September 3, 2021 – Kewaskum, WI – The brief rain didn’t dampen the desire of Kewaskum or Kettle Moraine Lutheran to win a conference grudge match during a Friday night football game at “Doc” Mitchell Athletic Complex.
The Indians got off to a stellar start on an interception by senior Gavin Schwantz on KML’s first offensive drive. Kewaskum capitalized with a 6-yard touchdown by senior Max Melzer to give the Indians a 7-0 lead in the middle of the first quarter.
Melzer would break another huge run for Kewaskum in the early stages of the second quarter, a 53-yard touchdown that put Kewaskum up 14-0.
However, KML refused to go quietly into the night, answering with 2 goal line rushing touchdowns, one by senior Brandon Kabelowsky and the other by senior Ben Zylka, which tied the game 14-14 heading into halftime.
The third quarter was mostly uneventful, but the fourth quarter more than made up for it.
KML senior Spencer Stern intercepted Kewaskum senior quarterback Matthew Buechel as the Indians were in the red zone, setting up a possible momentum shift.
However, after moving the ball down the field, KML junior quarterback Matthew Thistle was picked off by Kewaskum senior Damareyon Taylor. Kewaskum failed to score on its next drive but with 1:30 left in the game Buechel threw an impressive dart to senior Benjamin Butler, converting a huge third down play that got Kewaskum from midfield to KML’s 12-yard line.
Senior kicker Andrew Bolek had the chance end the game for Kewaskum after failing to get a touchdown by kicking a 30-yard field goal, the kick was no good as it bounced off the uprights leaving just 18 seconds left to play.
KML attempted one more offensive push, but Thistle threw another interception, picked off again by Taylor, who was tackled with just 5 seconds left in regulation.
The game went into overtime with Kewaskum receiving first possession. Buechel connected with Taylor for a 15-yard touchdown pass to put Kewaskum up 21-14. KML valiantly attempted to answer back, including a couple passes in the end zone just out of receiver’s reach, but ultimately Kewaskum held on to win.
Taylor spoke postgame about what he does in terms of practice and preparation to have big games like the one tonight (2 interceptions, 1 rec TD). “It’s all about film and memorizing what I see on film, learning what routes they (each opponent) could do through each (offensive) formation and implementing that knowledge into practice and games,” he said.
Rallying the team for moments like tonight’s overtime period was a team effort according to Taylor, especially from the seniors. “We have to motivate the young guys, to remind them to keep their head in the game,” he said.
Taylor spoke highly of Plymouth, Kewaskum’s next opponent. “It will be a tough game to probably decide who wins the conference between us, but we are ready for the test,” Taylor said.
Kewaskum (3-0, 1-0) will travel to Plymouth (3-0, 1-0) in an East Central Conference showdown Friday,, September 10 with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Kettle Moraine Lutheran (1-2, 0-1) will travels to Ripon (0-3, 0-1) in a conference game Friday, September 10 at 7 p.m.