October 8, 2021 – Jackson, WI – The Living Word Lutheran Timberwolves (3-5, 2-3) are backed into a “must-win” situation if they want reach to the WIAA Playoffs this season, as they take on the rival Brookfield Academy Blue Knights (5-3, 3-2).
Living Word Lutheran kept their playoff hopes alive last week by defeating Dominican 24-18, in their first official victory since the opening week of the season, which snapped a five-game losing streak.
The Timberwolves other win was against HOPE Christian in week six and came via forfeit due to HOPE Christian having cancelled its football season.
Brookfield Academy lost its last game 28-14 against Kenosha St. Joseph, however the Blue Knights had already secured its WIAA playoff spot in week 7, although the loss did take them out of the running to win the Midwest Classic Conference title this year.
Brookfield Academy won the last game against Living Word Lutheran in 2019 with a 49-0 shutout.
It will definitely be a game where the Timberwolves will need bigger production than usual from their offense to beat the Blue Knights, as Brookfield Academy averages 28.4 points per game versus Living Word Lutheran’s 13.0 points per game.
The Timberwolves do have great offensive balance and is led by junior quarterback Mark Schaefer who has 722 passing yards with 6 passing touchdowns and 7 interceptions and junior running back Jaron Crowder who has 591 of the Timberwolves’ 924 total rushing yards on 86 attempts and all 8 of the team’s rushing touchdowns.
Although their defense does not create the most opportunities via sacks and turnovers, Living Word Lutheran is a fundamentally sound team when it comes to tackling, an overlooked, but vital skill in football.
The Timberwolves are also an extremely young team, with only three seniors on their roster, which only means that as an overall unit this team could play much better in the coming years.
The Blue Knights also feature a balanced offensive attack that has generated 2,396 yards of total offense and 30 total touchdowns (13 via the air and 17 with the run).
Senior quarterback Jonah Jensen has been the lifeblood of Brookfield Academy’s offense and is having an amazing season, going 83 of 128 (64.8% completion) for 1,082 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in the air, while also running the ball 106 times for 1,047 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.
Although their defense does not always prevent their opponents from scoring (158 total points against), the Blue Knights have generated turnovers and taken advantage of them when it matters most, notably in that the three of the four fumbles recovered by the defense have resulted in touchdowns for Brookfield Academy this season.
The Timberwolves are set to host the Blue Knights for Senior Day on Saturday, October 9, 2021 with a 1 p.m. kickoff.