BROWN COUNTY, Wis. — Wisconsin high school football is officially back. The first day of practice was Tuesday and athletes are back on the gridiron to prepare for their upcoming seasons.
What You Need To Know
First day of practice was Tuesday, Aug. 5
Football scrimmages can begin Aug. 13, with games starting as early as Aug. 21
Bay Port won its first WIAA State Championship in program history in 2024
West De Pere lost in the state semifinals to Rice Lake in 2024
The Bay Port Pirates are the defending WIAA DI state champions, but they are not resting on their laurels. Pirates senior quarterback Matt Stevens said he’s liked what he has seen over the summer and into day one and wants to continue to better himself as the season goes on.
(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)
“Just working on my footwork, helping the guys out if they need it on details or something if they don’t know a play,” said Stevens. “Just leading them. I try to be vocal. If they mess up, I’ll let them know, but I’ll tell them if they do good also.”
Pirates Head Coach Steven Jorgensen is in his second year at the helm of the Pirates football program. He said he has no interest of being a one-hit wonder. He is focusing on the process of growing, becoming connected and working hard.
(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)
“We’re excited. We’re fired up. Our kids have worked all year long since the week after the state championship where they were back in the weight room,” said Jorgensen. “They’re excited to get after it here today and there’s energy and guys ready to get going this season.”
Not far down south on I-41, the West De Pere football team is working to reach similar heights to that of Bay Port after losing in the state semifinals last season. Phantoms senior linebacker Laliwa Delgado moved from Bay Port to De Pere his sophomore year. He said he wants to take it all in for his last ride.
(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)
“It means a lot. I started late in eighth grade and that was probably the best decision I’ve made in my life to play football,” said Delgado. “It’s been a great time, nothing better than being out on the gridiron.”
Phantoms Head Coach Chris Greisen is emphasizing the little things early on. He said there is a lot to like about football in Wisconsin.
“It seems like it’s been a long time since we’ve been out here, but this is what we all enjoy and love playing football and getting ready for games,” said Greisen. “I know games are always great to go do, but to me the preparation is really awesome.”
(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)
Football scrimmages can begin Aug. 13, with games starting as early as Aug. 21.