OUTLOOK

Player to watch: Senior running back Brady Simkowski Date to circle: Sept. 9 vs. Kenosha Tremper (lost to the Trojans twice last year, once in playoffs) Strength: Plenty of experience, with the entire offensive line and seven defensive starters all back Weakness: Last year, the Warriors snuck up on people; this year, opponents will be ready for them We say: Muskego was rolling at the end of last season, and most of the key contributors are returning. If they are not overwhelmed by high expectations, the Warriors can have a big year.

Muskego Warriors
Expectations and pressure will be high for veteran team
Muskego Optimism was running high in the Muskego football teams pre-season camp this season but so was caution. The Warriors went on a real roll late last season, averaging 50 points and 500 yards of offense in their final five regular-season games, then winning a WIAA playoff contest over Milwaukee Riverside before falling to Kenosha Tremper in the second round. A total of 14 starters return from that squad, including the entire offensive line and four of the top five runners, so much is expected of this years team, which does not exactly make coach Ken Krause rest easily. I am guardedly optimistic, Krause said. We have a lot of experience. Our main enemy is probably that people are telling us how good we are. We have to stay hungry. The offense will be keyed by a deep and talented running corps. Senior Brady Simkowski was the top runner on the junior varsity last season and scored three touchdowns in the Warriors scrimmages Saturday. He can break one at any time, Krause said of Simkowski. He has been in the weight room 99 percent of the time, so he is strong, and he is shifty. He can be a home-run threat. Senior Jordan Gruettner is back
By JOHN RECH jrech@cninow.com

A GLANCE BACK
Record
Overall: 7-4 Southeast Conference: 4-3 Outcome: Lost in second round to Kenosha Tremper (24-10)

All-Conference returnees
First team: Alex Wallner (OL), Jordan Gruettner (LB/P) Second team: Collin Smith (OL), Roland Dunlap (DE), Tommy Stark (LB) First-team losses: Connor Anderson (TE) Coach: Ken Krause

NOW Photo by C.T. Kruger

SCHEDULE
Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14

Muskegos Roland Dunlap ties up Oak Creek quarterback Kyle Veloz in action from last season. Dunlap is one of several key returnees for the Warriors this year.

Port Washington Burlington Racine Horlick Kenosha Tremper Racine Park Franklin Racine Case Kenosha Bradford Oak Creek

home games in bold

LAST YEAR
Port Washington Waterford Franklin Kenosha Tremper Racine Park Kenosha Bradford Racine Horlick Oak Creek Racine Case

W 42-20 W 10-0 L 31-6 L 20-16 W 42-7 L 69-44 W 58-20 W 42-30 W 63-21

after running for 987 yards (averaging just under 10 per carry) and 14 touchdowns last season. Also returning are senior Roland Dunlap (about 400 yards rushing and receiving combined), senior Tommy Stark and senior Josh Baker. The quarterback is senior Eric Pachowicz, who was the backup last season. He is a winner and has been the quarterback of this class all along, Krause said. He makes good decisions. The offensive line is intact, with senior guards Alex Wallner and Collin

Smith, senior tackles Connor McIntosh and Jeremy Kindl and senior center Jeff Bolster. This is the most intelligent offensive line Ive ever had, Krause said. The kids know the systems. Defensively, Gruettner and Stark are back at linebacker. Gruettner is rated second among linebackers in the state by WisSports.com and Stark is seventh. Both are three-year starters. Senior Austin Wendlandt is also back at linebacker. In addition, defensive lineman Dunlap is rated fourth at his position in Wisconsin.
SW

home games in bold

Coachs Corner Last year, we flew under the radar a bit. This season we are getting a lot of press, but we cant rest on our clippings.
Muskego head coach

August 18, 2011

Ken Krause

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