The Green Bay West football team is enjoying a remarkable resurgence this season, as evidenced by their impressive 37-8 victory over Green Bay East on September 4 at City Stadium. This win marks the Wildcats' fourth consecutive triumph in the historic rivalry, which has seen East lead the series 64-54-3. However, for West, this victory is more than just a notch in a long-standing rivalry; it signifies a turning point for a program that has struggled for decades.
With a record of 3-0, the Wildcats are off to their best start since 1991, a year when they won their first seven games. That season was highlighted by standout performances from running back Bill Stuiber and defensive end Phil Scanlan. The current success is a stark contrast to the previous 29 years, during which the team has not won more than three games in a season since finishing 6-4 in 1996. This year, the Wildcats have already surpassed last season's total points, scoring 101 in just three games compared to the 54 they managed in the entirety of the previous season.
Senior quarterback Urijah Moore expressed the team's excitement about their achievements, stating, "It’s amazing. We practiced all summer, bonded all summer, just to be able to make this happen. At the end of the day, it’s great to be 3-0 and looking to go 4-0 and make the playoffs." The Wildcats are not just winning; they are dominating, showcasing a well-rounded performance that includes strong offensive and defensive units.
In the game against East, the Wildcats put together a commanding first half, scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions and leading 30-0 at halftime. Junior running back Kash Lowe opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by a 36-yard touchdown pass from Moore to senior wide receiver Liam Letizia. The first half concluded with a 30-yard field goal from junior kicker Vincent Moyano as time expired. The Wildcats continued their momentum into the second half, scoring on their opening drive with a 32-yard touchdown run from Moore.
Head coach Drew Brusoe praised the improvements in the offensive line and the team's ability to adapt their game plan. He noted, "The offensive line is significantly improved. Both Kash and Joey [Lawrence] did a really good job running between the tackles. We can trust our offensive line, we can trust our running backs, we can trust our quarterback to pull it when he needs to." This multifaceted approach to their running game has allowed the Wildcats to score 20 or more points in each of their games this season.
Defensively, the Wildcats have also been impressive, allowing just 8 points per game and recording 10 interceptions so far this season. Brusoe highlighted the physicality and opportunistic nature of his defense, stating, "If you can run the ball and play really good defense, you have a chance." The Wildcats' defense has been a crucial component of their success, contributing significantly to their current winning streak.
Despite their strong start, the Wildcats face a challenging schedule ahead. They will host Oshkosh North, a team that defeated them 50-0 last season, followed by a tough matchup against Menasha. The Wildcats' recent victories have come against teams with a combined record of 1-8, raising questions about their ability to compete against stronger opponents in the Fox River Classic Conference-South. Nonetheless, the Wildcats have positioned themselves well for a potential playoff run, something that has eluded them for decades.
As the Wildcats continue to build on their success, they remain focused on taking it one game at a time. Coach Brusoe emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum and executing their game plan effectively. With a newfound sense of confidence and determination, Green Bay West is poised to make a mark this season, potentially adding to their playoff appearances for the first time since 1996.
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