- Kohler/Sheboygan Lutheran/Christian Co-Op, Head Coach: Don Brasch; 2021 season record 9-2 (6-1)
The Crusaders had an amazing 2021 season, finishing second in the Eastern Wisconsin Conference and losing a close showdown in the second round of the playoffs, 46-40, to Denmark. The three-school co-op had an absolutely lethal offense last year, scoring 512 total points, which was 14th best in the state and averaging 46.5 points per game. This was due to a pass attack that ranked second in the state in passing touchdowns (39), third in the state in passing yards per game (240) and seventh in the state in total passing yards (2,646).
Despite these impress stats, it comes with the knowledge that the Crusaders’ will have to replace 14 seniors from last year’s team, including their top passer in 2021, quarterback Robby Michael, leaving a huge void that might be impossible to replace in a single season. Head coach Don Brasch said that “we are an extremely young team this year with a bunch of sophomores needing to step up and play for us.” Coach Brasch continued, highlighting “Jake Thomas, Sam Sewacki, Nolyn Villwock, Max Breitenbach are a few sophomores looking to help out and we expect good things from this season.” Brasch also noted that are seven seniors returning to this year’s team, so the team is not without veteran leadership.
Defensively, the Crusaders also had a strong 2021, only allowing just 14.5 points per game and shutting out three of their opponents. The team will require several players to step up though as three of the 14 departed seniors from last year’s team were very valuable statistically for them like Ben Toman and Colin Girdaukas, whom led the team in sacks with six each, and Casey Verhagen who led the Crusaders with four interceptions. All of this amounts to a big leap being required for the Crusaders’ underclassmen as a bulk of the team’s new core contributors, who will be put into roles that they may have never undertaken in their football careers. Coach Brasch concluded by summing up the team’s mission statement for the year, saying “my goals are to 1) qualify for playoffs 2) challenge for a conference championship 3) advance in the playoffs. As coach-speak goes, we are looking to improve every day in practice and every week. Focus on the now… one game at a time. Come together as a team. A mantra that has been said: Three Schools, One Team.”
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