TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The Merrill Bluejay Varsity Football Team battled it out with the Mosinee Indians last Friday night, Sept. 10, and they lost that battle, despite having the home field advantage.
“The Merrill Bluejays dropped a tough game at home to Mosinee this past Friday,” said Head Bluejay Varsity Football Coach Jason Wadzinski. “The Bluejays struggled to gain any traction on offense as well as to slow down Mosinee’s passing attack defensively.”
“Mosinee looks like a well-oiled machine, and their offensive line is particularly formidable. Bradyn Pieper (5 Tk, 1 Ast, 1 Int) was player of the game for the Bluejays, having one of the lone highlight moments with an interception in the endzone during the third quarter,” he said. “The Bluejays look to rebound and get back in the conference win column this coming Friday when Hayward comes to town.”
Box Score
Mosinee 46 @ Merrill 0
While they lost one battle, they won one of the war, this round anyway, in the ongoing rivalry with neighboring Antigo High School.
“The Merrill Bluejays have taken the ‘War on 64!’” Merrill Head Varsity Football Coach Jason Wadzinski was excited to announce after the Friday, Sept. 3 game in Antigo.
“After turning the ball over early twice and going down 12-0 to Antigo, the Merrill boys battled back,” he said. “Our Bluejays shut out the Red Robins the rest of the way, while compiling 15 unanswered points to defeat Antigo 15-12.”
“Senior Cayden Diels had two late interceptions to help seal the win. Cayden also had a receiving touchdown early in the 4th quarter,” Coach said. “Quarterback Brian Ball ran for one touchdown, as well.”
“Senior AJ Vogel led the Bluejays’ defensive attack, racking up six tackles, many of which came late in the game during pivotal moments,” Wadzinski said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the resilience and grit of this team,” he added. “There’s a lot of history, dislike and respect, between these two ball clubs. That makes a come-from-behind win on the road all the more special.”
“I couldn’t have written a better script for win number one of the 2021 season,” Wadzinski said.
Box Score
Merrill 15 @ Antigo 12