Badger North Prep Football Kickoff

KICKOFF 2017 New landscape Badger North gets update with Beaver Dam

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PLAYER PROFILES PAGES 10-12

TEAM PROFILES PAGES 13-64

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KICKOFF 2017

| WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017

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2017 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM PREVIEWS Badger North Conference Baraboo Thunderbirds Beaver Dam Golden Beavers Portage Warriors Reedsburg Beavers Sauk Prairie Eagles

13-16 17-19 20-24 25-27 28-31

Capitol North Conference Columbus Cardinals Lodi Blue Devils Poynette Pumas

32-33 34 35-36

East Central Conference Waupun Warriors

37-39

Flyway Conference Mayville Cardinals

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Ridge & Valley Conference Wonewoc/Weston Wolves

Sawyer Moll and the Poynette Pumas, pages 35-36.

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Scenic Bluffs Conference Necedah Cardinals New Lisbon Rockets Royall Panthers

42 43 44

South Central Conference Mauston Golden Eagles Westfield Pioneers Wisconsin Dells

Dale Sheppard and the Portage Warriors, pages 20-24.

45-47 48 49-52

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Trailways Large Conference Dodgeland Trojans Horicon/Hustisford Markesan Hornets Montello/Princeton/Green Lake Phoenix Pardeeville Bulldogs

53 54 55 56 57

Trailways Small Conference Cambria-Friesland Hilltoppers Fall River Pirates Randolph Rockets Rio Vikings Beaver Dam Wayland Big Red

TRAVIS HOUSLET, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

59 60 61 62 63

Buxton Toutant and the Montello/Princeton/Green Lake Phoenix, page 56.

ON THE COVER Some of the area’s top players are featured on the cover of this year’s Kickoff 2017 high school football preview section.

They are; Reedsburg Nathan Kruser (top left), Columbus’ Connor Manthey (center left), Portage’s Nolan Paul (bottom left) 00 1 and Beaver Dam’s Joel Riehbrandt (bottom right). Learn more about these standout athletes, and others, on pages 10-12.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 |

Beaver Dam’s Blaiz Firari runs through a hole created by the center and the left guard during a recent practice. Firari and the rest of his Golden Beavers teammates are now members of the Badger North Conference.

MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

ROUGH

NEIGHBORHOOD High-powered competition awaits Beaver Dam as it joins Badger North Conference MARK MCMULLEN mmcmullen@wiscnews.com

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Beaver Dam has a new challenge entering the 2017 prep football season, as the Golden Beavers head to the Badger North Conference.

BD head coach Steve Kuenzi said he likes the new opportunities that will come in the new league.

There’s a sense of unknown among the Beavers and the teams they’re going to be facing from now on.

“What we’ve told the kids this year is it’s a first impression,” Kuenzi said. “We’re going into a new conference where they know nothing

about us, we know a little bit about them. They don’t know what to expect from us. We need to go in there with having a great year and I really think if we go in there and do well this year it could really spring board us in having a good future in the Badger North.

“That’s not just in football, but in all sports.”

BD’s previous home, the Wisconsin Little Ten Conference, is dead after many of the teams began clamoring to leave one of the oldest leagues in the state. The WIAA assigned the 10 LTC teams to five different con-

ferences, including Watertown to the Badger South.

Hartford, West Bend West, West Bend East and Slinger joined the North Shore, Oconomowoc went to the Classic Eight and Wisconsin Lutheran is now in the Woodland West.

“I’m sad to see it go, but it was kind of a slap in the face a couple years ago when we found out that half the schools of the Little Ten wanted out,” Kuenzi said.

“They wanted to go somewhere else. When half your conference wants to leave you, that’s a bad taste.

“I hate to see the Little Ten go, but at the same time I’m excited about the opportunity we have and I think the Badger North is going to be a great fit for us.”

BD will go from being one of the smallest schools

in its conference — with an enrollment ahead of only Slinger and Wisconsin Lutheran — to one of the largest. Only Waunakee, with an enrollment number of 1,236, is larger than Beaver Dam (1,081) in the Badger North. The remainder of the teams ranges from 806 to 1,037.

“I like that standpoint — instead of competing against Division 1 and 2 schools all year long, now we’re going to compete against Division 2 and 3 schools,” Kuenzi said.

“From that standpoint, it helps out.”

BD will transition from a league made up of members mostly from the greater Milwaukee area to a conference drawing from the Please see Neighborhood, Page 9

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Waunakee football coach Pat Rice looks over the state championship trophy after his team defeated Cedarburg in the WIAA Division 2 title game in 2010.

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A fan’s guide to the

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he Badger North Conference, formed in 2001, is getting its first makeover with the addition of Beaver Dam this season.

With that in mind, now is a pretty good time to brush up on the football history of the eight schools that now make up the league.

Recaps from last season, postseason records, trophy case contents, gridiron legends — it’s all here. And if you are the type of person that enjoys a traditional Wisconsin fish fry before kickoff on a Friday night, we’ve got you covered as well.

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Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 5

BARABOO THUNDERBIRDS‌

BEAVER DAM GOLDEN BEAVERS‌

Last season: The Thunderbirds finished 3-6, including 2-4 in the Badger North. Baraboo recorded a non-conference win over Oregon in Week 2, then improved to 2-3 on the season by notching a 42-10 win at Sauk Prairie at Week 5. The T-Birds lost their next three games before closing out the year with a 29-21 home win over Portage.

Playoff history: Baraboo’s last playoff appearance came in 2006, when the T-Birds went 6-3 during the regular season before suffering a 35-29 home loss to Milton in the first round of the WIAA Division 2 playoffs. Baraboo has made seven playoff appearances, but only have two postseason wins, the last being a 30-9 victory over La Crosse Logan in the 2005 Division 2 playoffs. The T-Birds went on to suffer a 41-10 loss at Chippewa Falls in the second round. Baraboo, which also won a first-round game in 1996, has never reached the third round.

Conference championships: Baraboo has yet to win a Badger North Conference title.

Famous football alumni: A 1972 graduate of Baraboo High School, Terry Stieve helped lead the Thunderbirds to back-to-back undefeated seasons on the football field before heading to the University of Wisconsin to play for the Badgers. After a strong collegiate career, the offensive guard was picked 160th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1976 NFL draft. Stieve played two years for the Saints, who traded him the St. Louis Cardinals. He started all but three games he played for St. Louis until retiring after the 1984 season. … Mike Reinfeldt, a 1971 Baraboo graduate, started 102 of the 104 NFL games he played in.

The All-Pro safety started his career with the Oakland Raiders, playing two games in 1976 before he was waived. He was picked up by the Houston Oilers later that year and spent the rest of career in Houston, retiring in 1983. Reinfeldt finished with 26 career interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries, leading the NFL with 12 interceptions during a 1979 season in which he was named the

Last season: The Golden Beavers were 3-6 and 2-5 in the now defunct Wisconsin Little Ten Conference. The season began with an impressive 35-6 win at Milwaukee Lutheran, but that was followed by an equally unimpressive 31-0 loss to Brookfield East in Week 2. Beaver Dam suffered a heartbreaking 24-21 overtime loss to West Bend East in Week 3, missing a short game-winning field goal attempt at the end of regulation. A 35-14 win over West Bend West in Week 6 evened the Beavers’ record at 3-3 and put them in position to make a push for a postseason berth, but the year ended with three straight losses.

Playoff history: Despite being one of the oldest programs in the state — football began at Beaver Dam in 1895 — the Golden Beavers don’t have a long history of playoff success: They have a 5-7 record in seven total appearances.

Their last appearance was in 2010, when they lost in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs, and they also lost in the first round in D2 in 1997 and 2003. BD’s last win postseason win came in 1996; its greatest success came in 1979 when the Beavers won the Division 2 state championship, three years after the WIAA began sponsoring a postseason tournament. They made it to the D2 state semifinals three years later. In 1979, only four teams in each of four divisions qualified for the playoffs based on regular-season points criteria, and BD defeated La Crosse Central 10-7 in the semifinals before blanking Germantown 6-0 in the championship game. By 1982, the playoffs had expanded to five divisions with eight teams apiece, and BD won 14-0 over New London in the quarterfinals before bowing out with a 20-6 loss to Grafton in the semifinals. BD has 502 all-time wins — making the program one of only eight in the state’s 500-win club.

Conference championships: Beaver Dam has won 19 conference titles, but its last came in 1983.

Famous football alumni: R.J. Shelton, a 2013 BD graduate, is

CONTRIBUTED BY TERRY STIEVE‌

Baraboo native and former St. Louis Cardinals offensive lineman Terry Stieve throws a block during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

AFC Defensive Player of the Year.

Reinfeldt spent his post-playing career working in a variety of front offices, including serving as the general manager of the Tennessee Titans from 2007 through 2011. Reinfeldt was also a senior executive for the Green Bay Packers when they won the Super Bowl following the 1996 season.

Where they play: Baraboo is located 35 miles northwest of Madison and 10 miles south of Wisconsin Dells. The T-Birds play football at Beryl Newman Sta-

dium, which is on the high school campus, just off of Draper Street.

The 35-year-old stadium can hold more than 3,000 fans after a recent renovation, a two-phase process that was completed in 2015.

The renovation included a number of improvements, including a new press box, a nine-lane track, a new ticket booth and entrance gate, an updated sound system, and a new set of bleachers on the west side of the field.

Friday night eats: Looking for a fish fry in Baraboo before

the game? According to Yelp, which provides crowd-sourced reviews of restaurants and business, the best fish fry in the area can be found at The Barn Restaurant & Bar (S5566 Hwy 123). Other top-rated fish fries in Baraboo according to Yelp can be found at Quindt’s Towne Lounge & Eating House (441 South Blvd.), Fore Seasons Restaurant at the Baraboo Country Club (401 Mine Rd.), Baraboo Burger Company (116 4th Ave.) and Pumphouse Sports Bar & Grille (E11614 Tranquility Ln.).

