PREVIEW: Waterford Wolverines @ Brookfield Central Lancers

VS.

In a match up of teams that both exited the 2007 WIAA Division II Playoffs with losses to Germantown, the Lancers of Brookfield Central will rely heavily on it's defense while trying to match the 31 - 0 route of Waterford on opening day last year. Drew Herma rushed for 103 yards on 14 attempts and scored all 4 TDs for the Lancers in a game that was all but over at halftime.

Now, in 2008, Herma, QB Mike Bogard, OL Jacob Glickstein, and TE Brad Nortman are all playing at the collegiate level. Which means that the Lancers must turn to a defense led by 3 returning All-Conference players from 2007 in DL Matt Upson, LB TJ Gruman (pictured), and DB Mike Rossmiller.

With first year starters at QB, RB, and TE, the Lancers will look to test their offensive game plan against a solid opponent on opening night.

The Wolverines welcome Wisconsin Football Coaches Association 2004 Hall of Fame Inductee Coach Carey Venne to the sidelines this year. As head coach of the dominant Cudahy teams of the 1990's, Venne team's posted a 72 - 17 record over 11 seasons.

Venne inherits a team with an outstanding backfield tandem that in '07 combined for 1045 yards and 14 TDs while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Running Backs Jake Dostalek and Bernie Tansett are looking to rebound from last year's contest in which the Wolverines managed only 60 yards and 3 first downs in the loss.

To have a chance, Waterford must reverse a trend from '07 in which they were a solid 7-0 at home, but just 2-3 on the road while being outscored 101 - 43.

Expect to see both teams focus on the running game as each team starts first year Quarterbacks Jack Korslin for BC, and Jake Sindberg for Waterford.

Even with the offensive uncertainties, Brookfield Central's defense has them well positioned to contend in the Greater Metro Conference again this year, joining Marquette and West Allis Hale as the pre-season favorites in a top heavy league.

Waterford is the defending champion of the Lakeshore Conference, which has now been disbanded. They are now the strong favorite in the Southern Lakes Conference. The challengers to Waterford could be a solid Badger HS team from Lake Geneva, and the defending Southern Lakes Conference champs from Elkhorn.

Look for Brookfield Central to start off this season in the same manner as '07 with a strong defensive effort that will again stymie the Wolverines running attack and control the game with field position throughout the night.

Discuss this on the WHSF Forum