HSBlitz's Blog

Well, the final High School Blitz aired on Friday. There will be no more prep pigskin flying around football fields across Southeastern Wisconsin until next year...but what a year it was!

There were many local teams that exceeded expectations; coming from nowhere to to change the prep football landscape. Milwaukee Pius, West Bend West, Kenosha Bradford, and West Allis Hale are just some of the teams that proved a football program isn't about what's on paper or what history the school may have. It's about the players becoming a TEAM and starting their OWN tradition. I believe these teams and some I didn't mention are examples to kids across the state, that they can build a winner through hard work in the offseason, teamwork, and dedication to the program.

There was also the case of Milwaukee Riverside; a City Conference school that wasn't given much chance to succeed outside the conference season, because well, they play in the City. Think again. They were 1 play away from punching their ticket to Madison. Riverside definately showed heart and proved that you CAN play good football in the City. Again, hopefully other schools will try to match Riverside's success. I don't suspect the Tigers momentum to stop either...

Finally, what a tournament from the local squads from the area. 5 of the 6 teams in Divisions 1 through 3 were from Southeastern Wisconsin. We had area teams battling each other in D-1 and D-2 for the first time...EVER. Greendale was 1 defensive play on 4th down from winning 3-0, but that doesn't take away from their great season. Congrats to Waupaca for pulling that game out. In Division 2, Brookfield Central received thier 1st loss of the season to State Champion Franklin...in dramatic fashion. What a game! In a back and forth affair, Central tied the game on a long touchdown pass down the sidelines that was breathtaking, followed by a 2-point conversion thrown BEHIND the QB's head! Fittingly, it took an Overtime period to decide things. Homestead supringsly shut out Arrowhead to win the D-1 Title. Turnovers were the key to victory for the Highlanders, as the Warhawks never really recovered.

FRANKLIN AND HOMESTEAD: STATE CHAMPS 2006

Congratulations to all of the teams that competeted their hearts out all season long. It's been a pleasure bringing you the highlights, scores, and feature stories all season long. We hope you enjoyed watching, and possibly reading this blog! See you next year!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:

Tom Pipines: for running around the area and adding your special creative powers to become the backbone on the blitz.

Jen Lada: for jumping into our humble show and not missing a beat.

Steve "Sparky" Fifer: for putting down the radio headset and being ready to do whatever, whenever.

Mickie Leach: for getting the best video in town and making Sparky look good.

Andy Konkle: for hustling to who knows how many high school games on the year, getting sound, editing video, and making my jumbled plan actually work. A special shout-out to his assistant, as well!

Jonathan McWalter: for doing everything else while I was consumed with this High School thing.

Tom Kurtz (me): for staying sane working with this group of people!

Without these hard working souls, our Blitz wouldn't have been what it was. Thanks again.

TK