By Adam Rutz and Mike Pueschner
Success is a word that Newman Catholic football has been used to lately, and a lot of that is credited to the hard work put in by Paul Michlig , his coaching staff, and most importantly his players. Michlig, a proud graduate of Newman in 1996, came back to his Alma-mater to coach. He has turned the program around and the outlook for the future is promising. Led by a very strong running game, the Cardinals are expecting to contend for a conference title again this season.
Leadership is very important with this year's team, and having 14 seniors is a big help to that. The entire team, freshman through seniors, is very close. The team chemistry is what builds momentum going into each week. Though the team lost the first week to the #1 ranked team in the state, Gilman, they rebounded in week two against Abbotsford with a 17-0 win. They had a tough loss to Owen-Withee last week; however they are still hoping to get to the postseason.
“We want to play competitively every game, make the playoffs, and try to get the first playoff win in school history.” Michlig said, when asked about his goals for this year’s team. The Cardinals have a good chance of getting that win with this year's team because they have so much experience from the previous two seasons. Though they had a tough time in the past, we're hoping the third times the charm.
“We want to play competitively every game, make the playoffs, and try to get the first playoff win in school history.” Michlig said, when asked about his goals for this year’s team. The Cardinals have a good chance of getting that win with this year's team because they have so much experience from the previous two seasons. Though they had a tough time in the past, we're hoping the third times the charm.
Senior quarterback Andrew Wilke says that this year the team has more chemistry than he has seen in the past. "We have a more consistent passing game than last year, as well as more running backs that will get to see more time," said Wilke. The offense lost six starters and the core of their offensive line from last year, but is rebuilding and very explosive again. They have a very fast backfield, to go along with a deep staff of wide receivers, so it gives the team plenty of options going into each week.
On the defensive side, the Cards lost quite a few starters as well from last year's 7-3 team, but the new starters are playing well and making the Newman squad tough on both sides of the ball. Senior linebacker Adam Heis, however, is one of the returning defensive players and he says they have big expectations going for the remainder of the season. “We have a lot of experience back on this year’s team. Our main goal right now is to play hard, win games, and get to the playoffs,” said Heis.
The Cardinals have to go at least 5-4 to qualify for the playoffs, and with a record of 1-2 after week 3, they still have a very realistic shot of getting to the postseason. In 2008, they clinched the first playoff berth in school history since joining the WIAA in 2000. Now that getting to the postseason has been accomplished, getting the first playoff victory is next on the list. With all of the talent on this year's team, there is no question this could be the year the Cards get the job done in the playoffs.
Right now, they are taking things one game at a time, and focusing on what they need to do as a team and not getting ahead of themselves. They played at Loyal last week, winning 55-12.Next they are back at home for the Homecoming game against
