“This Is Our Game:” Hawks Beat Trojans

By Shellie Rodriguez, Staff Writer

Photos By Terrence Hespel and Shellie Rodriguez

The Indian Trail Hawks trounced the Tremper Trojans 49-35 at Indian Trail High School & Academy’s first home varsity football game Friday at Charles Jaskwich Stadium. The Hawk’s first varsity win signaled their move to break into a long-running two party football grudge match between Bradford’s Devils and Tremper’s Trojans, bringing the Kenosha Three into a three-way tie for second in the Southeastern standings, according to the Wisconsin Sports Network.

“This is our game,” said Kevin Snowden, No. 5 on the team, while patting his teammates on the back during the third quarter.

It was indeed their game. With the Trojans failing several field goal kicks and reverting mostly to two-point conversions to make up for it, the Hawks played heavily both offensively and defensively while simultaneously revving up the stadium.

Rising Above

“The whole line did a great job today,” said Coach Mike McKay. “Our line coach, Jon Otto did a tremendous job making adjustments. It just kind of clicked for us today.”

As the game opened with a foul then re-tried with a deep kickoff by the Trojans, the Hawks returned to meet them at the 40-yard line for a first down. By the end of the first quarter, Hawks began to pull away from the Trojans with a two-touchdown lead; 14-0. As the second quarter drew to a close, the score tied 14-14 before the Hawks finally pushed through for their 49-35 victory.

A huge score by Quarterback Zach Gianakos, No. 7, launched the Hawks to their final score of 49 during the fourth quarter. Unable to pass the ball and seconds before being sacked, he maneuvered through Tremper’s defensive line and ran the 43 yards to score a much needed touchdown for Indian Trail.

“It felt great to finally break through the line and score a touchdown,” said Gianakos.

In addition of several great plays by Gianakos and No. 22 running back Andrew Jazdzewski, Kier Pouncy was also a big player that night, with the No. 1 literally ‘pouncing’ on the opposition as he played defensive back. The line backers of the night also played admirably, frequently covering the backs of the quarterbacks and receivers when it mattered the most, securing their positions as the jack-of-all-trades. Injuries were slight, most to the lower body and legs, with two to Tremper and one to Indian Trail.

The Fan Base

Unexpected was the appearance of Tremper’s Junior Varsity team along with several other fans of the Trojans dressed up as ‘Hawk Hunters.’ Clad in camouflage and bright orange attire, they trumpeted on duck calls and carried around a hunter orange flag with a camouflage ‘T’ in the middle and a huge papier-mâché hawk. They accumulated some anger for the Blacked-Out Hawk Fans.

“I was pretty ticked,” commented fan Trever Arnold on the ‘Hawk Hunters. “But I think that we got in their heads during the game so they stayed quiet.”

With thunder sticks provided to the first 500 Hawk fans through the gates, the air was alive with noise from both fans and sticks alike. The stadium roared with creative, fan-generated cheers that urged some players unable to play that night to take the field as Tremper began to falter. Friendly jeers about how Tremper’s fans were quiet coupled with the repetition of cheerleader chants, even when the girls didn’t start them. The fans ignored the bad weather and the bleachers were packed.

“I don’t think the weather is going to impact the team,” Arnold said before the game. “But I hope it affects Tremper.”

Also in the stands to support their fellow players and classmates were the Junior Varsity Indian Trail Team.

“We’re here to root them on and support our teammates,” said JV player Wesley Holley.

Brisk, rainy weather during the afternoon chilled the halftime performers, but did not discourage them to perform routines for the fans. Both the Cheerleaders and the Indian Trail Hawkettes Dance Team took the turf for their routines that got the crowd going.

The boys did some celebrating after the game, complete with huge leaping chest bumps, hugs with the coaches, and loud proclamations of Hawk Pride.

“The kids played their hearts out. The ball bounced our way finally; we worked hard for it,” Defensive Line Coach Kevin Aronin said.