Schobert, offensive line pave way

After a long, hard fought battle in messy conditions between Waukesha West and Catholic Memorial on the Wolverines' homecoming night, one thing was clear. West running back Joe Schobert is certainly king.

The senior workhorse tailback, led by a punishing offensive line, piled up 217 yards on the ground on 23 carries as West cruised past their crosstown rival 34-7 Friday night as West remained in a tie for first place with Arrowhead in the Classic 8 Conference.

"No excuses," said Memorial coach Bill Young. "They are better than we are. They are good, they are really good and deserve the top ranking."

West (7-0 overall, 4-0 conference) went right to work on their opening drive showcasing solely Schobert. In four plays, the 6-foot-2 tailback ripped off runs of 22, 6, and 12 yards and capped it off with a 17-yard touchdown run untouched.

"They really are a good football team," said Schobert. "This whole week we really turned it up a notch. Our focus was much better this week than it was last week. We wanted to come out and really make a statement to everybody."

As touted as the Wolverines' rushing attack can be - backup Bronson Semerau finished with 94 yards as well - the defense is what's really causing problems for opponents.

"You know Terry (Biel) does a great job with that defense," said Young. "He certainly doesn't get the kind of recognition as their offense does, but he's good at what he does."

Memorial's game breakers were held it check all day. Senior dual-threat quarterback Charlie Walsh was held to only 50 yards rushing and 9 of 20 through the air for one touchdown and one interception. Senior running back Casey Townsend was limited to only 13 carries for 64 yards.

"Our guys up front are really getting the job done," said West coach Steve Rux. "They are making it difficult to make teams have to go the length of the field to get scores."

Memorial (4-3, 3-2) trailed by just two scores at halftime but its offense failed to find consistency.

"Bottom line is if your offense can't stay on the field, you can't win," said Young.

Now West travels to Arrowhead this week in a battle of two powerhouse unbeatens for sole possession of first place in the conference.

"I really like how our team is playing right now," said Rux. "I love our guy's work ethic and I knew we were going to get a test tonight and we responded well. Arrowhead is a really good football team. You got to play good physical sound football against them.

"They have some talented athletes over there; it's going to be a great game."