West begins title defense smoothly

Senior Waukesha West tailback Joe Schobert has done it all for the Wolverines, but his latest move as a coach helped guide the WIAA Division 1 defending champs to a 34-7 win over Janesville Parker on Saturday night.

"We took a time out, and Joe came into the huddle," said West quarterback Brandon Berghoefer. "Joe was telling coach to run the play and that he would go up and get the ball for a touchdown."

That was exactly what happened as Schobert went streaking up the middle of the field and hauled in a perfectly thrown ball by Berghoefer for a 62-yard touchdown to give West (10-0) a two-touchdown advantage with under a minute to play in the first half of the Level 1 playoff contest. It was also the same play the team ran in last year's state title game.

"That play was so critical for us especially when it happened because we were struggling to move the ball," said Schobert. "It gave us some breathing room being able to go up two scores like that and allowed us to regroup at halftime to make some adjustments."

Despite a two touchdown advantage, adjustments were needed for West, which had troubles running the ball up the middle. Schobert had more receiving yards than rushing yards at halftime.

"It was clear they did their scouting," said Schobert. "They knew how to slow our run game down on defense. Luckily for us, Brandon was able to make some plays in the passing game and with his feet."

After a 55-yard punt return for a touchdown by Erik Albeck put Parker up 7-0 in the first quarter and quieted the city of Waukesha, Berghoefer provided a reminder that West is still the defending state champion for many reasons other than Schobert.

On the Wolverines' ensuing possession, facing a critical third down and needing 10 yards to avoid a three and out, Berghoefer dropped back and slid to his right. The senior quarterback couldn't find an open target so he took off, picking up a block and outracing Albeck down the sideline for a 55-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.

"I think Brandon got stuck back there a couple times with the pocket collapsing," said West coach Steve Rux. "He is able to create some things with his legs. He is a great runner. What makes him good is he is a manager, so instead of throwing it into coverage, he can take off with the ball."

Rux was extremely proud of his defensive effort, which forced two turnovers on downs on back-to-back drives in the second quarter while clinging to a seven-point lead.

"This is one of the best defensives we have had at West," said Rux. "They have great speed and understand their responsibilities. They play very well together and swarm to the football. Our defensive coordinator Terry Biel does an excellent job preparing these guys."

Added Berghoefer: "The guys on defense really make this team great. Coach Biel has them ready to go every week."

Schobert finished with a two touchdowns, while Berghoefer accounted for the other three scores, including a 31-yard strike to junior Steve Drida in the third quarter to push the West lead to 27-7.

Parker running back Adam Vesterfelt finished the game under 100 yards rushing for the first time.

"He is one of the toughest backs we have seen all year," said Rux. "Holding him under 100 yards isn't done very often."

West now travels to play Sun Prairie in a Level 2 matchup this weekend, as they upset Lake Geneva Badger, 22-21.