Numerous players expected to lead the way
By Dan Truttschel
Sports correspondent
In two weeks, Big Foot football coach Greg Enz has liked what he’s seen from his football team.
Now it’s time to put all that work on display when it truly counts.
Big Foot was 5-5 last year and advanced to the Division 4 playoffs, where they fell in the first round to River Valley.
“We have made very good improvements over the past two weeks,” Enz said. “Our success will hinge on our line play on both sides of the ball. If we can play consistently up front, we have the athletes from there to have a high degree of success.”
Big Foot tuned up for its opener last weekend with a four-team scrimmage that included Grafton, Cedarburg and South Milwaukee.
As always is the case in the early-going, there were some areas that Enz was pleased with – and others that need some work.
But that’s certainly not unusual.
“We fared better in some areas, and in others, not so well,” he said. “Our offense was able to consistently move the ball against all the teams. Defensively, we made some errors, but they were definitely correctable and less about lacking the ability to physically execute.”
Senior leaders
Enz, who is entering his fourth year with the Chiefs and 17th overall, will turn to a trio of seniors to lead the team – including his son, Jackson (quarterback, 6-1, 180), Danny Carpenter (defensive line, center, 5-9, 260) and Jose Mercado (linebacker, 5-10, 195).
Jackson Enz is coming off a dynamic junior campaign that saw him earn first-team All-Rock Valley Conference honors as a quarterback and punter. He also earned Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-State honorable mention recognition.
Enz, a North Dakota State University recruit, completed 177-of-330 passes last year for 2,167 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also led the Chiefs in rushing with 770 yards and 15 touchdowns.
In addition to that trio, Greg Enz said he’s seen leadership to this point from senior Connor Hessman (defensive end, offensive tackle, 6-2, 145), senior Ethan Rowland (offensive line, linebacker, 5-8, 180) and senior Aaron Carpenter (lineman, 5-9, 236).
“Our hope is that their words and actions are bringing all of our young men to a level where we value everyone on the team, where they create a culture in which all of them are a part of making a program,” Enz said.
“Lastly, they create ways to make each other the best they can be.”
Others expected to make an impact are seniors Pedro Sierra (receiver, 6-0, 170), Jack Heidenreich (receiver, 6-1, 150), Tucker Milligan (receiver, defensive back, 5-9, 141), Hunter Sharpe (receiver, defensive back, 5-81/2, 150), Austin Brongiel (receiver, cornerback, 5-9, 149) and Sam Ritchey (running back, linebacker, 5-7, 195); and juniors Aidan Greco (receiver, defensive back, 5-9, 152) and Logan Eischeid (quarterback, receiver, 6-3, 170).
Sierra was a first-team All-RVC pick after he led Big Foot with 46 receptions for 638 yards and seven touchdowns. Heidenreicher garnered second-team recognition, as he had 44 receptions for 516 yards and a touchdown.
Danny Carpenter and Milligan were named second-team and honorable mention, respectively.
Conference race
Enz said he expects the trio of Jefferson, Clinton and Beloit Turner to be among the teams to watch as the RVC race unfolds.
“You have to start with Jefferson (because of) coaching and (the) returners to the program,” he said. “Clinton’s semifinal (playoff) run last year gives them confidence along with a number of returners to their program. Beloit Turner has all the tools to be a great program, and (it’s) only a matter of time before they make that happen.”
As for the Chiefs? Enz said the goals remain the same for his squad.
“We want to compete for the conference title and feel that we can,” he said. “This will all be dependent upon consistent performances by all areas of the team. You can’t win conference titles due to just a few players.”
Editor’s note: Big Foot defeated Brodhead-Juda 47- 27 in the season opener Aug. 18. See the Aug. 25 Times/Reporter for coverage.
