As far as Homecoming games go, this one is about as big as it gets.
First place in the Eastern Valley Conference will be on the line Friday, Sept. 23, as the Waupaca Comets host Appleton Xavier at 7 p.m. at Haberkorn Field.
Both teams are 4-0 in the EVC. The Comets knocked off Little Chute 35-12 Friday, Sept. 16, while Xavier defeated Winneconne 38-7.
“We look forward to Homecoming and the festivities, but we still have to remember that our primary objective is to play well Friday night,” coach John Koronkiewicz said.
The Hawks handed Waupaca its only two losses in 2010 in the season opener and in the second round of the playoffs.
“Xavier has a great program, we have a great program and we’ve gone head-to-head the last several years now,” Koronkiewicz said. “It should be a great game. Hopefully, the weather cooperates and we’ll have a big crowd.”
The Comets led 14-0 at halftime at Little Chute, but the defense helped seal the win late in the game.
Beau Ash scored from 8 yards out with 4:38 remaining in the first quarter and Aaron Gooch added a 6-yard TD run 47 seconds into the second quarter.
Sam Menzies made it 21-0 with a 3-yard run with 2:57 remaining in the third quarter, but Mitch Ciske tossed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jon Van Grinsven on the final play of the quarter to cut the lead to 21-6.
The Comet defense took over in the fourth quarter. Seth Deuman recovered Ciske’s fumble and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown with 4:32 remaining in the game. Little Chute fumbled on its next possession and Ash scored from 7 yards out with 2:17 to go.
Jed Albers threw a 12-yard pass to Chet Peerenboom for the game’s final score.
The Comets outgained the Mustangs 217-29 on the ground, with Ash leading the way with 111 yards. Little Chute had a 176-96 advantage through the air.