HARTLAND, Wis. — Dozens of Packers fans gathered at American Legion Post 294 in Hartland to watch their team take on the San Francisco 49ers Saturday night.
Sons of the American Legion organized the watch party and potluck to help raise money for the Milwaukee Homeless Veteran Initiative and Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.
As the Packers were leading for most of the game, fans were ecstatic. Until the game took a turn near the very end. The Packers ended up losing by just three points.
“I am so sad about this,” said Brittany Schieb. “Devastated. Tears.”
Despite the disappointment, everyone could agree that this Packers team still beat various odds this year. Making it to the playoffs with a new quarterback and other young players was a big accomplishment.
It was the team’s first year without Aaron Rodgers and other veteran players.
“I mean so close,” said Kim Grabow. “I was hoping we would make it, but who knew we were going to make it to the playoffs, so I’m just happy where we were. Great job this year.”
“Disappointed, but they had a great season,” said Ellen Fetting.
“We got farther than we thought we would,” said Randy Slobodnik.
Still, some fans were very frustrated by the mistakes that cost the team a victory in the end. Including a failed field goal in the fourth quarter by new Packers kicker Anders Carlson.
“We need out kicker to be fired!” said Tim Penkert, who is holding on to hope for next season. “Look out next year because we are coming after everybody.”
Even after the tough playoff loss, hope in the future is a sentiment shared by all.
“It was a great season, and we put our work in, and that’s all we can ask for at the end of the day,” said Scheib. “We love you packers.”
“I’m from the southeast,” said Jim Joyce. “I am not from here, but I have been here 35 years, and I became a Packers fan and they did very well this year. Proud of them.”
True to the spirit of Packers fan everywhere, these fans in Hartland are already gearing up for the future.
“Let’s go packers, next year!” Grabow exclaimed.