August 19, 2021 – West Bend, WI – The Kewaskum defense forced five turnovers and senior Maxwell Melzer scored four touchdowns as the Indians downed West Bend West 38-16
It was a game decided by defense, even in the very beginning as after just two plays from scrimmage Kewaskum fumbled the ball and West Bend West recovered. The Spartans did force another fumble later, but it was really the Indians who capitalized on the Spartans mistakes recovering three Spartan fumbles in the first half.
The Indians were able to translate opportunities into points as senior quarterback Matthew Bueche opened the scoring with a rushing touchdown midway through the first quarter.
Senior Maxwell Melzer also got the first of three rushing touchdowns, beginning what would be a monster day for him to put the Indians ahead 16-0.
The Spartans got several unlucky breaks on offense as fumbles came when they were driving down the field, including one by sophomore wide receiver Cameron McAndrews that was recovered on Kewaskum’s 4-yard line.
The Spartans did get a safety off a botched punt snap to trail 16-2 at halftime. However, the Indians really put the defensive pressure on in the second half and got two interceptions for touchdowns, one by Melzer, the other by senior Gavin Schwantz.
Despite the offensive struggles Spartans junior quarterback Johnny Daley was able to throw two touchdown passes, one to McAndrews and the other to junior Nolan Wulf. These signs of life in the second half were not enough to overcome the Indians established lead, and the Spartans fell 38-16.
Postgame Melzer was humble about his performance, putting the praise primarily on his teammates. Melzer made clear the mission this year is, “to get this team a conference title.” Melzer also gave a special thank you to his father. “He has really helped me, always pushing me to do great things at school, on the football and having me help out at the family farm.”
West Bend West (0-1) will play its next game on the road in a non-conference match against Fort Atkinson on Friday August 27 at 7 p.m.
Kewaskum (1-0) will return home to play Campbellsport in its next game, a non-conference match on August 27 at 7 p.m.