1st-time football player scores game-winning points for Cedarburg in Friday night playoff game

 

CEDARBURG, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Cedarburg high school senior, who grew up across the pond playing soccer, figured he'd give football a try. And Cedarburg's glad he did, after making the winning game points Friday night, advancing the team a little closer to the state championship.

Visitors' bleachers were packed at Homestead High School in Mequon, and there's a reason why. It didn't take much to get Bulldogs fans to travel to see their team in Mequon Friday night. 

"We finished second in our conference, second to Homestead. They beat us and so it was a chance for us to get a win against them," said Cedarburg high school football head coach Brian Leair. 

And the win Friday night came down a real nail-biter, with a kick in the last 11 seconds. 

"Obviously a big pressure situation," said Leair. 

Dan Gill's kick at 30 yards was good, but the referee made him do it again because a foul was called on Homestead. That gave Cedarburg five yards, so Gill had to try it again. He was motivated and stayed focused. 

"So, we definitely wanted to get back and take revenge for what they did to us at our place," said Gill.

This year's level two high school football playoffs pitted rivals Cedarburg against Homestead, and it was a lot of back and forth.

"If you can be playing high school football in November, it's pretty exciting and special, and we feel really fortunate to be playing at this time," said Leair.

Cedarburg started strong but lost their grip after halftime. The Bulldogs fought back and had a string of solid plays. 

"And then we were on the 30-yard line, and we were fourth down and eight with 11 seconds to go," said Gill.

The team's practicing hard now for their next game with Dan Gill. He's a senior and a first timer on a football team, but kicking's something that comes naturally.

Gill grew up in the U.K. playing soccer and has only been in the U.S. one year.

"It was my senior year and I just wanted to experience true American-like culture and give high school football a go, and play under the famous Friday night lights," said Gill.

This upcoming Friday night's going to be a good one. Third seed Cedarburg's playing first seed Kaukana in the level three playoffs.