A charge to the system

Setting aside the potent running game Sussex Hamilton head football coach John Damato has at his disposal, Friday's 38-21 thrashing of Brookfield Central will forever be the "pick three game" for senior defensive back Jake Knueppel.

Knueppel got Hamilton pointed in the right direction on the first series of the night when the Lancers (2-1, 1-1 in the Greater Metro Conference) were on the move. He intercepted a pass from junior Riley Richarz and raced 95 yards for a touchdown, the first of five on the night for the hosts at Stan Grove Field. He finished with three interceptions.

Grove, the former football coach at Hamilton for whom the field is named, couldn't fathom three interceptions on this day, or if it ever happened at Hamilton (3-0, 2-0).

"I'm pretty sure it hasn't happened in one game and positive it didn't happen with a 95-yard return for a score," Grove said. "He had a heck of a night."

Junior Drew Patterson had four touchdowns in the game, rushing 16 times for 129 yards. He caught just one pass, but it was a big one, a 47-yard touchdown late in the first half.

Taking control

The Chargers were ahead heading into the fourth quarter, 38-7, and took control of the GMC title chase in resounding fashion.

Brookfield Central got touchdowns in the fourth quarter from junior Jake Knetter and senior Marcus Crum.

Knueppel's eyes got wide once his buddy, senior Joe Michaelson, took care of business.

"Last week I had an interception but got tackled when I tried to go down the sideline," Knueppel said. "Tonight I followed Joe, who rocked a guy up the middle. After he made that block, I knew I had a chance for a touchdown if I didn't run out of gas."

Keeping the belief

Junior Damario Harris scored the Lancers' other touchdown, a 21-yard run up the middle on 4th and 2 in the second quarter.

Tackling leaders for the Lancers included Chikwe Obasih, Dan Sorenson and Austin Vanark, who recovered a fumble late in the third quarter.

The Lancers host Milwaukee Marquette Friday before a crosstown battle with Brookfield East Sept. 21.

"Our kids have shown a lot of heart and they did again tonight after falling behind," Brookfield Central coach Jamie Meulemans said. "I believe in these kids. Now moving forward they've got to get the mental aspect going along, too."