WESTPHALIA — Senior quarterback Ty Thelen has been the engine to the Pewamo-Westphalia football program’s humming offense this season, helping lead the Pirates to an undefeated season and another CMAC and district title.
But in November 14th’s regional final against Ithaca, Thelen had a chance to be the spark to get P-W back over the hump. His performance against the Yellowjackets was the lit the match that ignited the Pirates’ 42-21 win, giving P-W its first regional title since 2021.
“We wanted to reset the standard after the past couple years not winning this game and we all just wanted to get it done,” Thelen said. “It’s really special for the community and seeing us getting back to our roots, we’re only just getting started. We have a lot of young guys, but I believe and trust in every single one of them.”
Thelen accounted for six total touchdowns against the Yellowjackets, scoring on runs of 24, 13 and 1-yard in the first half. Thelen saved the explosiveness for the second half, scoring two separate 80-yard touchdown run while also connecting with receiver Caleb Blyth on a 41-yard touchdown.
The big play ability Thelen showcased was impressive, but the timeliness was just as crucial. Thelen’s first long touchdown run came in the third quarter on the first play from scrimmage after Ithaca had tied the game at 21. Thelen’s second run, directly following a 4th and goal stop from the P-W defense, iced the game.
“Ty is our guy, and he did a great job of putting us on his back when we needed it and made some big plays for us tonight,” P-W coach Jeremy Miller said. “Our offensive line did a good job, but to have a player like (Thelen) be able to do that is special.
“It means a lot, and it’s been a few years so to get back here and win it, I’m really happy for these guys,” Miller added. “They’re really starting to believe i themselves and play a high level of football. We dealt with some adversity tonight, and I’m proud of the way they responded.”
P-W will face the winner of the Nov. 15 matchup between Menominee and Shelby next week in the Division 7 state semifinals. Location and time have yet to be determined.
Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on X @Nathaniel_Bott
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: On the back of Ty Thelen, P-W football resets the standard with regional title win
Reporting by Nathaniel Bott, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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