Football: Clippers Continue Building

Sturgeon Bay players go through a blocking drill during the Clippers’ Aug. 2 football practice. Photo by Kevin Boneske.

In the second consecutive season back in 11-player football, Sturgeon Bay is looking to improve on last year.

The Clippers finished the 2022 campaign 4-3 in the Packerland Conference – fourth in the eight-team league – and 5-5 overall, having made the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

“We had several players who were able to showcase their talents to the conference and get recognized with conference awards,” said Carl Waterstreet, who is back for his second season as head coach, with 28 returning players from last year’s roster and others joining the team this season.

Returning players who received All-Conference honors in 2022 include senior quarterback Danny Lodl, who made the Packerland’s second team at that position, despite seeing his season end early because of an ankle injury; and senior Mason Sacotte, who made the second team as a linebacker and is a running back on offense.

Other Clippers who made the All-Conference list last season include Brody Kollath (first-team offensive lineman), Bryce Plzak (second-team offensive end), Eli Schuster (second-team kicker), Patrick Haese (honorable-mention offensive end and defensive back), Caleb Plzak (honorable-mention defensive back) and Gannon Evers (honorable-mention defensive end).

The Clippers must replace All-Conference linebacker and running back David Zuehlke, who graduated.

Waterstreet said Sturgeon Bay’s current senior class is able to compete at a high level, with the number of returning players and others joining the team being a strength. He said the team’s goals this season include winning both the Packerland championship and a state title.

However, Waterstreet said he is concerned about the longevity of the football program with the low number of underclassmen. The Clippers will not play a full junior-varsity schedule this season.

“We have a lot of talented teams in the Packerland,” Waterstreet said. “It’s going to be a great year of watching the athletes battle it out and the coaching staffs try to outwit each other.”

Sturgeon Bay opens its season at home Aug. 18 with a nonconference game against Waupun. The Clippers begin their Packerland schedule at home Sept. 1 against Bonduel and will wrap up their nine-game regular season Oct. 13 with a conference contest at Southern Door.

2023 Clippers Football Schedule

All games start at 7 pm.

Aug. 18 Home vs. Waupun

Aug. 25 Away vs. Antigo

Sept. 1 Home vs. Bonduel

Sept. 8 Away vs. Marinette

Sept. 15 Home vs. Peshtigo

Sept. 22 Home vs. Oconto

Sept. 29 Away vs. Kewaunee

Oct. 5 Away vs. Mishicot

Oct. 13 Away vs. Southern Door