Please see Guide, next page

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Guide From Previous page

fighting for a job as a wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings. Shelton signed with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent after a fouryear career at Michigan State, where he had 116 catches for 1,471 yards in his college career. He scored a total of 16 touchdowns (11 receiving, four rushing and one kick return) in 52 games for the Spartans, including 23 starts. ... Bill Rentmeester, a 2004 BD grad who played fullback for the Badgers, had cups of coffee with the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers after going undrafted in 2009. ... Doug Lloyd, a 1984 BD grad who played for BD during its heyday in the late 1970s and early ’80s, went on to play in college at North Dakota State and was drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Raiders in 1989.

He had a short NFL career. ... BD alumnus Gilbert Sterr played for the Racine Tornadoes in 1926 when the Tornadoes were a member of the NFL. Sterr’s graduation year at Beaver Dam is unknown.

Hall of Famers: Two coaches with long ties to Beaver Dam and a third who spent a brief part of his career are enshrined in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Henry Derleth, who won four straight conference titles to cap a 15-year career at Beaver Dam from 1943-57, was part of the WFCA’s second Hall of Fame class in 1981. The athletic field at Beaver Dam High School is named for Derleth, who was also the school’s athletic director and coached basketball and track and field. Charlie McDonald won eight conference titles and amassed a 158-93-1 record from 1969-1996 and led the Beavers to their only state championship in 1979; he was inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 1998. Samuel De Merit, a 1984 Hall of Famer, coached at Beaver Dam in 1924-25 before a long career at Port Washington.

Where they play: Beaver Dam is located 40 northeast of Madison and 65 miles northwest of Milwaukee in a location where the cable and satellite companies carry both Madison and Milwaukee TV stations. The Golden

MATTHEW MITCHELL, MSU ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS‌

Beaver Dam alum R.J. Shelton played four seasons at Michigan State, and is currently fighting for a job with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted wide receiver.

Beavers’ home games are played at H.H. Derleth Athletic Field behind the high school, which is located at 500 Gould St. and can be seen from Highway 151. The high school is currently constructing a state-of-the-art field house near the football field as part of a $48.9 million referendum that passed last November to fund improvements to the school district’s facilities. The field house is expected to be finished early in 2018.

Friday night eats: According to Yelp, one of the best fish fries in

the area can be found at The Char House Pub & Grill (400 S Center St). “This is one of the better restaurants in Beaver Dam. The vibe is sort of old school Wisconsin supper club,” one customer commented on Yelp. Other toprated fish fries in Beaver Dam according to Yelp can be found at The Bell (W9735 County Road D) and Old Hickory (W7596 State Rd 33).

fourth place in the Badger North with a 3-3 record in league play.

Playoff history: DeForest has reached the playoffs 27 times, including 11 straight seasons dating back to 2006. The Norskies, who are 27-26 all-time in postseason games, have captured one state title, winning the 1982 Division 4 crown over Oconto Falls (52-24).

DeForest has finished runner-up twice, including 2007, when they lost 20-7 to Kimberly in the Division 2 championship game.

DEFOREST NORSKIES‌ Last season: The Norskies finConference championships: ished 4-6 overall and finished in The Norskies have won three Bad-

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ger North Conference titles, with their latest coming in 2014 as co-champs with Mount Horeb/ Barneveld. DeForest also finished in a three-way tie with Waunakee and Reedsburg in 2009 and was Co-Badger Conference champs with Monroe in 1996. Before joining the Badger Conference, the Norskies won six Capitol Conference titles and three Madison Suburban Conference titles.

Famous football alumni: 1991 graduate Chad Yocum was a member of the 1993 University of Wisconsin football team that went on to win the Big Ten Conference and the Rose Bowl. While Yocum missed a majority of the 1993 and 1994 seasons due to a back injury, he started six games in 1995.

During his first two years with the Badgers, Yocum shined at defensive end and linebacker. Yocum earned honorable mention AllBig Ten honors as a sophomore and helped the Badgers upset No. 12 Ohio State with a three-sack game.

Hall of Famers: Woodro Stalder was inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 1981 after a 27-year career as DeForest’s head coach. “Dutch” was instrumental in starting the Norskies program, overseeing the first six-man football team in 1938 before helping make the transition to 11-man in 1949. Stalder amassed a record of 170-58-7 and his teams captured 10 conference championships, including six undefeated titles. … Former DeForest head coach Jerry Roelke, who amassed a record of 186-118-1 as head coach from 1968-99, was inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 2001. He led DeForest to its lone state title in 1982, as well as two runner-up finishes (1980, 1981) and two state semifinal appearances (1983, 1984).

Where they play: DeForest is located 16 miles north of Madison. The Norskies play at DMB Community Bank Field, which is located on the south side of DeForest Area High School, off Jefferson Street.

A golden anniversary: The 2017 season will have a special feel to it for the Norskies as Roelke will be celebrating his 50th consecutive year coaching at DeForest. He has a volunteer coach since turn- 001

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ing over the reins to Mike Minick after the 1999 season. The Norskies will honor Roelke during a halftime ceremony at this year’s season opener.

Friday night eats: Looking for a fish fry in DeForest before the game? According to Yelp, the best fish fry in DeForest can be found at BB Jack’s (300 E. Holum St.).

Other top-rated fish fries near DeForest according to Yelp can be found at The Rodeside Grill (6317 Rostad Cir., Windsor) and the Norske Nook Restaurant & Bakery (100 E. Holum St).

MOUNT HOREB/ BARNEVELD‌ VIKINGS

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Hall of Famers: Bob Larsen, who was inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 1982, was the head coach at Mount Horeb from 1959 to 1961. Along with his time with the Vikings, Larsen coached at Barneveld (1956-57), Kendall (1958-1959) and Hartford (19621976). In his 21 years of coaching, Larsen compiled a record of 9954-3, including seven conference championships and four undefeated seasons.

Where they play: Mount Horeb is located 20 miles west of Madison. The Vikings play on the field located on the east side of Mt. Horeb High School, off of East Garfield Street. Prior to 2000, the Vikings played on the current varsity soccer field until the community passed a referendum to renovate the school’s athletic complex.

Strong second season: While 2017 was coach Ryan Kleppe’s first year in charge of the Vikings, you probably wouldn’t have guessed it. The former Mount Horeb/ Barneveld and UW-Whitewater standout shined in his first year as the main man on the sidelines, leading the Vikings to a second-place finish in the Badger North. With a lot of key returnees back in 2017, Kleppe will have the Vikings aiming for a strong second season under his command, hopefully one that rivals Kleppe’s senior year in which MHB won the Badger North and were ranked No. 1 in the state during an undefeated regular season.

Friday night eats: Looking for a fish fry in Mt. Horeb before the game? According to Yelp, the best fish fry in Mount Horeb can be found at Grumpy Troll Pub & Brewery (105 S. 2nd St.). Other top-rated fish fries in or near Mount Horeb can be found at the Hooterville Inn (10992 Division St., Blue Mounds), Marcine’s (8646 Davis St., Mount Vernon) and Spring Garden Restaurant (520 Springdale St., Mount Horeb).

Last season: The Vikings went 8-2 overall, finishing second in the Badger North behind Waunakee at 5-1.

Playoff history: Mount Horeb/ Barneveld has reached the postseason 13 times in its program’s history, including each of the past 10 years. The Vikings, who are 1413 all-time in postseason games, have reached the at least the quarterfinals in five out of the last six years. MHB made its deepest playoff run in 2012, when the Vikings lost to eventual state champion Waukesha Catholic Memorial 35-7 in a Division 3 state semifinal.

Conference championships: Mount Horeb/Barneveld has won a pair of Badger North Conference titles, including a share of the 2014 title with DeForest. The Vikings were also Badger North champs in 2002 and have one Capitol Conference crown and five Southern 8 Conference titles to their credit.

Famous football alumni: Former Viking Pete Nowka played safety for the University of Wisconsin football team from 1985 to 1988. Nowka, who played alongside current Badgers head coach Paul Chryst, endured through one of the Badgers’ most trying times, including the death of coach Dave McClain and the first two years of the woeful Don Morton era. Nowka shined for the Badgers, where he was a four-year starter at safety. After graduating PORTAGE WARRIORS‌ from Wisconsin, Nowka went on Last season: The Warriors to play briefly in the Canadian were just 1-8, picking up their Football League for the Toronto only win with a 27-24 victory over Argonauts. Nowka’s nephew, Madison Edgewood in Week 2.

Playoff history: Portage’s last Ryan Kleppe, is the Vikings’ cur-

WISCONSIN ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS‌

Former Portage Warrior Mike Thompson was a junior defensive tackle for the 1993 University of Wisconsin football team that won the Big Ten Conference and the Rose Bowl. playoff appearance came in 2007, and its last playoff victory was a Level One win back in 2004. The Warriors, who are 8-8 all-time in postseason games, made their deepest playoff run in 1997, when they lost 27-23 to Germantown in the Division 2 state semifinals. That year, Portage opened the playoffs with a 36-0 win over Beaver Dam. Conference championships: Portage has never won a conference championship since joining the Badger North in 2001. The Warriors’ last title came in 1999, when they tied with Nekoosa for the South Central Conference championship.

Famous football alumni: Former Portage Warrior Mike Thompson was a junior defen-

sive tackle for the 1993 University of Wisconsin football team that went on to win the Big Ten Conference and the Rose Bowl.

Thompson, who was a member of Barry Alvarez’s first recruiting class at the UW, started every game in his time with the program. He still ranks third all-time in program history with 28 career sacks. Thompson was picked in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and played a combined 34 games over six seasons for the Jaguars, the Cincinnati Bengals (1997-99) and the Cleveland Browns (200001).

Hall of Famers: John Barth, who was inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 1983, was the head coach at Portage from 1941 to

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 7

1947, when his teams went 33-8 and won two conference championships. … Portage alumnus Harold Rebholz was inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 1994.

After a successful athletic career at Portage, which saw him win 10 varsity letters, Rebholz went on to play football at the University of Wisconsin from 19271929. The 1928 team went 7-1-1 and defeated Alabama, Michigan and Notre Dame in the same year. Famed University of Minnesota and Chicago Bears fullback Bronko Nagurski called Rebholz the greatest defensive player he had ever faced in college. Rebholz was named Wisconsin’s MVP in 1929, and went on to play professional football in 1930 with the Oshkosh entry against the Green Bay Packers.

