The Homestead varsity football team is off to a fiery start this season, proudly embracing their position as first in the North Shore Conference. The Highlanders showed no signs of slowing down on Friday, September 19, as they dominated the West Bend East Suns with a commanding 56–14 victory. The win not only highlighted the team’s offensive power and defensive discipline but also extended their undefeated record to 5-0.
With five straight wins and the top spot in the conference, Homestead has quickly established themselves as a team to watch this season.
Drake Zortman, head coach, explained his feelings on the team’s success so far this season.
“Well, there is a long way to go. We’ve only played a handful of conference games. I think this year’s group does a really good job of worrying about one game at a time, one week at a time, and we’ll see how it shakes out at the end, “ Zortman said.
He also reflected on the pre-season preparation that set the tone for the season.
“I think the kids are off to a great start. I think a lot of the work that they put in in the off season is showing, and I’ve been really happy with where we’re at right now,” Zortman said.
This year has brought changes that have contributed to the team’s success, including new coaches and players. Zortman credited assistant coaches Andrew Kolstad and Al Moroder for making a strong impact since joining the staff.
“It’s always fun to try and fit the pieces together,” Zortman added.
From the players’ perspective, junior quarterback, Lee Zortman, emphasized the importance of focus and determination.
“It’s up to us to continue to strive in the ways we are now and tune out all the noise around us and play our game” L. Zortman explained.
The team carries that same mindset through its motto, GATA, ‘Great, and then again.’ It is a phrase that reminds players to push themselves beyond expectations every time they step on the field.
According to L. Zortman, the Highlanders share a simple ritual after warm ups that helps set the tone before kickoff.
“Following all of our warm ups, we will take a knee, touch a teammate, [and] say a prayer or take a moment to calm [our] nerves,” L. Zortman explained.
But pregame warm ups are not the only key to Homestead’s success. According to Brady Stammer, senior outside linebacker, the team’s chemistry can be described as solely perfect.
Beyond offense and defense, the Highlanders’ special teams have also been a key factor to their strong start. Sam Klink, junior kicker/punter, describes his purpose and goals when on the field.
“I try to impact the game as much as I can with our special teams. I have to strive to be consistent and put the team in great positions on both offense and defense,” Klink responded.
Luka Ivancevic, senior offensive lineman, echoed one the team’s messages from the coaching staff.
“Play fast, [and] overwhelm the other team,” Ivancevic emphasized.
L. Zortman added that the coaches constantly remind players about the bigger picture.
“Our coaches will emphasize the importance of getting better every week/every chance that we get, very heavily stressed on in this conference, we cannot take any weeks off no matter the opponent if we want to play 14 weeks,” L. Zortman added.
