Defense move Ozaukee closer to playoffs

Taking another step closer to becoming playoff eligible, the Ozaukee High School football team escaped with a 7-0 shutout over the visiting Kohler/Sheboygan Lutheran/Christian last Friday.

Warrior quarterback Brent Hoffmann led the way on both sides of the ball. He had 10 solo tackles and five assists, and he scored the game’s only touchdown.

“Defensively, Brent Hoffmann had a great game,” coach Jim Lippe said.

“Offensively, he also played well. He was our workhorse on offense.”

Hoffmann ran for a 9-yard score in the second quarter, and that was all the Warriors would need.

Carson Rennicke added the extra point.

Friday’s win came with some key contributions from players who filled in for others unable to play.

“We had some injuries to some key players, and other guys stepped up and played well,” Lippe said.

“Cole Thomas played a really good game at defensive end.”

Thomas finished the game with five solo tackles and eight assists.

Logan Bell recorded nine solo tackles and three assists.

They all contribued to keep that goose egg on the board

“Any time you shut someone out, it’s a real accomplishment. I was very proud how we played,” Lippe said.

“We had some really good things happen last week against Turtle Lake, and some of that carried over to Friday.”

Stats from the game were about as close as the final score indicated.

The Pioneers had 195 total yards in offense to Ozaukee’s 165.

Both teams earned 11 first downs.

The Warriors ran 45 plays to KLC’s 35.

With three games to play, the Warriors have a 2-2 record in the Big East Conference. Ozaukee is 3-2 overall. The Warriors need one more win to become playoff eligible. Two more wins in their final three games would guarantee a WIAA playoff berth.

It will not be easy.

The Warriors travel to 4-2 Howards Grove on Friday for a 7 p.m. contest, followed by hosting 1-4 Mishicot on Oct. 5 and playing at 2-3 Manitowoc Lutheran on Oct. 12.

“Our attitude has been great, and our effort has been phenomenal,” Lippe said.

“We just have to keep getting better. We are getting there. We are doing some good things.”