Brillion Looks to Get Back to State Title Game

For the sixth time in eight years, the Brillion Lions are among the final four and preparing to play in the state semifinals.

10-1 Brillion takes on the top-ranked team in Division 5 on Saturday,  11-0 Lancaster.

Brillion and Lancaster have combined to win five gold balls since 2003.

So what's it taken for Brillion  to get back to this point?

"It's really taken a lot of camaraderie for our team," said senior QB/CB Sam Parker Thursday.  "Off- season work, and just working together all the time."

"It's a testament to the work-ethic of our kids," said Head Coach Pete Kittel.  "These guys have done a great job all year continuing to improve, which I think is one of the keys to trying to get to this level.  They haven't quit practicing, they haven't quit working and breaking things down.  Each week we have gotten a little bit better and that's why we are in this situation."

So why is it that teams like Brillion and Lancaster are always around to play in important postseason games late in the season?  Kittel says a big key is consistency, but he has another theory as well.

"If you get a few years where you go into the playoffs, your kids get a lot of practice," added Kittel.  "Those young kids get the opportunity to practice.  We have 19 seniors.  I think this is their 13^th extra game since they've been sophomores."

The current seniors were sophomores the last time Brillion took on the State Championship.  Now they are hoping all the practice pays off.

"It would mean everything," Parker said.  "I don't want to let it slip."