Football

Under the “Friday Night Lights” at the Wauwatosa West football field, Tosa West defeated Tosa East 48-0 on October 7th, 2022. 

Playing football under the Friday Night Lights brings happiness to everyone involved.

“It’s quite exciting, especially the past couple years we couldn’t really play East. So being able to play them this year is going to be really exciting. Because last time we played them, I was a freshman and I wasn’t on the field at that time. It’s going to be amazing” said senior Connor Radaj.

Before a home football game, the energy is high among the players and coaches. Two hours before the game, the football team runs through padless play drills in the school learning center. 

Each individual player also has their own traditions and preparations. 

“Before each game, I like to blast some Chief Keef and hit my head on a few things” said junior safety and quarterback Ben Kortbein. 

Kortbein also shared his predictions on the game and his excitement to play cross town rivals Tosa East.

“Playing against East feels good. There’s a lot of excitement around the game. There’s going to be a lot of people there, a lot of tickets have been sold, so it’s going to be really packed.” said Kortbein. 

The week leading up to the game, chatter on social media runs high. The student run “student section” Instagram pages for Tosa West (@tdubstudentsection) and Tosa East (@tosa.studentsec) engage their fans and individual football players also engage in the discussions. 

“There’s been a lot of talk on Instagram so I’m really excited to see West win by a lot. It’s going to be a very exciting game to be at, a very exciting game to play, and a very exciting game 

to watch.” said Kortbein

Junior Robert Zuege also felt the social media hype contributed to his excitement. 

“Playing East tonight feels really good. There was a lot of talk between both schools this whole week, so we’re going to show out for the fans.”

In order to prepare for all of that excitement and focus the energy on winning the game, the team has developed traditions to raise energy levels. 

“Clapping and banging our chests gets us really hype and ready for the game,” said junior lineman and tackle Noel Tabifor.

According to the Tosa West coaching staff, playing on a Friday night brings additional challenges.  

“We’re [the team] looking forward to this atmosphere. There will be a lot of people here and we want to make sure that we play a good football game for these fans.” said Tosa West Head Coach Ray Hubbard. 

One of his main concerns is the health of the players.

“I hope to play a clean game and hope everyone comes out injury-free and hopefully we come out on top,” said coach Ray Hubbard.

Hubbard makes sure that everyone is completing what needs to be completed, calling on a high level of patience often.  Hubbard acknowledged the lows, but also sang the player’s praises.

“It’s been a roller coaster of a season, but we’re in a good spot. I think we’re set up to finish the season strong and get into the playoffs and make something happen,” said Hubbard.

The football team relies on a number of student volunteers to provide additional support for the team.

Football manager Asia Thompson enjoys being a part of the atmosphere and helping the team. 

“It feels really good to be able to be around the team, especially since I’m a senior and this is my last year at West,” said Thompson.

At the end of the game, the score was West’s 48 to East’s 0. A victory for the Wauwatosa West Trojans against the crosstown rival. 

Following the victory, the appreciation between the coaches, fans, and players was evident. 

“I love this school and I love the team. I am glad we brought home a victory for West, especially against East,” said Junior Noel Tabifor.