Prep Confidential
Shorthanded Warriors fall short
Posted by: Marcus Jackson
Friday, November 23, 2007 8:00 PM
I have seen Tuscola play a quite a bit during the past three seasons, and I have never seen a Warrior squad dominated like it was on Friday against Galena.The Pirates got it done in all three phases of the game and the main man in it all was Gavin Kaiser. Whether he was throwing touchdowns, rushing for them, or returning a kick for touchdowns, he was more than Tuscola could handle.
And when it seemed John Wienke had something working downfield in the passing game, there was No. 19 to swat the ball away.
The loss capped the end of a tumultuous week for the Warriors, who were playing without nine players who were suspended earlier in the week for a violation of the school's athletic code.
The normally stern coach Stan Wienke had a tough time getting his words out in the postgame press conference, as he was fighting bac tears while talking about the group of players he sent onto the field.
"These guys deserve all the credit," he said. "I can't be more proud of them."
John Wienke struggled to get into a rhythm without two starting receivers in the lineup. He had only been picked off three times in 259 attempts entering Friday's contest - none since the Week 7 loss to Maroa-Forsyth - but was intercepted twice by Galena defenders.
Here's what I know after watching the game on Friday:
- Galena is really good. The Pirates were certainly deserving of the No. 1 seed they had entering the playoffs.
- If Gavin Kaiser is not getting any consideration to play college football, then a bunch of college coaches are missing the boat on a really special athlete. He might not be a big-time quarterbacking prospect, but perhaps safety is a possibility. He's too good an athlete to be overlooked. Tuscola players will have nightmares about him.
- Nobody plays harder than Tuscola's Travis Surma. I don't think there's a body part of his that hasn't been hurt at some point this season, but no matter what the kid gives everything he has, and he plays at an extremely high level. Because of an injured hip, his snaps on offense have been limited in weeks, but his team needed him Friday, and he stepped up, hauling in four Wienke passes for 42 yards. On defense, he was in on virtually every stop, registering a game-high 11 tackles, while intercepting a pass, forcing a fumble and breaking up another pass attempt. He certainly has the ability to play Division I football if he chooses.
- Galena's Matt Hillard will be one of the state's top players next year. The junior made plays all day for the Pirates and collected 188 yards rushing and receiving.
- Coach Stan Wienke is going to have to do just that next year, coach. The Warriors are losing 17 seniors so it's back to the drawing board for Wienke and his staff. When asked after the game what it's like losing so many good players, the coach joked, "Well I'm going to have to start coaching again."
Be sure to check us out tomorrow, we'll have plenty of coverage from the Tuscola-Galena game, as well as the Westville-Dakota game in Class 2A.
Our All-Area team runs next week, and we're having a heck of a time choosing a Player of the Year. We're open to suggestions, and would love to hear what you think. Judging by how many commented on my blog earlier this week, I know some of you out there have an opinion. I'd be glad to hear it.
MJ
Comments
Travis Surmas deserves player of the year. He gave it everything he had all year long and went above and beyond yesterday. Way to go Travis! Also, the Warriors were a class act on the field yesterday. Even the Galena players thought our boys were classy and courteous out on the field. Warriors may be number 2 as far as state champions, but they are number 1 in my book!
Posted by warriormom2 on November 24, 2007 at 1:35 PM
to warriorsrock07. I know Coaches can suspend a student and that is my point. Wencke has known for years about student drinking and did nothing. Now everyone is saying poor Tuscola. Well, That is what you get when you do nothing about it. Coaches are not only coaches, but are there to listen to the student when the parent doesn't and that happens a lot. Teachers are asked to do a lot more than teach and you would be surprised at how much a student confides in a teacher or coach. Obviously, you have never worked in a school district. The tears by Coach Wencke did not need to be shed if he had acted sooner.
Posted by lilly on November 25, 2007 at 3:17 PM
I have to ditto warriormom2
Travis Surma deserves player of the year.
He is a remarkable kid on and off the football field.
Posted by Concerned on November 26, 2007 at 3:42 PM
Yes, my son mentioned the Tuscola players were very good sportsman on the field. It was good to see the players helping each other up and a slap here and there on a good play. I hope the Tuscola players had the same impression of the Galena kids.
Posted by pkdjr8 on December 8, 2007 at 6:10 PM
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