OUTLOOK Player to watch: Brett Krause (QB), junior; John Kontowicz (LB), senior; Matt Christensen (RB), senior.

Date to circle: With several teams on their early schedule in rebuilding mode, the road trip to Marquette looms as a major test on Sept. 30. Strength: Experience throughout and strong leadership and character from sophomore through senior classes. Weakness: Finding a way to finish games. Falls lost four close ones last season. We say: In 2009, Falls had a major character-driven squad like this one and it went all the way to the WIAA state finals. Though its uncertain whether this group has enough talent to do that, this Indians squad seems ready to make the playoffs. A GLANCE BACK RECORD Overall: 3-6 Greater Metro Conference: 3-4 Playoff Outcome: Did not qualify ALL-CONFERENCE RETURNEES First team: none Second team: Christensen (All Purpose) Honorable mention: Christensen (WR), Krause (QB), Kontowicz (ILB), David Staron (DB) First-team losses: Kevin Scroggins (RB), Bobby Nelessen (ILB) Baker Coach: John Baker Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 SCHEDULE Slinger West Bend East Wauwatosa East Brookfield East West Allis Central Sussex Hamilton Marquette West Allis Hale Brookfield Central

Menomonee Falls Indians

Character and experience could lead Falls back to state playoffs this fall
By STEVEN L. TIETZ stietz@cninow.com

home games in bold

August 18, 2011

LAST YEAR Oconomowoc West Bend East Brookfield Central Sussex Hamilton West Allis Hale Wauwatosa East West Allis Central Marquette Brookfield East
home games in bold

L 22-6 L 14-13 L 15-14 L 25-20 W 13-7 W 22-16 W 45-0 L 28-0 L 28-22

Menomonee Falls As the Menomonee Falls football team was finishing its conditioning session at its Aug. 11 practice, one player lagged behind despite putting in what looked like his best effort. But his teammates did not jump all over him for making everybody wait. No, this strong-willed and unified group got behind him and encouraged him to finish as best he could. And thats the attitude that veteran Indians coach John Baker has come to expect out of his squad, which looks to make a run at the state playoffs this fall. The guys are really high energy, he said, and theyre a great group of kids. Im really proud of their commitment and their character. Which will hopefully translate into wins this fall. Weve got a lot experience this season and thats going to help, said senior linebacker John Kontowicz, because we never finished games last fall (losing four close decisions). Youve got to have those if you want to be a good team. We have to go a lot harder all the time and not be afraid or hesitant. The Indians return five starters on offense and six on defense. Back on offense will be junior quarterback Brett Krause, senior wide receiver/running back Matt Christensen,

NOW Photo by C.T. Kruger

Menomonee Fall's Justin Johnson makes a reception against West Allis Centrals Brian Hoppe during the Indian's 45-0 win over the Bulldogs last year.

junior wide receiver/back Justin Johnson, senior running back Otis White and senior offensive lineman Garrett Bentzler. Senior tight end Nic DeMore and senior receiver Brandon Blanke will help out in the passing game. Baker has been very impressed with the work ethic and leadership of Krause. Upfront will be senior Kevin Walker, juniors Dan Bell (6-6, 275) and Cameron Green, and sophomore Jack DeWalt. On defense, Kontowicz will be the leader and will get help from other experienced hands in the 3-5 set such as seniors Jared Bratchett (line), Ryan Bowe (linebacker) and James Ulicki (linebacker). The secondary will be very experi-

enced as safeties Zach Weyenberg (senior) and Cole Hernikl (junior) both return, as does senior cornerback David Staron. Newcomers vying for spots include linemen Spencer Kolbeck (senior) and Troy Tyler (junior), junior linebacker Ryan Schmit and defensive backs seniors Tyler Olive, Duncan McKennie and Brennan Schneider and junior Matt Conrady. Baker said he himself is going to do a better job this fall. We had so much change going into last year (17 starters lost), and I should have done a better job of getting the kids going, he said. This year, theres going to be no excuses. The kids want to finish games and so do I.

NW

Coachs Corner We have such good, high-quality kids this fall. Im just happy to be a part of all this.
Menomonee Falls coach

John Baker

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