By Brian Kalish
September 7, 2012
Stevens Point– In what is perhaps the most intriguing match up in the VFA South this week, the undefeated SPASH Panthers (1-0, 2-0) will play host to Menasha (1-0, 2-0) at Goerke Field, game time 7pm.
While the season has only just gotten underway, both SPASH and Menasha have flexed considerable muscle in their first two games.
SPASH earned a week one victory over Wausau West and, on the strength of a stifling defense, smothered Oshkosh West in week two to the tune of 33-6. SPASH’s secondary produced five interceptions against Oshkosh West’s prolific spread offense passing attack.
Offensively, SPASH quarterback Eric Zelhofer was an efficient 9-15 passing for 188 yards and standout senior running back Zach Pozorski punished the Wildcats for 163 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. SPASH’s balance on offense is clearly a strength, not to mention the fact that they got out to a fast start and kept their foot on the throttle right to the game’s conclusion.
Menasha comes into the 2012 season as a much improved unit over the 2011 squad. Menasha trounced Appleton West 42-6 in week one and hammered VFA-South rival Neenah 30-7 in week two.
Said head coach Jeramie Korth, “I am pleased with getting two victories, but understand that if we want to achieve our goals, we must improve and cut down on mental mistakes.”
Korth said that SPASH is a bigger, more physical team and in order for Menasha to come away with a tough road victory, they will have to play fast on both sides of the ball and equal SPASH’s intensity.
“SPASH is a bigger, physical team,” Korth said. ”They have a strong defensive front and are big on the offensive line. Offensive backfield is athletic as well.”
Menasha has some playmakers of their own.
“We really have a bunch of great leaders on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball,” Korth said. ”Both underclassmen and seniors are stepping up and working hard. Tyler Korth is a very good QB and three year starter. We have two nice running backs in Dylan Szews and Josh Mennen. Pedro Zavala (OL) is our best overall leader. Defensively, Patrick Schultz, Brandon Smith, and Andrew Schiessly are all very fast linebackers and excellent leaders.”
While these teams will both be motivated to come out of this game with a 3-0 overall record, a slight advantage goes to SPASH playing at home. If the Panthers can continue to wear down opponents with Pozorski and ball hawk on defense, they have an excellent chance of finding themselves atop the VFA come Saturday morning.
SPASH Notes: Be sure to show good sportsmanship at the game to be qualified to win one of the Fan of the Game prize packages, which includes a highly sought after CentralWisconsinSports.net T-shirt.
