SHAWANO, WI- The Shawano Hawks have winless Seymour standing between them and a likely playoff birth.

The Shawano Hawks entered the season with high hopes of continuing their playoff streak and taking the program to new heights, but things have not fully worked out for the Hawks. Shawano dealt with injuries and younger guys in key positions and fought their way to a 2-6 mark with one week to go. After losing their first 5 games, the Hawks have won 2 of the last 3 and have found a little more offensive rhythm in their passing game with the emerging of Sophomore Quarterback Jerzy Brocker who has thrown for 1300 yards. Senior Ashton Henning has become a threat in the passing game and Senior Michael Metcalf Grassman, who started the season at quarterback has become a threat as receiver, a threat in the secondary as well as on special teams. The Hawks have given up a lot of points on defense, but they have made up for it with special teams and forced turnovers in the two games that they did win.

Seymour has struggled with their young team this year. Jason Bins takes over for long-time coach Matt Molle. This year’s team has struggled putting points on the board, and have been outscored by opponents 360-57. The Thunder have been keeping the ball on the ground for most of the season and have had multiple players in the quarterback position. Prior to last week, Seymour was shutout twice and only scored one touchdown in each of the other games.

Shawano scored 22 unanswered points and topped New London 22-6 to keep their playoff hopes alive. The game started with a surprise onside kick that New London recovered and turned it into their only score of the game a few plays later on a short touchdown run. Jerzy Brocker connected with Ashton Henning twice and Michael Metcalf-Grassman returned an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

For the first time this season, Seymour scored more than one touchdown in a game. The Thunder’s offense started to roll in a 36-23 loss to Waupaca. Regardless of the outcome, this will be Seymour’s last game this season.

Seymour leads the all-time series 15-6 over Shawano. The Hawks have won the last four meetings.  Prior to that they only won twice between 2002-2018 where Seymour outscored Shawano 582-219.