The Wauwatosa Spartans of the Ironman Football League fell just short of another Iron Bowl berth on Sunday night, falling to the Burlington Blue Devils, 26-20, at Ameche Field in Kenosha.
It was the second year in a row these two teams faced each other in the American Conference Championship game, with the Spartans winning last season. But four turnovers proved to be the difference this time around.
Things seemingly started well for the Spartans as they found the end zone early, only to have the play reversed on a questionable penalty. On the next play, wide receiver Ric Levy injured his shoulder and wasn't able to return - leaving the Spartans without one of their biggest offensive threats.
However, the Spartans still scored first when quarterback Tony Henner found wide receiver Raymon Porchia for a 50-yard run and catch and a 6-0 lead after a blocked extra point.
The Blue Devils answered with a touchdown of their own through the air, when quarterback Warren Arnold found wide receiver Kevin Barrett, making it 7-6. On the next drive, the Spartans regained the lead when wide receiver Greg Rebella hauled in a touchdown pass from Henner, making it 13-6 at halftime.
The second half got sloppy for the Spartans as they had four turnovers - two fumbles and two interceptions. The Blue Devils scored 20 unanswered points off those turnovers and took a 26-13 lead, before Henner scrambled for a 10-yard touchdown run to pull within 26-20 with two minutes remaining. However, the onside kick attempt was recovered by the Blue Devils, who were able to manage a first down, and then run out the clock for the win.
"It was a long season, and we didn't accomplish the goals we set for ourselves, but we'll start planning for next season already in the coming weeks," said Luke Kujath, left tackle and owner. "Our first priority will be to fill the vacated head coaching position, along with bringing on a full complement off assistant coaches that we feel will be able to put players in a position to win. We're currently accepting applications and encourage anyone interested to contact the team for more information."
The Spartans finish the season 7-5. The Blue Devils (10-1) advance to Iron Bowl XIV where they face the two-time defending champion and nationally ranked Madison Mustangs (11-0) on Saturday night at Hart Park in Wauwatosa. The Mustangs easily dispatched the Muskego Hitmen in the NFC Championship game, 47-7, to advance.
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