No one expected this state championship match between Amherst High School and Lake County Lutheran to be a shoot-out but it was.
Even though Lake Country Lutheran did not walk away with the win, they proved to the state of Wisconsin that lightening can strike the same end zone more than once.
"Our theme for this year was beyond expectations. We went well beyond that. I read all the stuff that the state was saying about our team and about this game; that it would be the only blowout here at state. I would say we did more than we were asked of. I'm very proud of my program right now," said Lake County Lutheran head coach Greg Brazel.
Underdog Lutheran tied up this ballgame not just once, but twice. And then mid way through the 3rd quarter, Lightning took the lead.
"I told the kids, God's going to put you in situations that you may not enjoy but you have to answer the call. We defiantly came here with a smile on our face and work ethic that was second to none. We gave everything we had out there," Brazel said.
Unfortunately in the end it would not be enough. After Amherst tied things back up at 21. They reclaimed their edge thanks to quarterback Marcus Glodowski.
"That quarterback was slippery. That's the only thing I can say is every time we thought we had him he bounced out," Brazel said.
But as Amherst celebrated, tears were shed under silver helmets.
"This team has done everything they possibly could. It's really sad but it's me last football game. I have to believe that I have to know that. But I am very proud of my team," said Michael Schumacher, a senior wide receiver.
"I tell them that this team is still behind them and hopefully that puts a smile back on their face and they come back ready to work. We'll be back again. We may be knocked down right now but we'll be back," Brazel said.
Lake Country Lutheran will graduate nine seniors but the majority of this squad is made up of sophomores and juniors so we could very well see the Lightning back here in Madison next year.
Congratulations again to St Mary's Springs on taking the Division 6 state championship. We'll have two more chances to celebrate Friday. First up New Berlin Eisenhower and then Brookfield Central.
