DENMARK, WI- Two teams looking to take a step forward this season square off tonight as Shawano travels to Denmark in a Northeastern Conference battle.
Shawano managed just one win a year ago, but it came against these same Vikings in last season’s opener. The Hawks will look to build on that with a revamped offense led by Aiden Rasmussen, who shifts from wide receiver to quarterback. He’ll have help from Marcus Brezgel, who rushed for over 200 yards and six touchdowns last season, and top returning target Austin Heling, a second-team all-conference wide receiver who tallied 436 yards and three scores a year ago.
On the other side, Denmark is looking for more consistency after an 0-7 start last season turned into a 2-7 finish. The Vikings return one of the conference’s most dynamic backs in Steven Kielpikowski, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He’ll again be the centerpiece of Denmark’s offense. Junior Brayden Jeanquart also returns as an honorable mention tight end/fullback.
Both teams are dealing with key losses. Shawano graduated standout Jerzy Brocker, who carried the offense in last year’s win against Denmark with four total touchdowns. Denmark lost four all-conference players, including Gabe Noth, Dalton Whiffen, and Carson Schroeder on defense.
Last year’s meeting saw Shawano pull away in the fourth quarter for a 26-13 victory, snapping a four-game losing streak to the Vikings. Brocker’s three rushing touchdowns and a late scoring strike to Parker Beyer sealed the win. Kielpikowski kept Denmark close with 108 yards and two scores on the ground.
Series History: Denmark leads the all-time series 10-4. Shawano snapped a skid with last year’s win, but the Vikings had won four straight prior.
Other Area Games Tonight: Winneconne at Little Chute, Seymour at Luxemburg-Casco, Xavier at Valders, Iola-Scandinavia at Shiocton, Waupaca at Wrightstown, Sheboygan Falls at Kiel, Marinette at Clintonville, Bonduel at Wittenberg-Birnamwood, New London at Freedom, Fox Valley Lutheran at Two Rivers, West De Pere at Hortonville, and Berlin at Weyauwega-Fremont.
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