The Messmer/Shorewood football team is making progress from last year's season, thanks to a new team attitude, and a new coaching staff. Senior Xavier Johnson said, "Last year, by the way we played, we didn't have a real chance of winning. This year we're working harder and have more of a team aspect. We are looking forward to the playoffs and we have a great chance." Johnson added this about his new coach, Mr. Drake Zortman, "He is very focused and he has a lot of goals. He also pushes us to try and succeed. When there's a new coach you want to prove yourself, that you can impact the team."
Mr. Zortman teaches at Messmer and Shorewood, allowing him to connect with students from both schools off the field as well. The new Defensive Coordinator, Messmer Computer Teacher Mr. Chad Hofmann, is also the varsity baseball coach, and that is part of the reason he decided to coach football. He said, "It gives me the opportunity to talk with and coach some of my baseball players. I like to see them progress on and off the field. I also just missed the game of football." Mr. Hofmann is excited about this year. "The season is going well and every week we're getting better. We have a very good chance at competing for a conference title. I can help the team get better by watching films and making sure the team is ready mentally."
The team, affectionately known as "Messwood," showed strong effort in their game on September 9th against the Hope School, taking their record to 2-2. Xavier Johnson scored two touchdowns, and the defense proved their worth. The back-up players made a good showing that night as well, holding the opponents to only 6 points.
Messwood takes on Dominican on Saturday, Sept. 17th at 7:00 pm at Whitefish Bay High School.