Where they play: Portage is located 40 miles north of Madison. The Warriors play football at Bob Mael Field, which is located south of the high school next to Wayne E. Bartels Middle School, off of East Slifer Street. The field is named after the former Portage mayor and businessman who donated $100,000 to the building of the school’s athletic complex. The first game at the field was held on Sept. 5, 1992, against Tomahawk.

Prior to that, Portage played its home games at the Columbia County Fairgrounds on the south side of Portage.

Friday night eats: Looking for a fish fry in Portage before the game? According to Yelp, the best fish fry in Portage can be found at Jack’s Tap (1207 Dunn St.). Other top-rated fish fries in Portage according to Yelp can be found at the B&B Hitching Post (2503 W. Wisconsin St.), Suzy’s Steak & Seafood House (2711 County CX), Pohlk’s Pub (316 W. DeWitt St.), Dino’s Restaurant (2900 New Pinery Rd.) and The Ball Room (112 E. Cook St.).

REEDSBURG BEAVERS‌

Last season: The Beavers went 4-6, picking up wins over Portage, DeForest, Sauk Prairie and Baraboo. Reedsburg traveled to Monroe for the first round of playoffs and fell 21-0.

Playoff history: Reedsburg Please see Next page

8 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

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Guide

at The Corner Pub (100 E. Main St). Other top-rated fish fries in From Previous page the area according to Yelp can be found at Donnie’s Restaurant has made 17 playoff appearances, (1020 E. Main St) and J’s Pub & including each of the past five Grill (280 Viking Dr.). years, and is 21-16 overall in the postseason. After finishing as SAUK PRAIRIE EAGLES‌ the Division 3 state runner-up Last season: The Eagles finin 2008, the Beavers won the Di- ished just 1-8 in 2016, opening vision 3 championship in 2009. the season 0-7 before recording a Reedsburg won the Badger North 19-14 win at Portage in their sectitle in 2013 before advancing to ond-to-last game. the state semifinals the following Playoff history: Sauk Prairie’s two seasons. last postseason appearance came Conference championships: in 2007, when they went 5-4 in The Beavers have two Badger the regular season before sufNorth crowns to their credit, win- fering a 34-7 loss at Kewaskum ning the championship outright in the first round of the Division with an undefeated conference 3 playoffs. The Eagles, who have season in 2013 and sharing the made the playoffs seven times, title with DeForest and Wauna- are just 3-7 all-time in postseason kee in 2009. games. Sauk Prairie’s last playoff Famous football alumni: win was a 21-20 Division 2 victory Reedsburg’s John Harrington over Marshfield in 2005. The Eawent to college in Marquette be- gles have never reached the third fore playing professional football round of the playoffs, also falling as a defensive end for the Cleve- in the second round in 2002 and land Browns in 1946 and the Chi- 2003. cago Rockets in 1947.

Conference championships: Hall of Famers: Howard Sauk Prairie won one Badger ConStiehm, who was inducted into ference championship, sharing the WFCA Hall of Fame in 1980, the title with Monona Grove in was an assistant football coach 1981. at Reedsburg High School from Famous football alumni: A 1939-1940. He went on to become trio of Sauk Prairie alums have head coach at Marinette and D.C. played in the NFL: Paul Gruber, Everest and finished his 26-year Greg Jensen and Scott Schutt. career as head coach with a record Gruber was a tight end at Sauk of 165-39-4. …George “Nick” Prairie before heading to the Holmes, who was inducted in University of Wisconsin and 1995, coached at Reedsburg start- converting to the offensive line. ing in 1952 and ended his 13-year Gruber became a team MVP, a career there with a record of 82- first-team All-Big Ten selec22, helming five South Central tion and an All-American as a Conference champions. … Jerry Wisconsin senior in 1987. That Griffin, inducted in 2007, became led Gruber to be selected fourth the head coach at Reedsburg in overall by Tampa Bay in the 1988 1983, where he was part of five NFL draft. He spent 12 seasons conference championships and with the Buccaneers, starting 10 playoff appearances.

183 games and earning three AllWhere they play: Reedsburg Pro selections prior to retiring is located 17 miles northwest of in 2000. … A 1980 Sauk PraiBaraboo. The Beavers play at Mil- rie graduate, Jensen played one lennium Field, which was funded game at center for the Green Bay through a $1 million gift from Bill Packers in 1987. Jensen served and Nancy Christie Goessel, and as a replacement player while was dedicated on Sept. 1, 2000. the regular NFL players were on Before Millennium Field was strike. … Schutt also served as a constructed, football was played replacement player in 1987, reat Webb Middle School. cording one sack and one safety Friday night eats: Looking for while playing three games at linea fish fry in Reedsburg before the backer for the Cincinnati Bengals. game? According to Yelp, the best Schutt, a 1982 Sauk Prairie gradfish fry in Reedsburg can be found uate who played collegiately at

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Sauk Prairie High School alum Paul Gruber became a team MVP, a first-team All-Big Ten Conference selection and an All-American as a Wisconsin senior in 1987. He was drafted No. 4 overall by the Buccaneers and enjoyed a long NFL career in Tampa Bay. North Dakota State, went on to coach the Sauk Prairie football team from 2004-2009.

Hall of Famers: Gruber has been honored at the collegiate and professional level. He was inducted into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006, while becoming the fourth member of Tampa Bay’s Ring of Honor when he was added in 2012. … Gene Schutt was inducted to the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) Hall of Fame in 1996. Schutt came to Sauk City in 1957 to teach physical education and coach football, basketball and baseball, and was there when Sauk City became Sauk Prairie and joined the South Central Conference in 1964. He was the defensive

coordinator for the football team through 1983, including assisting on undefeated teams in 1969 and 1975. Schutt also served as Sauk Prairie’s athletic director from the late 1970s until 1991.

Where they play: Sauk Prairie High School, which serves the Prairie du Sac and Sauk City communities, is located in Prairie du Sac, about 20 miles northwest of Madison. The Eagles play football at Stadium Field, which is located on the high school campus, just off of Grand Avenue.

Friday night eats: Looking for a fish fry in Prairie du Sac or Sauk City before the game? According to Yelp, the best fish fry in the area can be found at the Eagle Inn (655 Water St., Prairie du Sac). Other

top-rated fish fries in the area according to Yelp can be found at the Dorf Haus Supper Club (8931 County Rd. Y, Sauk City), Blue Spoon Café (550 Water St., Prairie du Sac), Green Acres (7439 State Rd. 78, Sauk City), Riviera Bowl & Pizzeria (51 Polk St., Sauk City) and Roxbury Tavern (8901 County Rd. Y, Sauk City).

WAUNAKEE WARRIORS‌

Last season: The Warriors finished the season at 10-1 overall, including a perfect 6-0 in Badger North Conference play.

Playoff history: Waunakee has reached the postseason in 21 straight seasons, capturing five Please see Guide, next page 00 1

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Guide From previous page

WIAA state titles, including three straight from 2009-2011.

The Warriors, who are 64-17 all-time in postseason games, won their first title in Division 3 in 1999 before adding a second in 2002. Waunakee then won three in a row in Division 2 from 200911, in which the Warriors went 41-1. In last year’s postseason, the Warriors knocked off rival DeForest (42-7) before falling to Monona Grove (45-20).

Conference championships: Waunakee has won 13 Badger North Conference championships, failing to win the league crown only three times since its inception in 2001. The Warriors own a slew of other league crowns, including three in the

Neighborhood From Page 3

Madison suburbs and beyond.

“I think compared going up against Hartford, Wisconsin Lutheran, Oconomowoc, Watertown, the bigwigs that are much bigger than us that have more players to draw from, we’re going to be a little bit more even, I think, compared to the other schools in the Badger conference,” Kuenzi said. “It gives us a lot of excitement and hope for the opportunities.

“At the same time, the Badger North has got incredible football.

The Badger North and South have incredible football.”

BD’s middle school football program is part of the Badger Central Youth Football Alliance, an organization whose 18 members include all but two of the Badger North Conference schools.

“A lot of the kids know some of the other players on the teams and they’ve been to the different locations,” Kuenzi said. “My son played in the middle school program, so I watched him play at a lot of these different places. I actually coached middle school bas00 1

BADGER NORTH CONFERENCE Badger Conference and seven in the Capitol Conference.

Famous football alumni: Former star running back Leo Musso was a free safety for the University of Wisconsin football team from 2012-2016. Musso, who redshirted his freshman season, was a two-star recruit out of high school but ended up being a regular fixture in the Badgers’ defensive backfield over his career. Musso played in 52 games for the Badgers and started all 14 his senior season in which he posted a team-high five interceptions, recorded 74 total tackles, including three for loss. He finished his career with eight interceptions, two pass break-ups, two fumble recoveries and 108 total tackles, including 66 solo stops and four TFLs. Hall of Famers: Dick Trotta, who was inducted into the WFCA

Hall of Fame in 1982, was the head coach at Waunakee from 1953 to 1964. In that time, the Warriors went 73-17-4, captured six undefeated conference titles and put together a 43-game winning streak. … Former Waunakee coach Gayle Quinn was inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 1996.

Quinn led Waunakee from 1965 to 1991, going 203-81-3 with three undefeated seasons and 15 conference titles. … Former assistant coach Steve Ryan was inducted into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 2009. Ryan started and coaching career at Waunakee in 1980 under Quinn and continued to work with the defense under Pat Rice, who succeeded Quinn, until 2007.

During his 28 years, the Warriors captured 10 conference titles, two state titles (1999 & 2001) and finished runner-up twice (2001 & 2005). … Current Waunakee

“Whenever there’s anything new, there’s always that excitement, that anticipation and a little bit of anxiety, but at the same time we’re really excited about the possibilities and opportunities.”

Steve Kuenzi, Beaver Dam football coach ketball for a few years, so I’ve been to a few of these different places.

“I kind of got a feeling of what to expect from a facility standpoint and what the schools are like.”

