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SPARTANS REBOUND AGAINST HITMEN

WAUWATOSA – In Ironman Football League action, the Wauwatosa Spartans (3-3) hosted the Muskego Hitmen (4-1) on Saturday night at Raabe Stadium on the campus of Wisconsin Lutheran College. The Spartans entered the game needing to rebound from a disappointing loss to the Shorewood Monarchs two weeks ago, while the Hitmen were riding high after beating the previously undefeated West Bend Junkyard Dogs. The Spartans were able to make a statement and dismantle the Hitmen 48-13 in front of die-hard fans who stuck it out despite the pouring rain and a brief delay to the game because of lightning in the area.

The Spartans partnered with area Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops as part of the game, and pledged to donate proceeds from a special post-game raffle courtesy of the Monkey Bar to further the Scouts’ mission. In return, Scouts served as ball boys, water boys and worked as the chain crew.

The first quarter saw the Spartans strike first when quarterback Tony Henner found wide receiver Raymon Porchia, streaking open down the sidelines for a 65-yard score and a 7-0 lead. In the second quarter, the Spartans’ offense struck again when Henner took in a one-yard sneak for a 13-0 lead, after a missed extra point.

On the other side of the ball, the Spartans’ defense bottled up the Hitmen offense the entire first half, harassing quarterback Andrew Janatis with constant pressure and multiple sacks, giving the Spartans a 13-0 advantage into halftime.

The second half saw turnovers from both teams, but only one able to capitalize. The Spartan scoring barrage started with running back Bobby Windom, who kept the Hitmen on their heels all night with tough running. Early in the third, he took in a five-yard run to extend the lead to 20-0. A couple Spartan turnovers resulted in the Hitmen getting on the board, when Janatis found wide receiver Markese McDowell in the end zone for a 20-7 score.

The fourth quarter saw the Spartans really put the game away. It started when linebacker Darrell Jack scooped up a Hitmen fumble and took it 35 yards to inside the five-yard line. From there, Henner called his own number again and plunged in the end zone for a 27-7 advantage. The Hitmen were able to strike back, when Janatis found wide receiver Carmelo Vasquez open on a slant, and watched him take it 45 yards to make the score 27-13 game after a missed extra point.

But the Spartans had another answer, and Henner rifled a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ric Levy for a 34-13 lead. On the next drive, Windom scampered in again, this time from 17 yards out, making it 41-13. Finally, Spartan cornerback Jimmie McIntyre’s 25-yard interception return set up a five-yard touchdown run by fullback Timmy Beuth and a 48-13 lead. However, the game would end on a somber note as McIntyre sustained a neck injury on the ensuing kick-off, and the game was called with two minutes left as he had to be taken from the field via ambulance. Tests revealed no serious injury, and McIntyre is expected to make a full recovery and return to the field.

On offense, the rushing attack was a three-headed monster lead by Windom, who totaled 85 yards and two touchdowns, partnered with L.J. Hyland and Beuth, who also scored. Henner threw for two touchdowns and also had two rushing touchdowns. The defense was dominant totaling six sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions and a punt block. Defensive end Joe Flick had two- and-a-half sacks and a punt block, defensive end Justin Morrow added one-and-a-half and defensive tackle Brian Witt added a sack and a fumble recovery. Linebacker Darrell Jack was a force in the middle registering 10 tackles, several for a loss and a key fumble recovery.

The win improves the Spartans to 4-3, and drops the Hitmen to 4-2. The Hitmen host the Madison Mustangs on Saturday at Hart Park, while the Spartans hit the road as they travel to Burlington to play the conference-leading Blue Devils at 7:00 p.m. at Burlington Catholic Central High School. The winner of both games will control their own destiny for the number one seed in their respective conference playoff race.