GMC Football Preview Week 4: Falls Begins Grueling Stretch at Hamilton

Here's a look at the football matchups in the Greater Metro Conference this week, beginning with Falls at Hamilton.

Menomonee Falls (4-1, 2-1) at Hamilton (4-1, 2-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday at

Last year: Hamilton defeated Falls 25-20.

Last week: ; .

Essentials: The Chargers survived the injury-related loss of star wingback Nick Patterson for at least one week, building a comfortable 21-3 lead over West Allis Hale in a 28-16 win. Nick Knoebel came through in his absence, with 137 yards rushing on eight carries and a 23-yard touchdown catch. Drew Patterson was the main threat, with 196 rushing yards. Hamilton is still ranked No. 11 in the state in Division 2 by the coaches. Falls closes the season with a brutal stretch — at Hamilton and at Marquette, a home game vs. West Allis Hale and another road game at Central. The Indians must win at least two of the four to lock up a playoff berth. Justin Johnson tops the team in rushing (245 yards, 4 TDs) and receiving (235 yards, 4 TDs).

On Patch: Matt Schroeder will produce a video highlight package for Patch. Follow @SussexPatch or @MenomoneePatch for updates.

AROUND THE GMC

Brookfield Central (3-2, 2-1) at Brookfield East (5-0, 3-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Thursday at (live on Channel 24)

Last year: East won 14-10 on a fourth-quarter score by John Lehman.

Last week: ; .

Essentials: It’s the My 24 Thursday Night Lights Game of the Week, and what a choice. East’s impenetrable defense — the Spartans have allowed just 13 points all year, and six came on a kickoff return by West Allis Central — against a Lancers offense averaging 39.3 points in three conference outings. Central is most certainly stung by last week’s 2OT loss to Marquette. East is brimming with confidence, and playing this one at home. “The defense played lights out tonight and had another shutout for us,” said running back Zach Schober after last week’s win. “On both sides of the ball, we were really clicking.” The Spartans are ranked No. 6 in the state in Division 2 by coaches, behind five powerhouses from the Madison area and upstate.

On Patch: Tim Prahl will cover the game. Follow him on Twitter @timprahl or also follow @BCLancersFB for updates.

Marquette (3-2, 2-1) at Wauwatosa East (1-4, 0-3)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday at

Last year: Marquette posted a 42-0 shutout over East.

Last week: ; .

Essentials: The Red Raiders are last in the league in scoring and have lost their starting quarterback, Kyle Vnuk, to a broken finger. The Hilltoppers’ Joe Greif, meanwhile, is fifth in the state in passing yardage. This is the second in a four-game Murderer’s Row for East — after losing to Brookfield East and now facing Marquette, the Red Raiders go to Sussex Hamilton and then host Brookfield Central. Follow @TosaEastBooster on Twitter for game updates.

West Allis Hale (1-4, 0-3) at West Allis Central (2-3, 1-2)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday at West Allis Central

Last year: Central dominated the crosstown contest, 42-6.

Last week: ; .

Essentials: Central would have to be considered the favorite by virtue of wins over Racine Horlick and Wauwatosa East, plus the fact that the Bulldogs are the only team to cross Brookfield East’s goal line all year. Brian Hoppe has six touchdown catches already. Hale has dropped four in a row and trailed 24-0 (Marquette) and 21-3 (Hamilton) in its last two games.

AROUND THE WEB

Check out this fantastic highlight reel produced by YouTube user SuperRyan149 from the Falls-West Allis Central game.

Plenty of cameras were on hand for the Brookfield Central-Marquette matchup at Hart Park. Here is FOX 6’s take, and another from WISN 12.

Highlights just not enough? Go back to Brookfield East’s 21-0 win over Menomonee Falls and catch the entire game streamed online, by Menomonee Falls Cable Access Channel 14

Look ahead to even more web video, Brookfield Central is home to the Fox Sports Prep Zone on Sept. 30, when the Lancers host West Allis Central. The game will be streamed live online. Highlights from previous games are also available.

All stats compiled from WisSports.net.