BD’s coaching staff has prepared for the new conference by attaining game film of some of the teams, and Beavers offensive coordinator Brock Linde has experience facing Badger North teams from his time at Monroe, a Badger South Conference school that has played all of its non-conference games against Badger North foes since 2008.

Linde spent one season coaching the Cheesemakers’ freshman team, then worked as a varsity assistant at Monroe for five years before joining the Beavers in 2015.

“As far as schemes, some of the teams have changed what they do offensively and defensively if new head coaches have come and gone, but enough of the coaches are still there … (from) when I was in Monroe,” Linde said. “I kind of have a feel for what Reedsburg is going to try to do against us and what Mount Horeb is going to try to do.

“They haven’t really altered their philosophies very much.”

BD hasn’t had a winning season since the 2011 season when the Beavers finished 8-3 and lost to DeForest 35-0 in the second round of the playoffs. They’ll face stiff competition in their new league.

The top half of the Badger North is loaded with perennial

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 9

head coach Pat Rice is the Warriors’ most recent inductee, going into the WFCA Hall of Fame in 2014. Rice started coaching at Waunakee in 1988 as defensive coordinator and succeeded Quinn as head coach four years later. In his 25 years at the helm, Rice has compiled a record of 255-35 (.879 winning percentage) and won five state championships (1999, 2002, 2009, 2010, 2011) and finished runner-up three times (2001, 2005, 2012). From 2009-2012, the Warriors won 48 straight games, then a state record.

Where they play: Waunakee is located 13 miles north of Madison. The Warriors play at Warrior Field, which is located on the south side of Waunakee High School off South Century Avenue.

Like father, like son: Helping to lead the Warriors’ charge

this year is senior running back Javian Dayne. The name should sound familiar, as the 6-foot, 230 pounder is son of former Wisconsin Badger and 1999 Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne. Just like his father, Javian has carved up opposing defenses, rushing for 2,006 yards and 23 touchdowns in 14 career games. Last year, Dayne rushed for 1,584 yards and 19 touchdowns, averaging 158.4 yards per game and an impressive 7 yards per carry.

Friday night eats: Looking for a fish fry in Waunakee before the game? According to Yelp, the best fish fry in Waunakee can be found at The Lone Girl Brewing Company (114 E. Main St.). Other top-rated fish fries in Waunakee according to Yelp can be found at Rex’s Innkeeper (301 N. Century Ave.) and Lucky’s Bar & Grille (1008 Quinn Dr.).

powers, highlighted by Waunakee. The Warriors have failed to win the conference title only three times since its inception in 2001, and have collected five WIAA state championships since 1999.

Reedsburg fell one game short of the state finals in 2014 and 2015 after making two straight appearances at Camp Randall Stadium in 2008 and 2009, winning the D3 crown the second year. DeForest has been to the WIAA playoffs 11 straight years with an overall winning percentage over .700 in the past decade, and Mount Horeb/ Barneveld has 10 straight postseason appearances while winning more than 75 percent of its games in the past five years.

Meanwhile, Portage, Baraboo and Sauk Prairie have combined to post a winning regular-season record just eight times in the past 15 years, and none since 2007. Like the Golden Beavers, all of those programs are playing under relatively new coaches — none have been at the helm for more than three years.

“We’re all kind of in the same boat,” Kuenzi said. “We’ve been competitive, but we haven’t been top half-type teams in the con-

ferences. In every year we’re all excited about the opportunities and I would imagine that their realistic goal for all of us would be playoff teams and be able to make the playoffs, and be competitive, and get to that .500 winning record mark.

“I think we’re all relatively even-keel type of teams. Even a lot of things we do concerning personnel and size, and the demographics of the schools we come from, there are some outstanding programs that are out there.

“You take a look at a team like Reedsburg who is a smaller school, but they’ve had some great success going into the state championship-type levels. They’re going to be a tough opponent. Then obviously you have Waunakee and DeForest who are going to be two huge powerhouses that you have to get ready for every week.”

Kuenzi and his team are optimistic about joining a new conference nonetheless.

“Whenever there’s anything new, there’s always that excitement, that anticipation and a little bit of anxiety, but at the same time we’re really excited about the possibilities and opportunities,” he said.

10 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

NOLAN PAUL | PORTAGE

‌ ear in school: Senior Y Position: Wide receiver, safety and punter.

Sports played: Football and basketball.

Favorite school subject: History.

Favorite teacher: Mr. Shaver.

This summer I: lifted weights, hung out with friends and played football and basketball.

I got my start in sports: Ever since I was a baby, I always had a ball in my hands.

I wish I could play: Rugby and hockey.

My most memorable sports moment: Snapping a 20-game losing streak when we beat Baraboo my sophomore year, and having a great team victory against Edgewood last year.

My role models: My dad, Hugh Roberts, Marty Craig and Russell Wilson.

Favorite athlete: Jordy Nelson.

Favorite opponents: Baraboo and Sauk Prairie.

Favorite movies: “Elf” and “Remember the Titans.”

Favorite TV show: I don’t necessarily watch TV unless it is a basketball or football game.

Favorite places to eat out: Pizza Ranch, Olive Garden and A&W. Favorite food: Cheesy potatoes, corn, chicken, goulash and all fruits.

Favorite website: Hudl.com.

Favorite superhero: Captain America.

I drive: 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix.

My dream car: 4-door Jeep Wrangler.

I wish I could meet: Jordy Nelson and Russell Wilson.

Hobbies: Ping pong, playing sports, chess and beating my little brother playing 1-on-1.

Game-day superstition: Listening to Skillet before games.

Most underrated teammate: Grant Garrigan.

Team goal for the season: Make the playoffs.

Who will win the upcoming Super Bowl: The Packers.

Post-high school plans: Play football in college and study sports and business management.

Career goals: Find a good job, get married and have some kids, honor God with everything that I do and coach a basketball team along with Eli Considine.

SENIOR PROFILES EVAN VODAK | BARABOO

‌ ear in school: Senior.

Y Position: Running back, defensive back.

Sports played: Football, baseball, track, wrestling.

Favorite school subject: History.

Favorite teacher: Mr. Argo.

This summer I: worked out with my teammates. Also did some kayaking with some friends. I have a job up at Mt. Olympus in Wisconsin Dells as a lifeguard.

I got my start in sports: as a pewee football player.

I wish I could play: High school football for another year.

My most memorable sports moment: Hearing our whole team scream “juice” during the Mount Horeb game in 2016.

My role models: Joel Vodak, Steve Argo and Nicholas Geiger.

Favorite athlete: Christian McCaffrey.

Favorite opponent: Jacob Kimpfbeck.

Favorite movie: “The Dark Knight.”

Favorite TV show: “Scrubs.”

Favorite place to eat out: Macs.

Favorite foods: Rice, hamburger and corn mix Favorite website: YouTube.

Favorite superhero: Batman.

I drive: A Pontiac.

My dream car: Dodge Viper.

I wish I could meet: Bruce Dickinson.

Hobbies: Kayaking, eating at Macs with Alex Statz and going to La Crosse to visit Ethan Vodak and Luke Frederick.

Game-day superstition: Watching the movie “Division III: Football’s Finest.”

Most underrated teammate: Pavin Patel.

Team goal for the season: Be the best we can every play.

Who will win the upcoming Super Bowl: Carolina Panthers.

Post-high school plans: Undecided.

Career goals: Undecided.

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

NATHAN KRUSER | REEDSBURG

‌ ear in school: Senior.

Y Position: Quarterback.

Sports played: Baseball, football, hockey.

Favorite school subject: Physics.

Favorite teacher: Mr. Anthony Iannece.

This summer I: worked at Lyndon Hardwoods, fished a lot, played baseball and went to football lifting and agility workouts.

I got my start in sports: as a young kid that ran around the yard and learned the basics with my dad and brother.

I wish I could play: Defense, because it would be interesting to play the game from the other side of the ball.

My most memorable sports moment: Hitting a home run to put us ahead my freshmen year in the regional final game.

My role models: My parents.

Favorite athlete: Troy Tulowitzki.

Favorite opponent: DeForest.

Favorite movie: “The Blind Side.”

Favorite TV show: “Arrow.”

Favorite place to eat out: Texas Roadhouse.

Favorite food: Steak.

Favorite superhero: Batman.

I drive: A 1997 Chevy Silverado.

My dream car: Black Duramax.

I wish I could meet: Russell Wilson.

Hobbies: Hunting, fishing and hanging out with friends.

Game-day superstition: Wearing the same undershirt.

Most underrated teammates: Michael Griffen and Zach Arneson.

Team goal for the season: Make playoffs and make a run.

Who will win the upcoming Super Bowl: Green Bay Packers.

Post-high school plans: Go to a four-year college for engineering.

Career goals: Get an engineering job I enjoy.

00 1

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

SETH BROWN | ROYALL

‌ ear in school: Senior.

Y Position: Quarterback, linebacker.

Sports played: Football, basketball, baseball.

Favorite school subject: History.

Favorite teacher: Coach Ryan Olson.

This summer I: hung out with friends and got ready for my senior year of athletics.

I got my start in sports: from my parents, who were both involved in sports. I also looked up to my sister and how well she did.

I wish I could play: Tennis or golf.

My most memorable sports moment: Winning the first football playoff game in school history.

My role models: My parents, my family and my sister.

Favorite athlete: Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Favorite opponent: New Lisbon.

Favorite movie: “The Longest Yard.”

Favorite TV show: “Family Guy.” Favorite place to eat out: Culver’s.

Favorite food: Cheese.

Favorite website: Eastbay.com.

Favorite superhero: Batman.

I drive: Chevy Impala.

My dream car: Lamborghini.

I wish I could meet: Barack Obama.

Hobbies: Fishing, sports and paintball.

Game-day superstition: None.

Most underrated teammate: Luke Wohlrab.

Team goal for the season: Win a state championship.

Who will win the upcoming Super Bowl: Green Bay Packers.

Post-high school plans: Go to college.

Career goals: Be content with life.

00 1

SENIOR PROFILES JOEL RIEHBRANDT | BEAVER DAM

‌ ear in school: Senior.

Y Position: Middle linebacker, wing back.

