Hitmen shut out Crusaders to pick up fourth victory
Dan Barutha, Ironman Insider CorrespondentJuly 14, 2008
Franklin, WI – Led by their speedy receivers, bruising backs, and tenacious defense, the Muskego Hitmen defeated their conference foe, the Fond du Lac Crusaders, 24-0 Sunday night at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex.
Both teams struggled early in the physical contest with self-inflicted penalties. Fond du Lac caught the first break of the game with CB Mark Edmond’s interception but after a three-and-out series, the Crusaders were forced to punt. The Hitmen ended the quarter with PR Warren Holloway’s 26 yard punt return, which put Muskego inside Fond du Lac’s 30. After the first quarter, the game was scoreless.
The second quarter would be the polar opposite for Muskego though. The Holloway return set up K Brad Abraham’s 27 yard field goal, which put the Hitmen up first, 3-0. After a defensive stop, it only took one play for QB Andrew Janatis to hit WR Warren Holloway on a 67 yard touchdown strike. That score was followed by K Brad Abraham’s 37 yard field goal to keep Muskego on top, 13-0. The Hitmen then forced a Crusader safety, and the quarter was finished after Abraham’s 32 yard field goal. After one half, the Hitmen led, 18-0.
The final score of the game came in the third quarter from HB Mike Hill as he plowed over the goal line from 12 yards out. A late interception by CB Mike Liebert preserved the shutout and victory.
Muskego moves into second place in the conference standings with the victory and improves to 4-2 on the season. They meet the unbeaten Wauwatosa Spartans next Saturday night at 8pm at Wisconsin Lutheran College in what may be a preview of Iron Bowl XII. Fond du Lac drops to 3-2 on the year and they fall to third place in the conference. They host the Rock County Gladiators next Saturday at Art Humphrey Field at 7pm.