Varsity Football Team heads into Homecoming Week in high spirits
TINA L. SCOTT
EDITOR
The Merrill Varsity Football Team took to the road last Friday night, Sept. 20, 2024, heading to Antigo via Hwy. 64 to take back the trophy in the ongoing “War on 64” rivalry between the Bluejays and the Red Robins … and “The war on 64 trophy is back in Merrill,” said Merrill Varsity Head Football Coach Jason Wadzinski.
The Bluejays completed an absolute shutout game against the Red Robins! Final score: Merrill Bluejays 31-Antigo Red Robins 0.
The key to the win? “We executed the defensive game plan of disguising things to create havoc resulting in takeaways,” he said.
“The defensive unit caused five turnovers giving the ball back to the offensive group,” Wadzinski said.
“On the ground Friday night our line did a great job of staying engaged to create running lanes. Callum Wheeler put up 226 yards rushing with 3 touchdowns, including an 84 yarder. It was a great energy and atmosphere Friday night.”
Merrill scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, including that 84-yard run, ending the first quarter with a score of 13-0. The first kick was good, but the second was a no-go. The second quarter remained scoreless for both teams, but in the third quarter, Merrill scored two more touchdowns, including one on a 58-yard pass. And in the fourth quarter, Merrill added insult to Antigo’s injury with a fifth touchdown and a two-point conversion to wrap up the game and their shutout victory.
Box Score
Merrill 31 @ Antigo 0
And now … “We’re on to Homecoming Week!” Wadzinski said.
Merrill will play Lakeland this Saturday afternoon in the Homecoming Football Game at 1:30 p.m. at Jay Stadium, but come early right after the Homecoming Parade to get great seats, buy a brat from the Silver M Brat Sale and Tailgating Party, and pay tribute to this year’s inductees into the Silver M Club. Don’t forget to wear blue and white and plan to cheer for the home team. Go Bluejays!