Sports played: Baseball, football.

Favorite school subject: Math.

Favorite teacher: Mr. Winker. He’s just the same on the field as he is in the classroom.

This summer I: did a lot of preparation for football and a lot of film study.

I got my start in sports: My dad encouraged me from a young age before sports started for me. We would go in the yard and throw the football back and forth even out in the rain and during the winter.

I wish I could play: Hockey, because it’s probably the closest thing to football.

My most memorable sports moment: The Oconomowoc game where the running back came up the middle and I came up and made a tackle, and the ball flew out.

My role models: My dad and mom.

Favorite athlete: Clay Matthews.

Favorite opponent: Oconomowoc. Always had the relationship with them.

Favorite movie: “Dunkirk.”

Favorite TV show: “Family Guy.” Favorite place to eat out: Sake House.

Favorite food: BBQ wings.

Favorite website: YouTube.

Favorite superhero: Superman.

I drive: Chevy Malibu or a moped.

My dream car: Hellcat.

I wish I could meet: Clay Matthews.

Hobbies: hunt and fish.

Game-day superstition: I put on my headphones and sit in a corner and just think about the plays I want to make.

Most underrated teammate: Mitch Graff, because he didn’t play a whole lot at running back last year even though I think he’s one of the best running backs out here.

Team goal for the season: We haven’t made the playoffs in a long time, so that’s the No. 1 goal we’ve got to get. Then hopefully conference champs.

Who will win the upcoming Super Bowl: Green Bay Packers.

Post-high school plans: Four-year college.

Career goals: Engineering.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 11

AIDAN YOUNG | SAUK PRAIRIE

‌ ear in school: Senior.

Y Position: Tight end, safety.

Sports played: Football, basketball.

Favorite school subject: History.

Favorite teacher: Mr. Chrisler.

This summer I: ripped through town on my moped and worked at the Piggly Wiggly.

I got my start in sports: Playing in the backyard with my dad.

I wish I could play: Water polo.

My most memorable sports moment: Beating Baraboo on Homecoming for the Megabowl.

My role models: My parents and coaches.

Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant.

Favorite opponent: DeForest.

Favorite movie: “Spider-man 3.”

Favorite TV show: “The Office.”

Favorite place to eat out: Chili’s.

Favorite food: Pancakes.

Favorite website: Wissports.net.

Favorite superhero: Batman.

I drive: A red moped and a Scion XB (the Cube).

My dream car: Scion XB. I wish I could meet: Jimmy Fallon.

Hobbies: Napping and binge-watching TV shows on Netflix.

Game-day superstition: I have to wear the same socks and same undershirt.

Most underrated teammate: Ed Schott.

Team goal for the season: Make the playoffs.

Who will win the upcoming Super Bowl: Oakland Raiders.

Post-high school plans: Attend college to become an athletic trainer.

Career goals: Become an athletic trainer for a college or professional team.

12 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

CONNOR MANTHEY | COLUMBUS

SENIOR PROFILES

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

2016 AREA CONFERENCE STANDINGS BADGER NORTH TEAM

SCENIC BLUFFS ‌ CONF. ALL

CONF. ALL

Waunakee

6-0 10-1

Bangor

6-0 12-1

Mount Horeb/Barneveld

5-1

Royall

4-2 7-4

Reedsburg

4-2 4-6

New Lisbon

4-2

DeForest

3-3 4-6

Brookwood

3-3 4-6

Baraboo

2-4 3-6

Necedah

2-4 3-6

Sauk Prairie

1-5

Cashton

2-4 2-7

Portage

0-6 1-8

Hillsboro

0-6 1-7

8-2

1-8

CAPITOL NORTH ‌ TEAM

‌ ear in school: Senior.

Y Position: Linebacker, fullback.

Sports played: Football, baseball, basketball.

Favorite school subject: Weight training.

Favorite teacher: Mr. Bruce Zahn.

This summer I: traveled the Midwest playing baseball.

I got my start in sports: With my parents in the backyard.

I wish I could play: Hockey.

My most memorable sports moment: Winning two conference championships my junior year (in football and baseball).

My role models: My parents and Mr. Mike O’Brien.

Favorite athlete: Mike Trout.

Favorite opponent: Lodi.

Favorite movie: “The Fate of the Furious.”

Favorite TV show: “Last Chance U.” Favorite place to eat out: TGIFs. Favorite food: Steak.

Favorite website: Eastbay.com.

Favorite superhero: Superman.

I drive: Volvo S80.

My dream car: McLaren F1.

I wish I could meet: Ken Griffey Jr. Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and fishing.

Game-day superstition: Subway for lunch and pregame music in the locker room.

Most underrated teammates: Cole Maxwell and Ben Waldo.

Team goal for the season: Playoffs.

Who will win the upcoming Super Bowl: Green Bay Packers.

Post-high school plans: Attend Bradley University on a baseball scholarship.

Career goals: Something I will enjoy doing every day.

TEAM

7-3

SOUTH CENTRAL ‌ CONF. ALL

TEAM

CONF. ALL

Columbus

5-0 11-1

Adams-Friendship

5-0 9-1

Lodi

3-2 8-3

Nekoosa

4-1 5-5

Lake Mills

3-2

8-4

Mauston

3-2 6-4

Lakeside Lutheran

2-3

4-5

Wautoma

2-3 3-6

Watertown Luther Prep

1-4

2-7

Westfield

1-4 1-8

Poynette

1-4 4-5

Wisconsin Dells

0-5

EAST CENTRAL ‌

0-9

TRAILWAYS LARGE ‌

TEAM

CONF. ALL

Berlin

6-1 9-2

Markesan

6-0 10-1

Kewaskum

6-1 10-2

Dodgeland

5-1 8-2

Plymouth

6-1 8-3

Horicon/Hustisford

4-2 6-4

Ripon

4-3 4-6

Pardeeville

2-4 4-5

Winneconne

2-5 2-7

MPGL

2-4 5-4

Campbellsport

2-5 4-5

Parkview

2-4 2-7

Waupun

2-5 3-6

Palmyra-Eagle

0-6 1-8

Kettle Moraine Lutheran

0-7

CONF. ALL

0-9

FLYWAY ‌ TEAM

TEAM

TRAILWAYS SMALL S‌ CONF. ALL

TEAM

CONF. ALL

St. Mary’s Springs

6-0

12-1

Cambria-Friesland

6-0 9-3

Winnebago Lutheran

4-2

9-3

Lourdes Academy

5-1

8-3

Omro

4-2 5-5

Fall River

4-2

6-4

Laconia

4-2 8-3

Johnson Creek

3-3

6-4

Mayville

2-4 2-7

Rio

2-4 2-6

Lomira

1-5 1-8

Randolph

1-5 2-7

North Fond du Lac

0-6

Deerfield

0-6 0-10

1-8

00 1

BARABOO

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

T-Birds at a glance Coach: Steve Turkington, fourth season (6-22) On offense: While the Thunderbirds have some big shoes to fill, Baraboo returns senior Evan Vodak as a go-to option in the backfield, along with Mike Wech and Joe Zemanovic.

Quarterback Brock Turkington will step into a big role, while 6-foot-5 Caden Blum replaces Paddy O’Rourke at tight end.

On defense: Middle linebacker Brandon Barbour is back after an honorable mention all-conference season in which he led Baraboo with 86 tackles. Barbour will be buoyed by Alex Statz, Joe Zemanovic, Jacob Kimpfbeck and Gabe Larson in what should be a solid linebacker corps. In the back end, the T-Birds will rely on the experience of Dylan Barganz, Pablo Ramirez and Mike Wech to limit opponents through the air.

Bottom line: After the departure of a strong 2016 senior class, Baraboo fans will see a new look when the T-Birds step on the field at Monona Grove on Friday.

The T-Birds will look to play relatively low-scoring games, flying around on defense and controlling the ball when they have possession. If all goes as planned, Baraboo’s deep roster and “Tough People Win” approach will have the T-Birds competitive in the always challenging Badger North.

By the numbers 20 Returning letterwinners 11 Years since Baraboo has made the playoffs (2006) 00 1

1,763 Total rushing yards in 2016

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 13

T-Birds target culture change 2017 Schedule

Coach hopes ‘Tough people win’ philosophy propels Baraboo to playoffs

Aug. 18 at Monona Grove Aug. 25 STOUGHTON Sept. 1 at Beaver Dam Sept. 8 at Portage Sept. 15 MT. HOREB/ BARNEVELD Sept. 22 DEFOREST Sept. 29 at Sauk Prairie Oct. 6 WAUNAKEE Oct. 13 REEDSBURG

CHRIS FLORES cflores@wiscnews.com‌

Baraboo football coach ‌ Steve Turkington’s new philosophy is simple: Tough people win.

The saying, shortened to “TPW,” is not only reiterated during practice, but the acronym is printed on the back of the team’s practice shirts as a constant reminder that no matter what adversity you face, tough athletes can get through it.

The Thunderbirds have faced more than their share of adversity over the past decade, failing to make the WIAA playoffs since 2006. That drought almost ended last season, as Baraboo was one win away from a postseason berth. The T-Birds had two losses of five points or less, both to playoff-bound foes.

Baraboo has some big holes to fill as its leading passer rusher, and receiver were lost to graduation, but Turkington believes he has the players able to keep the team’s progression going.

“The season was just inches away from being something really magical,” he said. “So now this group came in, and they’re a different kind of group, but they worked so hard during the offseason that we’re really excited to see what happens.”

Baraboo dropped a 28-27 heartbreaker early on to DeForest and was still clinging to a potential playoff berth when the T-Birds played Mount Horeb/Barneveld on the road in Week 8. Bara-

Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m.

CHRIS FLORES, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Barboo football coach Steve Turkington talks with his team after practice earlier this month. boo held a one-point lead at halftime, but missed out on a couple scoring chances and a roughing-the-passer penalty helped the Vikings escape with a 19-14 victory.

While some teams would like to forget about the close games and move on, Turkington said the T-Birds are using them as motivation.

