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The two preseason Greater Metro Conference favorites meet this Friday on the field turf at Brookfield Central. Marquette takes their undefeated conference record into the Lancers stadium to face off against their undefeated record in what promises to play a huge role in deciding the Greater Metro Conference title.
Marquette has veteran coach Dick Basham in his 37th year leading a relatively young team with only four returning starters from the 2007 season. They have won their last four and while their starting defense has not allowed a score in 12 quarters. Although the Hilltoppers fell from the area top ten rankings after their season opening loss to Wisconsin Lutheran, they are threatening to climb back into the state rankings if they can come away with a victory against the Lancers who are ranked 6th in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Brookfield Central relied heavily on their defense early in the season. In recent weeks, their offense, led by first year starters QB Tommy Braaten and RB Xavier Whitaker has started to adjust well to their first year in the veer offense that Coach Doug Lange has installed.
“One of the reasons we went to the veer offense was because we felt Tommy (Braaten) could run the ball and throw when he had to” said Coach Lange. “We want Tommy to be the third threat in the backfield.”
“One of the reasons we went to the veer offense was because we felt Tommy (Braaten) could run the ball and throw when he had to” said Coach Lange. “We want Tommy to be the third threat in the backfield.”
Braaten has come on in recent weeks both on the ground and in the air as he connected with WR Tim Ness on two touchdown passes last week against West Allis Central in their 44-12 victory. RB Xavier Whitaker is also finding his legs as the season moves on. He has run for 402 yards and 6 touchdowns after a slow start.
At 6’3 200 pounds, Whitaker has the size and strength to be a power runner in Brookfield Central’s veer offense. However, his speed and athletic ability allows him to be a more elusive speed back that will break long gainers. “Xavier is a tailback. Don’t let his size deceive you in terms of what his frame of mind is” said Coach Lange.
Coach Basham will try to attack the staunch Lancer defense with smash mouth football running a lot of two tight end sets and pounding the ball with a trio of running backs. Marquette has thrown the ball less than 30 times all year.
Coach Basham will try to attack the staunch Lancer defense with smash mouth football running a lot of two tight end sets and pounding the ball with a trio of running backs. Marquette has thrown the ball less than 30 times all year.
Basham is known for using multiple formations to confuse the defense and utilize a lot of traps and downblocks mixed with quick hit dive plays. Brookfield Central will defend with a senior laden defense let by middle linebacker Matt Upson.
Expect to see a low scoring matchup of strong defenses. Brookfield Central is built more for speed than Marquette, and the field turf will only make the game faster. Marquette’s defense will have to counter that and defend against an offense that continues to improve each week.
Expect to see a low scoring matchup of strong defenses. Brookfield Central is built more for speed than Marquette, and the field turf will only make the game faster. Marquette’s defense will have to counter that and defend against an offense that continues to improve each week.
Click the play button to listen to an interview with Brookfield Central Head Coach Doug Lange
Click the play button to listen to an interview with Marquette Head Coach Dick Basham
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