Offense sputters as G-E-T overpowered by West Salem rushing attack


            G-E-T senior quarterback Justice Vaaler dives forward in the second half of the Red Hawks' season opening game against West Salem on Friday.            (Times photograph by Ben Pierce)

Galesville-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School football coach Jeff Wiseman has spent the last month implementing a new offense for the Red Hawks, urging attention to detail and focus at team practices.

In the team’s season opener against West Salem on Friday, a 48-0 home loss, the Red Hawks showed they are still feeling out the new offensive approach.

On the team’s opening drive, the offense sputtered in a three-and-out. A short punt was followed by a touchdown run for the Panthers on their first play of offense by Brett McConkey.

Looking for a quick answer, G-E-T’s offense suffered its second straight three-and-out on the next drive. The punt was blocked by West Salem, and junior Luke Noel scored a touchdown — one of four on the day — from three yards out to make it 14-0.

West Salem never looked back.

“Obviously there were some struggles offensively, and I have to be held accountable for that because I’m the one that changed the offense,” Wiseman said.

West Salem built a 35-0 lead at halftime. With about two minutes to go in the first and looking for a spark, G-E-T got a long kick return to the 45-yard line. It was followed by an interception.

The Red Hawks finished with 84 yards of total offense. Starting quarterback Justice Vaaler finished 6-of-11 for 39 yards, and junior fullback Nate Schindler led the team in rushing with 18 yards on four carries.

Wiseman said he was happy to see his team didn’t quit despite the score, and he specifically credited Schindler for having a strong game on both sides of the ball.

“He played really hard for us,” Wiseman said.

The first-year coach said West Salem is a good football team, and watching the film will help the coaches and players zero in on areas to improve. Offense will be a key, but allowing 250 yards and seven touchdowns to Panther rushers will also likely be a focus.

“They made plays, and we didn’t,” Wiseman said, “And we have to continue to work to get better.”

The Red Hawks will look to make adjustments ahead of their next game Friday at home against Baldwin/Woodville at 7 p.m. B-W is coming off of a 17-6 win over Sparta.

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