Hitmen excellently execute Spartans
Dan Barutha, Ironman Insider CorrespondentJuly 14, 2008
Wauwatosa, WI – The Muskego Hitmen knocked the Wauwatosa Spartans off their unbeaten throne Saturday night at Wisconsin Lutheran College, 35-7 in a game many fans believed to be a preview of Iron Bowl XII.
The first break in the game came early in the first quarter for the Spartans. On a 4th down punting attempt for Muskego, the long snap was fumbled, and the Wauwatosa special teams unit recovered at the Hitmen 19 yard line. Muskego’s defense stood strong though, and forced the Spartans to an unsuccessful four-and-out series. On the ensuing drive, Muskego pulled a rabbit out of their hat with a direct snap to HB Mike Hill, who scampered 75 yards for the score. After one quarter, the Hitmen led, 7-0.
Midway through the second quarter, Muskego made another break for themselves as their defensive blitz caused Spartan QB Brad Dement to fumble. Four plays later, Hitmen QB Andrew Janatis hit TE Kurt Bork on a 7 yard score. Right before the half ended, the Spartans thought they had shifted the momentum with a 37 yard touchdown pass from QB Brad Dement to WR Zach Brandt that hit off of the hands of WR Brad Guettel. However, the play was called back due to an offensive penalty, and after two quarters, Muskego led, 14-0.
In the second half, the Hitmen continued to fire on all cylinders as QB Andrew Janatis found a streaking WR Fred Derocher on a 38 yard touchdown pass. Two possessions later, Janatis put his team back in the end zone with his 15 yard touchdown strike. Muskego’s final score was on a 70 yard defensive fumble return.
A late touchdown grab by Spartan WR Zach Brandt prevented the shutout, but it proved to be too little, too late for Wauwatosa. The win keeps Muskego in second place in the National Conference and improves their record to 5-2. Next Saturday, the Hitmen return to Wisconsin Lutheran College to meet the West Allis Predators. Start time is 5pm. Wauwatosa is tied for first place in the American Conference with the defeat. The Spartans, 5-1 on the season, also return to Wisconsin Lutheran College next Saturday as they face the Rock County Gladiators at 8pm.