“I obviously reflect on it every single day. You look at all the little details if we would have hit on some of these things, that would have been the difference in the DeForest game or the Mount Horeb game,” Turkington said. “Either one of those we could have won and would have been in the playoffs, but instead that kind of came back to bite us.

“We use it as motivation to say we’re not going to skip out on anything.

There will be no stone left unturned to make sure we make the playoffs this year and get those wins. Because those were ours.”

It all goes back to “TPW,” a philosophy that Turkington hopes will push his team harder than ever before. “‘TPW’ is something we stole from a coach down in Texas, and the concept is more mental than physical,” Turkington said. “We want you to be physically tough, but mental toughness is really what we’re talking about. So when adversity strikes, you’re going to push through it and you’re going to come out a winner.

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“It’s going to be our permanent thing, as long as I’m here. We used it in baseball too. (Baseball coach and defensive coordinator) Steve Considine and I met this offseason, before baseball even started and started asking, ‘What are we missing?’ Obviously we’ve got this kids working really hard. And we’ve got coaches, we’re teaching

the game well, we’ve got fundamentals and all that stuff is being taken care of.

What we were missing is the culture change across our sports. So we invested a lot of time and energy in culture.”

Physically, the T-Birds will be tougher as well.

Turkington’s “Winning Edge” workout program has seen record numbers.

“I would say during the wintertime, Monday and Wednesday mornings we’d have 50-60 kids in the weight room. And they’ve never had that around here before,” he said. “We’ve created this program where we’re going to make sure our athletes are doing it during the season and it becomes a year-round thing for our athletes.

“You can see it in our kids.

We’re way bigger, faster and stronger than we have been in the past.”

GO THUNDERBIRDS!

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14 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Significant void left

by Larson’s departure Baraboo will have to reinvent offense in absence of prolific running RB CHRIS FLORES cflores@wiscnews.com‌

BROCK FRITZ, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

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‌There’s no question Baraboo’s offense is taking a dent in 2017. The Thunderbirds will certainly feel the loss of Noah Larson, a four-year starter who was a first-team All-Badger North Conference running back after amassing 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, accounting for nearly 90 percent of Baraboo’s ground game output.

“He was our offense,” T-Birds coach Steve Turkington said in February. “He allowed us to win games because of his ability, but he also kind of let us set the table for building the rest of the program.”

Larson, who is playing football at the University of North Dakota this fall, was also a second-team all-conference linebacker with 61 tackles. But he isn’t the only significant loss for Baraboo.

Quarterback Tom Ginther, who threw for 599 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for four more scores, was lost to graduation. So was honorable mention all-conference tight end Paddy O’Rourke, who led the receiving corps with 19 catches, 242 yards and two TDs. The T-Birds also lost receiver Spencer Klemm, who recorded seven catches for 115 yards and one touchdown.

No returning Baraboo player has scored a touch-

CHRIS FLORES, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Baraboo will rely on Caden Blum, Ryan Gehin, Alex Brown and Braydon Scarborough as its top receivers this season. down at the varsity level.

Senior Evan Vodak (6foot-1, 190 pounds) and junior Mike Wech (5-9, 190), who combined for 176 rushing yards last season, will carry the load in Larson’s absence, while junior fullback Joe Zemanovic (5-9, 175) will see time in the backfield as well. Brock Turkington, the coach’s son and a 6-foot-2 junior who displayed a strong arm during the baseball season, steps in at quarterback.

“Michael Wech was a part of that backfield last year, Evan Vodak was a part of the backfield, and Dylan Barganz was a kid that was playing defense on varsity last year and now he’ll be on defense and offense. So there’s experience there,” Turkington said. “Brock at quarterback was a JV guy last year, but had experience with baseball this year being a varsity guy so he’s

been in that pressure situation. Caden Blum is coming back. So there’s some experience here, even though it’s young.”

Turkington will run a true Wing-T offense this year, with the likes of Vodak, Wech, Zemanovic and a couple of others to choose from in the backfield.

“So a lot like Reedsburg and their option attack, we do it with the Wing-T with the more crisscrossing type action that freezes defenders,” Turkington said. “We block them by fakes, instead of physically blocking some defenders. So last year it wasn’t a true Wing-T; we were using our best athlete on the field and featuring him.”

Turkington said he hopes to take advantage of the speed within his backfield.

“We have a lot of guys Please see VOID, next page

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that think the fullback in this offense has got to be a 230-pound bruiser, and really it doesn’t have to be that,” he said. “Our fullbacks this year, the two guys that are in the running for the starting position, are smaller, quicker guys.

“They’re all super fast.

When you think of Noah, he was fast and big and usually you don’t get that. We’re going with more, wanting speed in that backfield.”

Junior tight end Caden Blum will look to play a bigger role, using his 6-5, 230-pound frame to his advantage. Pablo Ramirez (5-9, 170) will wrestle for a spot as well.

“You’ve got Caden Blum, whose a 6-5 tight end, so he’s a great target,” Turkington said. “And then you’ve got kids like Ryan Gehin, Alex Brown, Braydon Scarborough — those are receivers we have in our system that can get open. And then our backs are fast so they can get

CHRIS FLORES, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Junior quarterback Brock Turkington and crew work on a handoff drill during practice earlier this month. open. So we have the ability to throw the ball at any moment.”

The Thunderbirds lost honorable mention all-conference guard Nick Macdonald and center Devin Fichter, but they return four seniors on the offensive line in Justus Neuman (5-11, 250), Jacob Kimpfbeck (5-10, 200), Avery Estes (5-11, 230) and George Schreck (6-4, 220),

with another half-dozen upperclassmen in the mix to fill out the starting lineup.

“We’ve got an offensive line right now with some depth,” Turkington said. “So we definitely have some guys on that side of the ball that can block this year.”

Graham Langkamp and Tyson Fry are competing to BROCK FRITZ, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌ replace Victor Riccardi as the team’s punter and kicker. Baraboo’s Graham Langkamp participates in a practice earlier this month.

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Improved depth raises hopes T-birds believe defense can keep them in more games BROCK FRITZ bfritz@wiscnews.com‌

‌Baraboo defensive coordinator Steve Considine is always on the lookout for tough kids. From the looks of things, he’ll have a bunch of them to choose from when the Thunderbirds open the season at Monona Grove on Friday.

“We’re looking for tough kids, almost kind of mean kids on defense that are going to do the job,” Considine said during the first week of practice. “I think we’ve got that and an experienced team.”

That toughness and experience has Considine fairly comfortable in his fourth fall camp with the Baraboo

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Defensive coordinator Steve Considine instructs some players Baraboo’s Pablo Ramirez participates in a practice earlier during practice earlier this month. this month. football team. The T-Birds are returning eight defensive starters and are expecting to have more depth at all three levels of their defense, which typically employs a 4-3 or 4-4 alignment.

“I think this is the deepest team in my four years,” Considine said. “I really like our

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size and our speed and our athleticism because of what these guys did in the offseason. I think we’re going to be in every game.”

That was the case most of the time last season, when the T-Birds gave up 23.6 points per game and three of their six losses came by single digits.

“There were times we’d have a good drive and then all of a sudden we might break right at the end,” Considine said. “No matter what the offense gives us, we’ll bend, but we’re not going to break.”

The coaching staff hopes Baraboo’s increased depth on defense can help keep games from getting away from them in the second half.

“We have built depth in our lineup and we plan to compete for four quarters in every game this season,” Baraboo head coach Steve Turkington said.

One of the most experienced T-Birds is senior inside linebacker Brandon Barbour. , Baraboo’s lone all-conference returnee on the defensive side of the ball. He earned an honorable mention All-Badger North nod last season after pacing the T-Birds with 86 total tackles.

“I think he’s going to have a year that’s going to put him as one of the top linebackers in the conference,” Considine said. “He’s a run-stopper that we can kind of leave alone so that we can play games in our cover-

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ages. We know that if anything gets by the first level, he can usually clean it up.”

The linebacker corps also brings back senior Alex Statz, senior Jacob Kimpfbeck and junior Joe Zemanovic, who each started at least four games last season. Considine added that junior Gabe Larson is one of the most physical guys he’s ever coached and will play a role.

“We have the most experience we’ve ever had back at linebacker,” Considine said.

“That can help us make sure that we always have a fresh guy out there. … But Brandon and Alex are two guys that I don’t think are ever going to be off the field on defense.”

While the T-Birds know what to expect from their linebackers, the defensive line is a question mark, but the coaches are optimistic nonetheless.

“I think we’re really excited to see what the defensive line can do, because we’re big, and we’re pretty athletic there, too,” Considine said. “There are about 11 guys that are going to rotate in on Friday nights.”

Considine is particularly

excited about the length and athleticism the T-Birds will have coming off the edge with defensive ends like Caden Blum, Seth Olson and Colton Terry. Justus Neumann is expected to be at the top of the rotation at defensive tackle, playing along with Matt Gust and Joe Schick.

It’s the same story in the secondary, as the T-Birds have six guys competing for four spots.

“Nobody can really be comfortable in their position, which is kind of exciting for us, because it’s going to drive everybody to perform,” Considine said.

“They know if they don’t, there’s another guy that wants a crack at it.”

Senior Dylan Barganz brings the most experience in the secondary. Pablo Ramirez returns at cornerback after starting several games there last season, while Mike Wech is moving from linebacker to safety.

Caden Carpenter and Brandon Scarborough will also be in the rotation for a secondary group that is looking to create turnovers again after forcing 22 last season.

Monona Grove, the 2016 WIAA Division 2 state runner-up, will provide a stiff test in Friday’s season opener, having scored 33.4 points per game last season. With such a tough test right off the bat, the Baraboo defense will have to lean on its veterans and newfound depth to keep the offense within striking distance.

“I think we’re going to be an improved defense,” Considine said. “We need the leadership to step up and keep us in games, and I think we’re going to have a 00 good year.”

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Beavers add fresh take on practice Beaver Dam brings younger players back onto field with varsity MARK MCMULLEN mmcmullen@wiscnews.com‌

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‌An old idea is new again for the Beaver Dam prep football team.

Under retired head coach Tim White, the Golden Beavers’ three teams — varsity, JV and freshman — would share the practice field, but fourth-year head coach Steve Kuenzi had shied away from that practice.

