The Owen-Withee Blackhawks had plenty of motivation last Friday night when they lined up to face a Clayton/Prairie Farm team who was going to be bringing 40 plus players and returning six starters from each school’s previous year’s teams as this is the first year of the two schools co-oping. It was the first game of the season for both squads, the home opener for the Hawks and Parent’s Night for the Blackhawks and the Hawks didn’t disappoint as they rolled to a 55-28 win over the visiting Bearcats.
The Blackhawk offense was in high gear as they scored on every possession in the contest, racking up 412 yards on the ground and another 28 yards in the air. Give credit to the Blackhawk offensive line of Teddy Van Ark, Jordan Wulff, Aron Sanchez, Tegan Treankler, and Crandon Dallman for controlling the line of scrimmage and sealing the edges for the running back duo of Mueller and Mueller. Clay Mueller led the Hawks with 197 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns, but it was Talon Mueller who really set the tone as he pounded the rock 40 times for 169 yards and three touchdowns. Owen-Withee’s sophomore quarterback Isaiah Pyrchalla added another 43 yards on 8 carries and had a big touchdown pass to Clay Mueller on a sideline route to break the Bearcats back right before half! Pyrchalla had a real solid game for the Hawks, making good reads and managing the game.
The Blackhawk defense was not going to be denied either, creating three turnovers on interceptions by Tegan Treankler and Talon Mueller, along with a fumble recovery by Isaiah Pyrchalla after a big hit on the quarterback by Jordan Wulff. Those big defensive plays were difference makers in the game along with a stingy run defense that only allowed Clayton/Prairie Farm 68 yards on the ground.
With still plenty of things to work on, the Hawks will begin their preparation for the Wausau Newman Cardinals – their next Friday night’s opponent. Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m. at Wausau Newman. Come on out and enjoy High School Football at its best!