By Jennifer Eisenbart
Sports Editor
A year ago, the Waterford Union High School football team did something it had never done before – make it to the WIAA state championship game.
And while the Wolverines lost to Waunakee in that title game, the season may have marked a turning point for the program. But as much as the trip meant to Waterford, second-year head coach Adam Bakken and his team are focused on the present, not the past.
“Obviously, it was a big deal for us to get there last year,” Bakken said. “But myself and the coaching staff have stressed that last year is last year.
“I think (the new seniors) really want to leave their mark … and leave their legacy here.”
Gone from last year’s team are 18 seniors, including Dylan Dessart, Zach Fisher, Jordan Underly and Greg Steffens. Three of the players played on both sides of the ball – with Steffens the team’s leading rusher and Underly running the defense – while Fisher played quarterback.
But in spite of the losses, the Wolverines return 15 letterwinners from last season. Those players will be at the heart of Waterford’s makeup.
“They all saw a lot of playing time,” Bakken said. “It’s definitely a senior-dominated team.”
Offensively, Ryan Danbrea steps into the quarterback spot. Danbrea played a pair of varsity games as starter last year when Fisher sat out with an injury, and was a receiver the rest of the time.
Also back are running backs Kody Azarian and Alex Thomaschek, as well as offensive linemen Jake Kunze, JJ Przybylka, Brandon Miller, Brandon Schindler and Alek Henderson. Expected to step into receiver roles are Chris Benavides, Justin Steffens and Mike Dilley.
“We have a lot of experience on the offensive line,” Bakken said. “We hope to be able to run the ball efficiently.”
The Wolverines have a similar situation on defense in terms of experience.
“We return six starters on defense,” said Bakken. “Again, we have a lot of experience on the defensive line, and linebacker.
“If we do things correctly, our defense will hopefully be able to keep us in most games.”
Back are defensive linemen Brandon Miller and Brandon Schiller, as well as linebackers JJ Ahlers, Przybylka and Thomaschek, defensive end Jake Wirsching and free safety Chris Benavides.
Bakken said he isn’t sure who will be kicking or punting for the Wolverines.
With the talent he has returning, Bakken said he hopes his team will do what is always a goal for his squads: win a conference title and make a run in the playoffs.
“We’ve got some talented kids,” Bakken said. “This senior group has been outstanding so far. They’ve been doing everything possible to accomplish those goals.
“We have the right people on the team to make those goals a reality by the end of the year.”
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