Port football activates cruise control again

For the second straight week, the Port Washington High School football team played the role of Freddy Krueger in their opponent’s dream.

Last Friday, the Pirates built a 40-0 lead over visiting Luxemburg-Casco and won, 47-13, in a second-round Division 3 playoff game.

“We were clicking on all cylinders. That was a good football team. They were 7-3,” coach John Bunyan said. “For us to come out strong like that, I was really excited for our guys. The preparation was really good.”

After wide receive Aedyn Brownmiller dominated the first playoff game with 108 yards and three scores in a 51-7 win over South Milwaukee, it was Kade Kintop’s turn this time. The senior had nine grabs for 121 yards. He also made two interceptions and returned both for a touchdown, although one was called back due to a penalty.

“I think the playoffs are just a flip in mindset. Every senior and player are fighting for the same thing — the chance to play one more game so you got to give it everything you got,” Kintop said.

Kiya Sullivan caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown. Brownmiller caught two for four yards and a score. Mason Schwanz caught a five-yard score and Eyob Sullivan caught a 55-yard pass.

“We knew that we had to take care of business off the bat so we just did what we said we were gonna do at practice and before game,” Kiya Sullivan said.

Quarterback Jack Bunyan went 17-for-28 for 232 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, and he ran for a score.

Schwanz ran 14 times for 68 yards and a score. Max Zillman ran three times for 33 yards and a touchdown.

The defense didn’t allow a score until the starters were pulled in the third quarter. Port led, 28-0, at halftime. Jackson Hatfield recovered a fumble.

“It’s mainly how our offense is working,” linebacker Austin Knapp said. “They bring the intensity on the first offensive drive and that bleeds over into the defense. After that we just work the whole game.”

Sets up rematch with league rival

Top-seeded and undefeated Port hosts No. 3-seeded Plymouth (9-2) on Friday. The Panthers handed No. 2 Winneconne their first loss of the season, 35-23, last Friday.

Port beat Plymouth, 42-34, in a wild game in Port on Oct. 9. The Panthers took a 14-0 lead before the Pirates roared back. Plymouth scored a last-second touchdown, but the Pirates recovered the onside kick.

“I believe we are ready for them,” Knapp said. “We knew it was going to be tough going in the first game but now that we played them once we are ready for what they will run against us.”

Plymouth is led by Cole Kuhn, who has 1,684 yards and 28 touchdowns on 225 carries. Quarterback Auggie Eigenberger has gone 89-for-129 passing for 1,124 yards with 11 scores and four interceptions.

Port relies on its air raid. Bunyan has gone 181-for-287 passing for 3,243 yards with 40 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Kintop has 63 catches for 1,236 yards and 12 scores. Brownmiller has 40 catches for 890 yards and 14 scores, and Kiya Sullivan has 34 grabs for 643 yards and nine touchdowns.

Coach Bunyan said his starters won’t be pulled early this week.

“I guarantee we’ll play a full game this Friday,” he said. “They’re a good team. Obviously, Kuhn is really strong. Auggie their QB is really athletic avoiding sacks and making plays with his feet. They’re very sound defensively. We’ve gotta play hard-nosed football.”