That changes this year, as Kuenzi has decided to bring back the freshmen to work out alongside the varsity and JV teams.

“You get the feeling of one, complete and total team,” Kuenzi said. “They get a chance to see what we’re all about and how things get done from day one.”

Kuenzi said the only time the freshman and the JV teams are together is during warmups. Once that is done, the freshman and JV teams go into individual drills, as does the varsity.

“Even when we do our individual drills, we call it a Gold/Green Concept where we take the varsity — they’re the green team — and they’ll practice the offensive side of the ball,” Kuenzi said. “At the same time, the JV and freshman — they’re the gold team — they’ll practice defense.

“The JV and freshmen never ever go up against the varsity.”

The reason for the two younger teams not facing one another during team drills is because of safety issues and the mismatches it can cause.

“We as coaches, we never

MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

“The other thing is, and probably the biggest thing is, it utilizes our coaching resources because now we include our freshman coaching staff in with us.”

– Beaver Dam head coach Steve Kuenzi match up kids in a mismatch situation,” Kuenzi said. “We tell the kids that. Don’t go up against somebody that is much smaller or not as strong as you. Go up against somebody that is going to challenge you. Every now and then you’ll see a freshman who will take on a JV kid. It’s a pretty good match.

“As coaches, it’s our duty to make sure that we provide safety on the field.”

Renovations at Beaver Dam High School has left little space for all three teams to practice all at once, but Kuenzi said the team is making due with the added

bodies and taking advantage of the benefits of having more coaches available during individual drills.

“The other thing is, and probably the biggest thing

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is, it utilizes our coaching reThe Beaver Dam prep football team stretches during a recent sources because now we inpractice. clude our freshman coaching staff in with us,” said Kuenzi, who works with the defensive backs in addition to his head coaching duties. “For example, Coach Tim White is an outstanding running backs coach. Before, we were always one man short.

“From a coaching resource standpoint, it was great because now we have the extra coaches available.

It’s extra eyes to help coach.

The coach-to-player ratio has now dropped a little bit because we have those extra eyes.”

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Defense hangs hat on physicality

2017 Schedule Aug. 18

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You’ve heard the saying, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

For the past decade, the Beaver Dam prep football team has had a solid defensive unit going up against larger schools in the Little Ten Conference.

When Steve Kuenzi came on board as head coach and defensive coordinator three years ago, there was no need to change the 3-3 base defense.

“You don’t see a lot of teams running it,” Kuenzi said. “We did it because it really fits our personnel. We don’t have the big, 6-foot-7, 300-pound linemen.

What we have are little, gnattype linebackers that fly around and create a lot of problems.

“We take advantage of that.”

Kuenzi said they could have packages of three or five linebackers and even as many as seven or eight in some.

“There’s a lot of different things we can do with it,” Kuenzi said.

“We’re a heavy-pressure defense. The good thing we have is we have a lot of kids returning. We have about seven or eight starters returning from last year’s team.

“I like to think we were pretty good last year with our defense against the Little Ten teams.”

The Golden Beavers gave up the second-fewest points in the Little Ten last year, but their defensive success didn’t translate to the win column as they went 3-6 overall and 2-5 in conference play.

Beaver Dam relocates to the Badger North Conference this season.

“There are new expectations, but it’s the same goal just to be the best,” defensive lineman Matt Piekarski said. “We’ll compete with the best. I think it’s going to be exciting that we’re going to be transitioning to newer begin-

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Golden Beavers at a glance On offense: The Beavers lost a lot of talent, including quarterback Carmelo Rosado and offensive lineman Wyatt Wells from last season. Noah Cook returns on the line and Dillon Livingston and Max Wiersma are back at receiver. Offensive coordinator Brock Linde likes what he sees from junior quarterback Kendrick Jimenez early on.

Then Mitch Graff will be able to show his stuff at running back, replacing Brandon Rosado.

On defense: Returning all-conference players Joel Riehbrandt and Graff lead the way. Wiersma and Blaiz Firari will take control of the secondary.

MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Beaver Dam’s Mateo Ramirez (top left) helps tackle running back Mitch Graff during a recent practice. nings.”

Piekarski will be joined by returning players such as linebackers Joel Riehbrandt, Mitch Graff, Marshall Goodrich and Mateo Ramirez and defensive backs Max Wiersma, Blaiz Firari and Dillon Livingston.

Riehbrandt and Graff both earned all-conference accolades last year. Riehbrandt led the Beavers with 89 total tackles and Graff was third on the team with 70.

“They’re 100 percent committed and have bought into what we’re doing,” Kuenzi said of all his returning players on defense.

“They’ve seen the results over the years. They fly around and have a lot of fun. They’re really starting to become close-knit, which is a little bit of a concern I had with the senior class. I wasn’t sure how close-knit they would become. There’s been a maturation process among a lot of the senior leaders.

“From a defensive standpoint, we’re all on the same page and really helped each other out. It’s really cool to see.”

Kuenzi said the defense as a whole prides itself on being physical. The unit’s catchphrase this season is “The team that is more physical is going to win.”

“If everything is equal or even if we’re not equal, sometimes our physical play is going to keep us in the game or helps us to sneak out a close one,” Kuenzi said.

Bottom line: BD is going into a new conference in the Badger North. The defense has been solid in the past, so if the offense can rise to that level, then expect BD to make the playoffs.

By the numbers 3 Number of offensive starters (Dillon Livingston, Noah Cook and Mitch Graff) returning for the Beavers.

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Plug-and-play options aplenty Beavers have faith in multiple players to get job done MARK MCMULLEN mmcmullen@wiscnews.com‌

Offensive coordinator Brock ‌ Linde knows he has some great athletes he can utilize for the Beaver Dam prep football team this season.

He also knows he may have to share them with the defense.

In order for the Golden Beavers to be successful, Linde said, “We need our best players to play a lot.”

When the season starts on Friday against former Little Ten Conference foe Watertown, players such as running backs Joel Riehbrandt, Mitch Graff or recivers Max

Wiersma and Dillon Livingston or even linemen Noah Cook and Matt Piekarski could find themselves in need of a break after playing both ways, but Linde feels good about their backups.

“To feel that confidence in whoever we put out there is going to get the job done is nice,” Linde said.

With the addition of Kendrick Jimenez at quarterback — replacing Carmelo Rosado — Linde feels the offense has a chance to spread the ball around to many players this season.

“We’re doing a couple of different things, offensively, I think fit Kendrick a little bit better than what would’ve fit Carmelo Rosado last year,” Linde said. “Carmelo was more of a running threat at the quarterback position. Kendrick’s poise for an underclassman

is noteworthy. He seems to com- only returning player on the line; mand the huddle, which for an un- he started at center but is transiderclassman is kind of a rarity. tioning to left tackle next to His peers respect him.

Piekarski, who will play at “He’s soaking in a left guard. new playbook. It’s “I think we lost some not easy. The quarreally talented kids last year,” Linde said. “It’s terback has a lot to really been fun to have know, he’s been some in-house very interested competition in learning and as far as who’s improving, and going to battle asking questions. I think for those starting spots. that’s exactly what you want out of a “I think anytime you have compequarterback.”

Linde is also happy tition in a with the competition he’s seen from his offensive linemen during the first two weeks of practice. Cook is the

program, you can continue to make the program more successful.”

Linde says eight linemen are pushing to be among the starting five.

“Because you need so many offensive linemen, you’re constantly assessing and trying to figure out who those five will be,” he said. “That’s a good problem to have.”

Right: Beaver Dam’s Mitch Graff (left) participates in a running backs drill at a recent practice.

Graff replaces Brandon Rosado at running back this season after spending most of his playing time on defense last season.

Far right: Beaver Dam’s Dillon Livingston makes a nice over-theshoulder catch during a recent practice.

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2017 Schedule Aug. 18 STOUGHTON Aug. 25 at Monona Grove Sept. 1 SAUK PRAIRIE Sept. 8 BARABOO Sept. 15 at Waunakee Sept. 22 at Beaver Dam Sept. 29 MT. HOREB/BARNEVELD Oct. 6 at Reedsburg Oct. 13 at DeForest Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m.

Warriors at a glance Coach: Bob Hepp, 1st season On offense: The Warriors had one of the top passing attacks in the Badger North Conference last year, averaging 168.9 yard per game last year, including 7 yards per attempt. Portage has a strong group of receiving options, including senior Will Tracy and juniors Brandon Hall and Jackson Syens. Seniors Dylan Casey and Dylan Golke, along with junior Alex Horn should provide some depth in the backfield.

On defense: The main concern for the Warriors is depth, as Portage is in dire need of role players behind its top returnees. Looking to provide that depth at defensive line will be senior Gabe D’Asto and junior Isiah Miller, while sophomore Brett Walker will contribute at defensive back.

Bottom line: Following another disappointing season last year, Portage will be eager to avoid another downtrodden campaign in 2017. With a number of athletic kids on both sides of the ball, the Warriors could surprise some teams as they fight for their first postseason berth since 2007.

By the numbers 175 Number of points allowed by Portage in the first half of games last season. The Warriors, who scored 74 points, must cut down on that number to succeed this season.

SEAN DAVIS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Portage coach Bob Hepp points something out to senior Justin Sankey during a defensive drill at a practice earlier this month.

Warriors pin hopes on Hepp Veteran coach looks to engineer another turnaround at latest stop SEAN DAVIS sdavis@wiscnews.com‌

‌As its 1-8 record would indicate, things were far from perfect for the Portage football team last season.

The Warriors earned their lone victory, a 27-24 win over Madison Edgewood, in the season’s second week. They went winless in the Badger North Conference for the fourth time in the past six seasons.

While Portage played tough in all of its games, with the exception being a 41-0 loss to Badger North champion Waunakee, the Warriors often times tired out against the competition.

For first-year coach Bob Hepp, the hope is this year’s Warriors will battle for all 48 minutes in

every game rather than fade away when it matters most.

“The games I’ve watched the last couple years, a lot of the trend seems to be in games for a while in the first half and the second half we wear down,” Hepp said.

