With a key teammate sidelined, multiple players stepped up Friday as the Gillett Secondary School football team remained undefeated with a 27-8 victory at home over Laona/Wabeno.
Senior halfback Monte Noffke, who scored seven touchdowns in the Tigers’ first two games, missed the game due to injury.
“I thought our kids did a great job of rallying around each other and making up for the loss of (Noffke),” Tigers coach Rick Kamps said.
Senior quarterback Alex Zeitler threw for two touchdowns among his five completions in a 101-yard passing game. He also demonstrated the ability to scramble out of the pocket, rushing for 59 yards on seven carries.
Brett Milhans put Gillett (3-0, 0-0 Marinette & Oconto Conference) on the board with a 28-yard touchdown in the first quarter and caught a 22-yard strike from Zeitler to start the second half to put Gillett ahead 21-0 against the Rebels. Milhans had three catches for 64 yards.
Kamps said Milhans has steadily improved through the first three games of the season.
Senior Matt Peterson shouldered the bulk of the carries, gaining 72 yards on 11 carries. He also had a 35-yard touchdown reception as time expired in the third quarter.
Akeem Bates had five carries for 69 yards.
“I was extremely pleased with how the guys stepped up and once again how balanced our running game was,” Kamps said.
Gillett’s defense held the Rebels (2-1, 0-0 Northern Lakes) to 20 yards passing, but allowed 224 yards rushing.
“Once again I thought our lines set the tone early and established the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” Kamps said.
With Laona/Wabeno driving down the field early in the second quarter, the Tigers came away with an 85-yard interception return by senior linebacker Kody Pawlak.
Kamps said it was the key play of the game. “Huge play by a four-year starter for us,” he said.
Kamps said the Tigers will need to stay focused and not get complacent as the season progresses.
“We need to keep improving and continue to correct our mistakes,” Kamps said. “We will enjoy this one and our 3-0 start, but will continue to pack our lunch boxes and get back to work on Monday.”
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