SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano Hawks made enough defensive stops late in the game to secure their first win of the season in a 36-27 win over Waupaca.
“We grinded one out,” said Coach Al Tomow.
Both teams made some early mistakes in the first quarter. Jerzy Brocker muffed the punt return after the Comets first drive went three and out. The Comets then fumbled the ball away on the very next play, giving Shawano another chance. After turning the ball over on downs, Waupaca was first two score on an 11 play, 84 yard drive that was capped off by a Xzaver Pittman 4-yard touchdown run.
“We kind of held back with Jerzy against the North Eastern Conference teams, but we were ready to turn him loose tonight” said l Tomow. “He was up for it.”
Brocker answered with his first of four rushing touchdowns. A 26-yard run and a two point conversion run by Brocker gave Shawano an 8-7 lead. Teams both scored in the second quarter. Waupaca’s Ethan Harms found Adam Adamczyk for a 12-yard touchdown and Brocker rushed in a 12 yard run of his own to give Shawano a 16-14 lead at the break.
“We believe in our line, we are tough on them and we need improvement,” Tomow said. Brocker said they were able to take what Waupaca gave them. “We are piecing the puzzle together.”
Waupaca scored first in the second half on a short run by Andre Hendricks, giving the Comets a 21-16 lead. Each team fumbled their next possession away and Brocker scored touchdown runs on back-to-back drives, giving Shawano 30-21 lead. In the fourth quarter, Harms tossed an interception, giving the Hawks a chance to put the game away. On a trick-play, Ayden Bystol tossed a touchdown pass to Jerzy Brocker to put the game out of reach. Waupaca scored in their final drive, but it was not enough.
Brocker rushed for 201 yards on 22 carries and completed five passes for 105 yards, adding his first career touchdown reception.
“This is a motivation booster, and it’s good for the team and good for everybody,” said Brocker.
Xzaver Pittman led Waupaca with 127 rushing yards.
Comments