The Green Bay Preble High School football program has not tasted the playoffs since the 2019 season, a drought that stretches longer than three decades. The Hornets' last appearance came in 1989, and the intervening years have been marked by near‑misses and rebuilding attempts. This fall, however, the team is riding a wave of optimism as a new generation of seniors seeks to rewrite the narrative.
A Turnaround Built on Experience
At the helm of the revival is third‑year head coach Brad Boockmeier, who took over the program when it was mired in consecutive losing seasons and the added uncertainty of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Boockmeier’s early tenure was defined by trial and error, but the current roster appears to have found a rhythm that could finally break the postseason barrier.
The offense has been propelled by senior quarterback Harrison Selk, whose arm strength and poise have produced a string of record‑setting performances. In a season‑opening victory, Selk threw for 373 yards, establishing a new school mark, and added 14 touchdowns to his tally. Wide receiver Tyler Cleven has complemented the passing attack with three touchdowns in the same game, while running back Prince Gage has emerged as a reliable ground‑gain option, racking up 102 yards on 24 carries.
The early win over West Bend West, a 40‑37 thriller, stands as the most impressive triumph since the 2019 playoff team, underscoring the Hornets’ ability to compete with traditionally stronger opponents. Coach Boockmeier has emphasized that complacency is the enemy, urging his squad to stay focused as they prepare for upcoming battles against Bay Port and West De Pere.
With a 4‑5 record a year ago and losses to Pulaski and Ashwaubenon that knocked the team out of playoff contention, the Hornets are acutely aware of the stakes. Their schedule over the final two weeks will be a litmus test, but the players and coaching staff remain convinced that the foundation they have built can sustain a return to the postseason.
The senior class brings a blend of talent and leadership that has been missing in recent years. Their collective experience on the field, combined with Boockmeier’s evolving game plan, creates a scenario where the Hornets can finally translate early success into a sustained push for the playoffs.