Gas up the busses for Madison!

Finally after 35 years, Coach Turnquist is taking a team to Madison to play for a state championship.  West De Pere is playing for a state title next week after an exhilirating 17 -7 victory over Waupaca.

Defense ruled this game, forcing five turnovers and not allowing Waupaca’s offense to get on track.  This game came down to the wire though as Waupaca’s defense denied the Phantoms, who were without 2000 yard rusher Beau Bellmore,  time after time.

West De Pere’s jumped out to a 10 – 0 first half lead, only to see Waupaca block a punt early in the 3rd quarter that was returned for a touchdown.  Following an interception midway through the fourth Waupaca moved it down to the West De Pere 12 yard line before a big defensive stop forced Waupaca into an unsuccessful field goal attempt.  Then came the drive that sealed the victory.

West De Pere moved out close to midfield and was faced with a 4th and 3 with just over two minutes remaining.  Classic coaching and execution followed as the Phantoms forced an offsides by using the snap cadence to move into the 3 point stance.  Waupaca held again though forcing a 4th and 1 with 50 seconds remaining, rather than punt the Phantoms went for it.  Waupaca collapsed the defense inside as Zac Rottier went outside right tackle and scampered 42 yards for the TD.  With the dagger applied the Phantoms defense finished the Comets off with two sacks to end the game.

Next up: the state championship game next Friday at 10:00 am against Reedsburg