Spartans spear Panthers, end two game skid
Dan Barutha, Ironman Insider CorrespondentAugust 4, 2008
Wauwatosa, WI – In front of their home faithful at Wisconsin Lutheran College, the Wauwatosa Spartans shutout the New Berlin Panthers, 30-0 to end their two game losing streak and move within one game of first place in the American Conference.
The Spartans started the attack with a heavy dose of running to begin the contest. The rushing onslaught climaxed with a 30 yard touchdown gallop by HB Andy Molina. Wauwatosa appeared to have the early momentum after the score, but New Berlin’s defense refused to give an inch the remainder of the quarter, not allowing another point. After the first, the Spartans led by a touchdown.
Early in the second quarter, just when Wauwatosa thought they pulled a rabbit out of their hat on a 4th and 20 touchdown pass from QB Matt Kufahl to WR Markese McDowell, the Spartans momentum shifted in reverse as the play was called back due to offensive holding. This would be the first of four consecutive fourth down stops the Panther defense would make. However, the Panthers coughed up the football on their ensuing possession, allowing Spartan DB Bobby LaPlante to pick up the loose ball and storm 49 yards for the score. Later on, Wauwatosa’s offense caught another break as the Panther defensive unit was called for a 34 yard pass interference penalty. That set up FB Michael Montoya’s 2 yard touchdown plunge. After two quarters, the Crimson and Black led, 21-0.
The Panthers switched quarterbacks in the second half, opting to bring in DB-turned-QB Jimmy McIntyre in favor of regular QB Jay Jaster. The change under center brought about three more turnovers for New Berlin the third quarter. On the second play of their first series in the third, McIntyre’s option pitch was fumbled. That was followed by interceptions by Spartan DB’s Andy Molina and Erik Ramirez. Wauwatosa only managed to put a field goal on the board in the third though, and after three quarters, they led, 24-0.
A late touchdown pass from QB Matt Kufahl to OL-turned-TE Adam Kujath put the nail in the coffin and secured the Spartan victory.
The victory improves Wauwatosa to 6-2 and moves them back into second place in the American Conference. Next Saturday, they square off against Burlington Blue Devils for conference bragging rights at Carroll College. Kickoff is at 8pm. The defeat drops New Berlin to 1-7. They meet the Spring City Cyclones next Sunday at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex at 5pm.