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October 1, 2009

Prep football: Lincoln's Goska, Assumption's Scharff follow in brothers' footsteps

By Mark Massoglia
Daily Tribune Staff

What's in a name?

In Wisconsin Rapids when it pertains to football and the last names are Goska and Scharff, plenty.

Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln sophomore quarterback Brady Goska and Assumption senior defensive end/tight end Eric Scharff are the younger brothers of two very successful athletes.

During his time at Lincoln, Brent Goska led the Raiders to the 2005 WIAA Division 1 championship game and rushed for 3,616 yards during his career. He currently is a quarterback for the University of North Dakota.

Scott Scharff, a standout defensive end for the Raiders, went on to play at Stanford University and was on the practice squad of the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.

With such established bloodlines, it would be easy for the younger brothers to put unnecessary pressure on themselves, but neither does.

"I try to just be my own player and do my best to help my team win," Brady said. "I also want to show people that I can play at a high level and that I'm not playing just because my last name."

Added Eric, "I've never put pressure on myself because of what Scott accomplished. We're two different people and even though we play the same position, we play the game differently."

Both younger brothers are having very good seasons, largely because of their own talent. Brady is second behind teammate Joe Ritchay in rushing in the Wisconsin Valley Conference with 327 yards on 47 carries. Eric, meanwhile, is fourth in receiving in the Cloverwood Conference with 12 receptions for 190 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

As well as both are playing, neither will hesitate to call their older brother for advice.

"I learned everything about the game from Brent," Brady said. "I call him after games and ask him about what to do in certain situations because he still remembers our offense and what to do."

The younger Scharff had the unique situation of his brother coaching him last year.

"Scott has always been willing to help me with any questions I have, but it was really great to have him as a coach," Eric said. "He has seen so much football at so many levels and he taught us a lot. One of his moves he taught us probably helped one of our linemen last year earn second-team all-conference honors."

Scott was always willing to help his younger brother, but being able to coach him was an unexpected treat.

"Being a football player my whole life, I never really thought about coaching," Scott said. "But I was in the area last year and it was very rewarding. I really enjoyed coaching Eric and kids that I didn't know and watch them develop as players and people. It's amazing how much he's learned about the game the past few years."

In addition to helping him with the X's and O's, Brent told his younger brother what to expect from opposing teams.

"Because of his last name, I told him that people are going to be keying on him," Brent said. "Teams didn't worry about me to much when I was a sophomore. Brady is well beyond where I was as sophomore. He works hard, but he could probably work harder."

Brent's schedule doesn't allow for him to come watch Brady's games, but Scott has arranged to be at the final four games of the regular season for Eric.

"He was at all of my games and this is his final year of high school football and I want to be there for him," Scott said. "It was great coaching him last year and I can't wait to see him play on Friday.

"I'm a proud big brother."

Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln sophomore quarterback Brady Goska, right, and Assumption senior defensive end/tight end Eric Scharff are the younger brothers of two very successful siblings, Brent Goska and Scott Scharff. (TOM LOUCKS/DAILY TRIBUNE)