This story is sponsored by Victory Apparel
By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield defense has been opportunistic all season.
In nine games this season, the Tigers have forced 22 turnovers, including four in each of their last two games.
When facing Holmen (7-2) in a WIAA Level 2 football playoff Friday night at Beell Stadium, Marshfield (8-1) will try to continue that trend.
“They have some really fast guys, so we’re going to expect a lot of things on the edges,” Marshfield senior linebacker Ross Zillman said. “They’re going to use their speed, we know that.
“I think we have a very fast defense and it will be a really good game.”
Holmen runs a similar offense to Wisconsin Rapids, using an option style led by running back Ryan Weber. The Vikings have only attempted 50 passes in nine games and have rushed for 1,675 yards with an 8.2 yards per carry average.
“Coach (Paul) Foegen put it, ‘it is Rapids on steroids,’” Marshfield coach Denny Goettl said. “They’re a little quicker, their backs are a little bit faster. They have some good, quick kids. They can throw the football too, so it’s assignment football.
“For our defense, they have to trust in what the coaches have told them and they have to tackle quarterback. If they don’t do that, he’s going to run for hundreds of yards. We have to do what we are supposed to do, and if they do that, we hope for the best and just make tackles.”
Senior defensive back Brandon Baltus said the Tigers will be up to the challenge.
“Our defensive line has been key,” Baltus said. “Eric Seehafer has been a huge part. Our defensive line gets it down and our linebackers have been awesome. (At defensive back), I have to spy on the two wingbacks. They get outside, but our cornerbacks are pretty fast, but we’ll get the job done.”
Holmen is just a few points away from being undefeated, losing 17-14 against La Crosse Central on Sept. 7 and 15-14 vs. La Crosse Aquinas on Sept. 21. Since, the Vikings have ripped off four wins in a row, including a 28-20 victory over Wausau East in Level 1.
Marshfield recovered from its only loss of the season, a 42-7 whitewashing by Menasha three weeks ago, with pressure-packed wins over Stevens Point to clinch a tie for the Valley Football Association South Division title, and a Level 1 victory over Tomah last Friday.
Despite playing better the last two weeks, the Tigers know it is that time of the year when they have to play their best, or their season will be over.
“Ever since then (the Menasha loss), we’ve been working a lot better as a unit and focusing a lot more and trusting each other,” Zillman said. “I think we’ve made a lot of progress. It’s been good since then.”
The winner moves on to Level 3 and will take on the winner of La Crosse Central (8-1) and La Crosse Logan (5-4) next Friday or Saturday.
Friday’s game starts at 7 p.m. at Beell Stadium at Marshfield Middle School. The game will be broadcast on WDLB-AM 1450 and on wdlbwosq.com, with pregame starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the game starting at 5:45 p.m. There will be no presale of tickets, which are $1 for childen 6-and-under and $4 for all others.