Gruettner, ground game propel Warriors
Muskego gains lots of yards, rare opening-night victory
After an impressive debut led by an all-junior offensive line that paved the way for the Muskego football team to gain 412 rushing yards in a season-opening, 42-20 win at Port Washington on Friday, coach Ken Krause is curious what his team has in store for an encore.
The Warriors (1-0) host Waterford (1-0), the favorites to win the Southern Lakes Conference, at 7 p.m. Friday.
"We're really looking forward to that game," Krause said. "That was the only game I was really disappointed with (a 34-14 loss) last year, as far as where we hurt ourselves more than Waterford hurt us. They're a great program, but we're a much improved team."
That much was evident in the season opener as Muskego pummeled Port Washington with a relentless rushing attack sparked by junior Jordan Gruettner and senior Luke Przybylka.
A two-man attack
Gruettner dominated to the tune of 237 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 carries. He posted three runs of more than 50 yards and never left the field, playing both linebacker and running back as the Warriors' only two-way starter.
Przybylka, the team's leading rusher from a year ago, used his 31 defense-punishing carries to rack up 175 yards and two touchdowns.
"We run the Wing-T (offense), and there are a series of plays that all look the same," Krause said. "I think it's going to be different guys (leading the way) for us each week. There was a play that Port really had a hard time defending, and that was the play Jordan got the ball. As long as the kids are faking and blocking, it's hard to stop all the plays. This week it was Jordan's number. He's our most improved running back and he's very good at breaking tackles. It's hard to take him down.
"Luke did a great job faking. The play was set up a little bit by Luke. We faked it to him, and Jordan would get the ball."
Five new starters at line
Junior offensive linemen Connor McIntosh, Alex Wallner, Jeff Bolster, Collin Smith and Jeremy Kindl were all making their first varsity starts, according to Krause.
"To start five fresh guys and put up the numbers we put up, that says a lot about our (line) coaches," Krause said, referring to Barron Johnson and Eric Hetzel.
It was just the second time in 10 years the Warriors started the season with a victory.
"I'm really excited, and I know the kids are excited," Krause said. "What I saw at the scrimmages and in practices and against Port Washington, we really did the work in the weight room. You could tell their poor kids were drained. We might not be the biggest team, but pound for pound, I'd put us up against anybody.
"It's satisfying to see the hard work getting a pay day. Last year we were so close so many times."
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