Week 8 of the high school football season presents a significant matchup in the North Shore Conference. Slinger (6-1, 5-0 NSC) travels to Homestead (7-0, 5-0 NSC) Friday night, October 10.

There are some fond memories of this game for the Owls from last year. It included a 22-21 win one year ago in the regular season, on October 10 at Slinger High School. The Highlanders scored with 1:39 remaining in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Tommy O'Hagan's 7-yard touchdown throw to Jonah Wenzler gave Homestead a 21-14 lead. 

"There were many moments last year, including the Homestead game with the touchdown run at the end and the two-point conversion, where we played so well together," Owls' Head Football Coach Bill Jacklin recalled. "It showed the kind of confidence the kids had and how important it will be again this season for us."

Slinger showed plenty of swagger with a game-winning drive, which was capped off by quarterback Michael Thiede's 2-yard touchdown run. The Owls showed more bravado by going for the win with a two-point conversion, instead of the extra point - which would have tied the score. Lucas Sonn's complete pass to Chase Leverance in the end zone converted the two-point conversion and sealed the win.     

The last time Homestead defeated Slinger was September 1, 2023. Thiede connected with Mark Leidel on a 15-yard touchdown pass for Slinger, with 5:36 remaining in the game. It cut into the Highlanders' lead, but it wasn't enough. Homestead held on for a 24-21 win. 

Homestead Head Football Coach Drake Zortman says the line play determines their success.

"It all starts up front for us. Our largest area of experience coming back was our offensive line. We have some three-year guys, couple of two-year guys and their experience has carried us. Our running backs are leaning on those guys."

And confidence doesn't hurt either.