By Dwayne Corry
August 24, 2012
Wisconsin Rapids– Two great schools, two excellent coaching staffs, and a whole lot of dedicated high school football players will be on display tonight at Thom Field in Wausau, with game time slated for 7pm. The Wausau East Lumberjacks went 4-3 in the very rugged Valley Football Association North division last year, which says a lot about the heart of a Lumberjack. The Lincoln Red Raiders lost their first game of the season in Hudson, and lost their last game of the season in Madison, but not before reeling off a school record 12 straight wins, an unbeaten conference championship, and a regional and sectional championship last season. But that was last season, and this is high school football where teams change from season to season.
“We are very much looking forward to our first game against Rapids. We have 8 returning starters on offense, and we have implemented a new spread option offense. We feel that we have good speed and quite a few athletes that can run on the perimeter. We have two solid throwing QBs, and a couple of very talented wideouts. Logan Taylor might just be the best receiver in the conference. Defensively we lost 8 starters to graduation so we are inexperienced on the defensive side of the ball. We have a number of holes to fill but we are getting better each day in practice. It is going to be a tall order to handle Rapids big offensive line, and defensive lines. Hopefully we can spread them out, and use our quickness on the edge.’ said East head coach Steve Jung.
Wasuau East’s quickness and new offense could give the Red Raiders more than they can handle.
“We put in a new defensive system last season, and it worked well. We as a team are understanding our roles on defense and are ahead of schedule compared to last season. The coaches are ready, and so are the kids. It’s time to play some football,” said Rapids defensive coordinator Steve Hepp.
But do not count out Rapids and their triple opton offense. It might not be fun to practice, but it produces wins.
“Wausau East is a well-coached team. They are always a challenge. This might be the first season East is using their new offense, but I can count on Coach Jung to have them well prepared. It will be a very dangerous game for us. Simon Stevenoski will get the start at QB, and is poised to have a good season,” said Rapids head Coach Tony Biolo.
So Lumberjack fans and Red Raider fans, get ready for some football. This is a tough game to call, but CWS gives a slight edge to the Red Raiders.
