By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
SUAMICO – The No. 3-ranked Bay Port football team will face its most difficult challenge to date when No. 10 Marquette (8-3) comes to town Friday, Nov. 8, for a WIAA Level 3 Division 1 playoff game.
The Hilltoppers are coming off a 55-6 victory over Milwaukee Marshall in Level 2.
“It’s big-boy football now,” said Bay Port head coach Gary Westerman after his team’s victory in Level 2 against Green Bay Preble. “Our senior class is ready. It’s 1-0 football now.”
Level 3 of the playoffs has not been kind to the Pirates recently.
Bay Port has fallen in Level 3 the past three seasons.
“They’re going to be focused on playing this team,” Westerman said. “We don’t ever think about years past. Certainly, you want to get the job done and execute when it matters and be healthy. We’re getting healthy in a couple of positions, and that’s going to help us. We’re excited to play Marquette.”
The Pirates’ are scoring 51.6 points per game and giving up 4.8.
The majority of the points surrendered have come against the team’s second unit.
Bay Port running back Isaiah Gash rushed for 316 yards and four touchdowns in Level 2.
After losing the first three games of the season to Muskego, Brookfield East and Menomonee Falls, respectively, the Hilltoppers have rattled off eight consecutive wins.
Marquette is averaging 30 points a game and giving up 11.6.
Quarterback Matt McDevitt has thrown for 1,658 yards with 16 touchdowns in the Hilltoppers’ spread offense.
Alonzo Silva leads the rushing attack with 829 yards and 10 scores.
McDevitt’s favorite target has been Jake Novotny, who has caught 31 balls for 581 yards with seven touchdowns.
Four Marquette players have 200 or more yards receiving.