The WisSports.net Team of the Week is back again for 2014. The voting this year is upgraded and is featured at the bottom of the article. Voting is open until Thursday at 4 p.m., so be sure to vote for who you feel is most deserving and spread the word (hint: Social Media is a great way to do so). Users may vote once per day.
WisSports.net Week 8 Team of the Week Nominees:
Athens -- There was a lot on the line Friday night as Athens traveled to Owen-Withee in a battle of unbeatens: first place in the conference, a likely Cloverwood title, and a potential #1 seed in the playoffs. The teams traded body blows in the first quarter before Athens got on the board mid-way through the second quarter on a 10-yard Jake Stange touchdown run. The Bluejays returned a fumble for a score shortly after, and added another touchdown before halftime for a 21-0 advantage at the break. They added another score later in the game to secure a 28-0 victory. The offense, especially the running game, was very productive, and they held Owen-Withee's powerful rushing attack in check, limiting them to just 3 yards per carry.
Homestead -- Every team at Homestead since 2001 has captured at least a share of the North Shore Conference title, but that streak was in jeopardy, as a loss two weeks ago to Cedarburg meant the Highlanders needed a win over undefeated and 2nd-ranked Germantown to keep the run alive. Germantown's offense hit for some big plays and their defense scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery, but Homestead ground out 278 rushing yards on 60 carries to control the ball. They trailed 24-21 entering the 4th quarter, but Nick Allen scored from 34 yards out to put them on top, and Matt Winters added his fourth touchdown of the game to give them as a cushion as they held on for a 35-30 victory. A win over a very good Whitefish Bay squad next week would give head coach Dave Keel and company at least a share of a 14th straight conference title.
Little Chute -- Little Chute head coach Brian Ryczkowski was five years old and none of his players were born the last time the Mustangs beat Waupaca in football prior to the 2014 season, but that history mattered little to the current incarnation, as they took down the Comets 42-7 to secure the program's first victory over Waupaca since 1989. Sam Merryfield completed 16 of 19 passes for 316 yards, 4 touchdowns, and a perfect 158.3 passer rating, while Shane Schwaller went for nearly 100 yards on the ground. The Mustangs defense held the Comets to just 131 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers.
Ozaukee -- Both Ozaukee and defending league champion Cedar Grove-Belgium entered Friday's showdown undefeated in Central Lakeshore Conference action, and the winner was assured no worse than a share of the title. Ozaukee went ahead 7-0 late in the first quarter, but the teams headed to halftime tied at 14. Nick Wojciewchowski went 67 yards to the house late in the third quarter and Jacob Wolff found Michael Richter for a short touchdown pass with under 2 minutes to play, and the Warriors held on for a 28-22 win. Wojciewchowski finished the game with 210 yards on 25 carries.
Roncalli -- Three straight conferences losses appeared to doom Roncalli's playoff chances heading into Week 8, as they finished with games against Southern Door and Kewaunee, likely needing wins in both to get in the postseason. Down 21-7 to Southern Door heading into the 4th quarter on Friday, the proverbial door to the playoffs was almost completely shut. However, a trio of touchdowns pulled the Jets ahead 28-21 late in the game. Southern Door rallied for a score in the final minutes, but chose to go for two and the win rather than kick the game-tying extra point. Roncalli's defense held and they secured a 28-27 victory. Brett Bahrs was outstanding in the 4th quarter, throwing a pair of touchdown passes while adding one on the ground as well.