SUAMICO – Another year and another instant classic between the Bay Port and West De Pere football teams.
In a game that came down to the wire once again, the Phantoms turned back the Pirates for the third consecutive season – this time, with a 33-27 Fox River Classic Conference (FRCC) victory on Oct. 2 at Bay Port High School.
Clinging to the six-point lead late in the game, West De Pere (7-0 overall, 5-0 FRCC) stopped the Pirates (6-1, 4-1) on the final play of the game near midfield to secure the victory.
Bay Port came into the contest ranked No. 2 in the latest Division 1 state polls, while the Phantoms came in at No. 4.
“Every year, we play a tight game against Bay Port,” West De Pere Coach Kegan Wirtz said. “Both teams probably come into this game every season knowing it’s going to be a fourth-quarter battle. If you’re a casual football fan, I’d be circling this game every year on my calendar.”
The Phantoms jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead halfway through the first quarter when quarterback Andrew Greisen found Braylon Stegall with a short touchdown pass and a Kainan Strong one-yard score.
Kicker Maverick Lor added both extra points.
After another Phantoms’ TD was called back due to a penalty, Lor booted a 44-yard field goal early in the second quarter for a 17-0 lead.
Lor added another field goal – this one from 42 yards – with just over four minutes remaining before halftime to make it 20-0.
The Pirates finally got on the board late in the half when Jackson Smith took one in from 29 yards out.
After Henry Montanye’s extra point, West De Pere led 20-7.
Twelve seconds before half, Lor missed a 38-yard attempt to keep the score the same.
After both teams traded scores in the third quarter, West De Pere took a 27-14 lead into the final 12 minutes of play.
After Bay Port scored to cut the deficit to 33-27 late in the game, the Pirates recovered the ensuing onside kick to give themselves a chance.
The Phantoms snuffed out the Pirates to get the ball back, only to see Bay Port force a three-and-out with 43 seconds remaining.
Starting from their own 16-yard line, the Pirates’ last-ditch effort came up short, sending the West De Pere faithful home happy.
Bay Port outgained the Phantoms in total offense, 485-436.
Strong had a pair of TDs for West De Pere, while Parker Diedrich added one.
All of the Pirates’ TDs came through the air, with Bray Babich throwing three, and Braydon Maney adding one.
Owen Sartorelli hauled in a pair of TD receptions, and Jackson Otradovec added one for Bay Port.
On the night, Maney and Babich combined for 359 yards passing but were also picked off twice.
Greisen was 19 of 28 for 239 yards passing and was intercepted once.
Strong led all rushers with 117 yards on 26 carries.
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