The Homestead-Germantown rivalry has been a part of both of the school’s football programs for years, and this year is no different. With both the teams being early season contenders for the conference title, the football game on Fri., Sept. 11 at Homestead will provide for a very competitive match.

The Highlanders are coming off of two straight wins after the team fell short to the Arrowhead Warhawks. Since that first game, the team has stepped up its overall play.“The offensive line has stepped up our intensity since the game against Arrowhead. We were a little nervous starting the season, but now we are coming together and working as a team,” Chris Malicky, senior offensive tackle, said.

This year, the Highlanders have put Eric Zoeller, junior, under center to fill the quarterback position. Although this is his first season as the starter, he has proved to be a quick learner and has improved since the first game.

“I’ve been trying to mentally learn as much as I can. I try to ask Coach Zortman and Coach Keel as many questions as I can. I feel that the more I know, the more confident I’ll play, which will help make the team better as well,” Zoeller, said.

Both of the football programs are sitting on a 2-1 record with a 1-0 record in the North Shore Conference. Homestead is said to have the edge over the Warhawks due to being ranked the number 12 team in the state while Germantown is ranked at 29th.

Coach Drake Zortman, offensive coordinator, has been preparing the offense for a very tough Germantown defense this past week in practice. Although this is a regular season game, the excitement that comes with any Homestead-Germantown football game has the players even more determined to give it their all on the field come Friday night.

According to Coach Matt Wolf, defense coordinator, Germantown’s offense has changed up a few things from last year. They are playing with the quarterback in a pistol alignment, but have a nice balance of run and pass plays. This will incorporate every aspect of the Highlander defense in this match up.

This week in practice, Coach Zortman and Coach Wolf have been preparing the team as if it were any other game, but the players know the intensity that comes with the rivalry. Josh Mueller, senior, will be helping out both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball this Friday. This will provide both lines with a very talented and knowledgeable player.

“I expect that the boys will be well prepared and that they’ll work hard. So will the kids from Germantown, they’ll be ready too,” Coach Zortman said.

Every week, the Highlanders are playing for a win, but this week they want it just a little bit more. “Obviously, we hope to win the game. But in the long run, I hope that we get better every week and continue to grow as a team,” Mueller said.

Over the past two years, Homestead has defeated Germantown in their regular season showdown, and the team hopes to continue that trend. “It is a very important game for us. Any time you play a good team that knows you well, the results serve as a measuring stick for where you are at as a team. It will be a great game and I hope to see the student section packed!” Coach Wolf said.