Hitmen Hosting Semi-Pro Playoff Game on Saturday

The wildly successful Muskego Hitmen semi-pro football team has been a regular participant in the Ironman Football League playoffs since joining the league in 2003.

Owner Nick Seliger, who was instrumental in bringing the Hitmen to Muskego nine years ago, will get to experience a first when his team hosts the Greendale Panthers in the semifinals of the National Conference playoffs 7 p.m. Saturday at InPro Stadium.

“We’ve been in the playoffs every year,” Seliger said, “but this is the first-ever playoff game that we’ve had at Muskego.”

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Children 14-and-under are admitted free.

The Hitmen (8-1) bring a six-game winning streak into their matchup with the Panthers (3-6). In a meeting earlier this season, Muskego rolled to a 31-7 victory.

Saturday’s winner will play the winner between the first-place Madison Mustangs (9-0) and the Milwaukee Venom (2-7) in next week’s National Conference championship game. The winner of that contest will meet the American Conference champion in the 16^th Ironbowl on Sept. 10 at Hart Park in Wauwatosa.

The Mustangs handed the Hitmen their only loss this season (24-10 on June 25) and the Hitmen would love an opportunity to avenge that defeat.

“Oh, absolutely,” Seliger said. “We’re not looking past Greendale by any means, but we definitely want another shot at Madison.”

The Mustangs have won 46 consecutive games – the longest winning streak in the country in semi-pro football.

The Hitmen are eyeing the organization’s second championship. They won the Ironbowl in 2004 and finished as the runner-up in 2003 and 2007.

Seliger pointed out that this year’s team is just as good as those talented squads.

“This is one of the top two teams we’ve ever had,” Seliger said.

For more information, go to www.ironmanfootballleague.com and www.muskegohitmen.com.