentum on the offensive side of the ball. For Horlick, Andrew Murriel showed bursts of speed and elusiveness that will help Horlick’s offense throughout the season.
Though it is very early in the season, West Allis Cental looks like a team to be reckoned with throughout the year.
Hartland Arrowhead v, West Allis Nathan Hale
August 28, 2009
Arrowhead 28 Nathan Hale 7
(Don Wojczulis)
On beautiful night for football in West Allis, the defending state champions open their season with a win over the Huskies of West Allis Nathan Hale. Though Arrowhead won by a comfortable margin, nothing should be taken away from a gritty performance given by the Huskies defense.
Brian Cook paced the Warhawks with 3 touchdowns with a running style that combined both strength and elusiveness. The Warhawks took a 21-0 lead going into half by scoring 2 touchdowns inside of 4 minutes. Arrowhead had difficulty in the 2nd half with the aggressive up the field style of defense played by Nathan Hale. Both teams would cap the scoring with touchdowns in the 4th quarter (one by Cook of Arrowhead, and one by Matt Kalmanson of Hale).
Both teams have reason to leave this game with a sense of accomplishment, all be it for different reasons.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Greendale High School
Greendale Panthers v. Milwaukee Lutheran Red Knights
(Don Wojczulis)
It may have said August on the calendar, but it felt like a perfect fall evening for the start of the 2009 prep football season. Not only was it the debut for both teams, it was also the debut of the new “field turf” the teams were playing on at GreendaleHigh School. Both teams operated out of the spread offense. Both quarterbacks (Ernie Valente of Greendale and Courtney Johnson of Milwaukee Lutheran) showed strong arms and good scrambling ability. After a 1st quarter where it appeared that both teams were getting rid of the jitters, Greendale found its rhythm in the 2nd quarter and opened the game up by scoring 21 points and taking a 24-7 lead at the half. The play that really put the Panthers in control came with 23 seconds left in the half as Ernie Valente went 63 yards for a touchdown. Along with Valente, Drew Brees and Luke Drummel, paced the Panthers with sound performances.
The second half continued to be dominated by the Greendale Panthers. Touchdowns from Valente and Drumel increased the Panther lead to 38-7. Milwaukee Lutheran was able to mount a late drive and cut the lead to 38-14 on a 1 yard run by DeAngelo Friends. Milwaukee Lutheran played hard and showed great character, but appeared to be out matched as the game progressed. Both teams are in action next week.
