Brookfield Central narrowly defeats Pewaukee with J.J. and Derek Watt in attendance

BROOKFIELD - After a short week of high temps and a lightning-delayed start, game readiness was a factor for both teams in a low-scoring 9-8 Brookfield Central win over Pewaukee on Thursday.

Senior backup quarterback Mason Medved had perhaps more of an excuse than most to zone out during the 40-minute delay, but opted to remain locked in. Despite a later kickoff and it being a day earlier game than the typical week, Medved knew he had to be ready in case his number was called.

"It did feel like gameday to me," Medved said. "(During the delay) I just listened to music and tried to stay out of my head. Came out and did what I had to do."

That call came to start the second half under center, as the Lancers sought to inject some life in a scuffling offense. A 26-yard reception by J'Kein Forney for a first-half fourth down conversion leading to a Ryan Caprez field goal was all the Lancers had mustered to that point. The defense had ensured that lead held until later in the third quarter, when senior Nick Borckmann's touchdown run of 14 yards put the Pirates ahead 8-3 after a subsequent two-point conversion.

Junior Bobby Kind returned the ensuing kickoff to near midfield, providing another chance for the Lancers offense. BC coach Joel Nellis praised the return game for setting up scoring opportunities. Special teams did have its share of miscues - with two missed field goals being particular lowlights - but Nellis said that unit's response was emblematic of his team fighting through to finish the win.

"We had great returns, both in punt and kickoff returns that changed the field position," Nellis said. "It’s easy in this game with a good opponent to kind of get down on yourself, and they responded which was nice to see."

On the ensuing drive just plays after giving up the lead, Medved led a drive capped by his own run of 12 yards to retake a 9-8 advantage late in the third quarter.

Forney, who led the Lancers with 99 yards on six carries, said the blocking by the boys up front was critical to retaking the lead.

"We’re always pulling for each other like family, so each play we’re blocking like it’s our family back there," Forney said. "It gives me a lot of confidence going forward. I feel like I can get a touchdown every single play."

Pewaukee drove deep into Brookfield territory late in the fourth before a fateful fumble on third-and-six around the red zone helped seal the nonconference win. BC's Thomas Bloom was in on the tackle, as Pewaukee's Dawson Farra spun and collided with a teammate and lost control of the ball. One more Forney run for a first down moved the Lancers to a 2-0 record, while dropping Pewaukee to 1-1 on the season.

Brookfield Central opens conference play next Friday at home against West Allis Central. Coach Nellis said stronger starts will be key to maintaining the momentum they have built so far.

"We need to be disciplined earlier in the game. We just need to continue to make plays, don’t put us in a situation that’s so challenging at the end," Nellis said.

J.J. and Derek Watt take in game from Pewaukee sideline

Pewaukee alumni J.J. and Derek Watt were on hand Thursday to take in the close contest. The unannounced appearance was a welcome surprise for the Pewaukee sideline, and a trip down memory lane for the one-time Pirates stars. Derek and T.J. Watt had their high school numbers of 16 and 20 retired last spring, joining J.J.'s No. 9 that had been retired since 2013.

"We have a lot of great memories playing in these uniforms, so it's great to be back out here," J.J. said.

For Derek, Thursday's game was also a chance to share a memory with his sons Logan and Brayden.

"I've got my kids out here watching with me, so it's exciting," Derek said. "We did not talk to the team at all today, we kind of just wanted to come out and watch the game tonight."

As for how the first few months of retirement were going for J.J., the three-time AP Defensive Player of the Year seemed to be enjoying the flexibility of not attending an NFL training camp for the first time since 2011.

"It's great, I get to do things like this that I don't normally get to do, so it's really enjoyable. Spending some time with my nephews and watching high school football, it's special stuff," J.J. said.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brookfield Central defeats Pewaukee 9-8 with two Watts in attendance