Friday, August 23. On a beautiful late August evening, NGM played host to the visiting Dodgeville Dodgers as the 2019 WIAA High School football season kicked off. This game proved high in entertainment value, replete with hard hits that sent helmets flying; a blocked punt; a successful onside kick; and, oh yeah, 507 yards of NGM offense. In the end it was NGM that prevailed, 42-7.

NGM rolled out its re-tooled quick-strike offense. How quick, you ask? Let's just say that by the time the final strains of the National Anthem reached the New Glarus Woods, NGM was up 7-0. The Dodgers came right back and tied the score at 7-7, serving notice that they came to play. From there on the NGM defense stiffened and the offense found a rhythm...a combination that ultimately overwhelmed the visitors. Junior quarterback Darris Schuett connected on 19 of 33 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 101 yards and another score to complete his offensive evening. (He blocked a punt on defense as well). Senior Connor Siegenthaler, NGM's football version of a Swiss Army Knife, debuted at halfback and contributed 160 yards of combined offense with some hard running, good catches, and one touchdown. He also added six consecutive extra-point kicks, each one crisp and true. Junior Nathan Streiff caught ten balls for 135 yards and one touchdown. The numbers tell the story. Add to the aforementioned that the offensive line pounded open holes to allow 384 yards rushing, produced 17 first downs, and a defense that allowed only 34 yards rushing and 93 yards passing and it becomes quite obvious that NGM would not be denied victory on this evening.

Perhaps the lone disappointment of the evening came when junior halfback Holden Latsch's deft 40-yard touchdown run was called back. What appeared as artistry in the form of a well-executed delayed screen was interpreted differently by the official as he apparently saw some linemen out of position. Stay tuned, this "poetry" is still being written by this talented NGM offensive line and is anything but complete for 2019.

As promised, the halftime presentation of the WIAA Sportsmanship Award was given to both the school and the community. The WIAA representative gave a well-received speech, representative of the values of the award, and challenged all to continue to live up to the credentials as shown at the State basketball tournament this past March. Without delay all joined in celebration as the 2019 State Champion New Glarus boys basketball team was introduced and received their championship rings. How nice it was to see the recently graduated seniors return for one last hurrah! Out of respect for both presentations, Coach Jeff Eichelkraut kept his team on the field to witness and absorb the depth of these accomplishments.

Sue Moen

Connor Siegenthaler outruns an opponent.

Next week the competition ratchets up as NGM travels to Lake Mills in a Capitol Conference crossover game. Lake Mills represents the ever-tough Capitol North division (NGM is in the Capitol South) and has been projected to win their division. This will be a very good test for both teams. Game time is 7:00 p.m. See you at the game!