“They’re on the right path with what we’ve been doing the last couple years, but we just got to keep getting kids going.”

Hepp has plenty of experience turning programs around during his long coaching career.

During his 20 years as a head coach, Hepp has compiled a career record of 103-72 and led a number of teams to the postseason, most recently three straight trips at Campbellsport from 2012-14.

But reaching the playoffs is the farthest thing from Hepp’s mind right now.

“We’ll get to that point, but right now we’re focusing on getting in things day by day,” he said.

Offensive experience‌

Even though they only averaged 14.4 points per game last season, Portage had one of the best passing attacks in the Badger North, throwing for 1,520 yards and nine touchdowns.

Two-year starting quarterback Trent Belleau was lost to graduation, but top receiver Nolan Paul returns. The 6-foot-3, 183 pound senior hauled in 41 catches for a conference-high 763 yards and six touchdowns.

The impressive stats garnered first-team All-Badger North honors, and Paul is looking even better heading into this season.

“Nolan is, just in the brief exposure I’ve had with him, a tremendous athlete and very gifted, but he works very hard as well,” Hepp said. “He’s a very intelligent young man, a very high-character individual and he’s played a big role this year for us, obviously.”

Senior Erik Isakson moves under center from wide receiver.

While Isakson (6-1, 180) has yet to take a varsity snap for the Warriors, Hepp said he has a familiarity running this year’s option attack.

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“Erik has some prior experience running the option and that’s a benefit for us,” Hepp said. “He needs to make a lot of reads, keep things cool and that sets the tone for the offense, and he’s done that well.”

Joining Paul as one of Isakson’s top receiving threats will senior Gabe D’Asto (6-3, 185), who saw significant time at tight end last year.

Despite losing leading rusher Austin Niemisto to graduation, the Warriors return their next four leading rushers, led by senior Justin Sankey. The 6-1, 210-pounder churned out 235 yards and three scores last year and will be looking to improve on those numbers this season.

Sophomore Dale Sheppard Jr. (5-8, 210) will line up with SanPlease see WARRIORS, next page

Portage senior Erik Isakson drops back to pass while senior Justin Sankey provides a block during an offensive drill at the Warriors’ first practice on Aug. 1.

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key behind Isakson, while senior Grant Garrigan (60, 185) will be a focal point at wing back.

While Hepp may have a plethora of positional weapons at his disposal, the coach knows that the Warriors’ major question mark remains the offensive line.

“We do have some size and the line is crucial that we figure out as soon as we can,” Hepp said. “Right now as a unit, that’s an area, for various reasons, we’re trying to get the right fit.”

Hepp said senior Jack Karpelenia (6-0, 240) at center and junior Isiah Miller (5-11, 285) at guard have been solid so far.

Other offensive line candidates include seniors Hunter Andraschko (6-6, 262) and Navi Singh (6-1, 280), and juniors Clayton Kapel (6-3, 270) and Anthony Ellis (6-3, 290).

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“Nolan (Paul) is, just in the brief exposure I’ve had with him, a tremendous athlete and very gifted, but he works very hard as well. He’s a very intelligent young man, a very high-character individual and he’s played a big role this year for us, obviously.”

Bob Hepp, Portage football coach

celled offensively in the passing game, they struggled on the defensive side, especially against the run.

Portage allowed 29 touchdowns and 270.7 yards per game, including 7.6 yards per attempt, rushing last year.

Hepp knows that number needs to come down, and the best way to do so is by creating more depth.

“There are some solid pieces there,” said Hepp, who returns five of last year’s top six tacklers. “But we have to get to where we have 13 or 14 kids that we can count on to play on the defensive side.”

The main area for concern Building depth on D‌ on defense, like the other While the Warriors ex- side of the ball, is the line.

Hepp said the coaching staff plans to have the offensive line rotate in and out on defense as they look to find a solid core.

“Isiah Miller has had a light bulb come on, so to speak, and done a nice job, and Gabe D’Asto has done a good job at defensive end,” Hepp said.

Aside from the questions up front, the Warriors return a sound group at linebacker and in the defensive backfield.

Leading the linebackers is Sankey, who racked up a team-high 61 solo tackles last year, along with four tackles for loss and two forced fumbles.

“Justin has a great mo-

tor, he goes 100 miles per hour all the time and he has great work ethic,” Hepp said. “He’s adapted really well and he’s done a great job picking things up.”

Complementing Sankey is sophomore Dale Sheppard Jr., who contributed 45 tackles, including three TFLs, as a freshman last year.

In the defensive backfield, the quartet of seniors Garrigan, Dylan Golke (510, 146), Paul and Isakson SEAN DAVIS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌ all return after a successful Portage senior Nolan Paul makes an over-the-shoulder catch season last year.

“Those are four experi- during a wide receiver drill at the team’s first practice on Aug. 1. enced kids back there and they were strong as ju- that’s a good thing.”

DeForest reloaded, Hepp niors,” Hepp said. “With isn’t concerning himself all four of them returning Another difficult road‌ with that.

While the Warriors have “I want to be better at the their hopes set high, a first end of the year than we were trip to the postseason since at the beginning of the year; 2007 will be a difficult one in that means we’re improvthe difficult Badger North. ing,” he said. “As long as we Since that year, Portage do that, we’re improving; has finished better than however that works out sixth place only once (2012) record-wise, usually good and has gone a combined things happen if you’re get5-49 in conference play. ting better week to week.”

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CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 23

Underdogs embrace challenge Portage seniors look to snap decade-long playoff drought SEAN DAVIS sdavis@wiscnews.com‌

‌It’s been a while since the Portage football qualified for the WIAA playoffs — ten years in fact, last reaching the postseason in 2007.

This year’s 15-man senior class is keen to keep that streak from growing past a decade.

“Since it’s our senior year, we’re pretty motivated to get there and go further than we’re supposed to,” senior captain Erik Isakson said.

The closest the Warriors came to qualifying during the current stretch was in 2012, when they finished one game shy at 2-4 in the Badger North Conference.

Every year since then, Portage has finished in sixth or seventh place, with this year’s senior group a combined 1-17 in league games during their careers.

There’s a good chance those struggles could stop this year with the addition of new head coach Bob Hepp, who has more than

20 years of head coaching experience and has turned a number of programs around.

So far, Hepp has gotten off to a good start with this year’s team.

“Hepp really explains a lot of things and takes time to go through it, making sure everybody knows it,” senior captain Nolan Paul said.

“If someone isn’t getting something, he’ll slow down practice and help them understand, or he’ll take them out and explain it to them,” added senior captain Justin Sankey. “He works really well with everyone.”

Though Paul, Sankey, Isakson and fellow captain senior Grant Garrigan have been impressed with the coach, Hepp has been just as awed by the senior group.

“They’re really highly motivated to be successful and the leadership of the senior class looks to be outstanding,” he said.

According to the four captains, the coach’s teaching mentality has been crucial for the team as they learn the new triple-option offense.

While the triple-option is

a new concept to a majority of the team, that’s not the case for Isakson, who ran the run-heavy attack during his time at Holmen High School.

“As long as the line can read the key and block, it works pretty well,” he said.

“It’s a good, functional offense and can have big plays to the outside.”

All four of the team leaders are entering their third year seeing significant time on defense with Paul, Isakson and Garrigan playing in the secondary and Sankey at

linebacker.

“I think the experience has definitely paid off,” Garrigan said. “All of us are three-year varsity players and with that, we’ve all climbed a level each year getting better.”

Paul added: “Before, we SEAN DAVIS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌ were underclassmen and Portage senior Justin Sankey runs through an arm tackle during all these other guys were an offensive drill at the Warriors’ first practice on Aug. 1. bigger, stronger and playing varsity already. That’s where we are now, so we have to lead by example and lead the younger kids.”

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Underdogs From previous page

While that may be the case, the quartet knows there is a fine line they must walk.

Sankey wants the team to have fun but knows he needs to keep the team in line, while Paul knows that the older players must work to help everyone improve.

“If you’re going against a freshman, you can obviously put him on his butt every time if you’re blocking him, but that’s not going to help him or you,” Paul said.

“Why not teach him how to do the right things?”

The group is hopeful that improving the entirety of the team will help them stay in games, something the Warriors have struggled with. Despite promising stretches of play, Portage wore down against opponents last season.

Paul said he believes this is the year “we finally put those pieces together,” and Isakson is convinced the Warriors will be more competitive than in seasons past.

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“Unlike the last couple years, we’re not an automatic win for other teams anymore,” Isakson said.

“They won’t check us off as a ‘W’ already and we’re going to give teams a fight.”

The Warriors are in for plenty of fights this season with the heavyweights in the Badger North. Waunakee enters the season ranked No. 1 in the WisSports.net Division 2 rankings, while Mt. Horeb/Barneveld is ranked No. 10 in Division 3. DeForest and Reedsburg are also in the midst of sustained periods of success.

“How’s the saying go?

‘You put one shoe on at a time; we’re all people here.’

There’s no reason we can’t do it just like they do,” Isakson said.

The Warriors know they will be underdogs throughout the season. It’s a role Garrigan embraces.

“It’s like David and Goliath; we want to be that upset team,” he said. “We want to put them in their place to SEAN DAVIS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌ show them that we can be the same caliber as them, Portage senior Grant Garrigan reaches back to make a one-handed catch on a pitch as Warriors head coach Bob Hepp looks on during a running back drill at the team’s first practice on Aug. 1. simple as that.”

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REEDSBURG

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 MONROE Aug. 25 at Milton Sept. 1 DEFOREST Sept. 8 at Sauk Prairie Sept. 15 BEAVER DAM Sept. 22 at M. Horeb/ Barneveld Sept. 29 WAUNAKEE Oct. 6 PORTAGE Oct. 13 at Baraboo Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m.

Beavers at a glance Coach: Brian Pottinger, 12th season (71-50) On offense: All eyes will be on senior quarterback Nathan Kruser, who ran for 238 yards and scored three touchdowns last year. Kruser will be aided by senior Ben Horzewski, who ran for 379 yards and one touchdown last year, and 6-foot-1, 220-pound senior fullback Joe Lichte and tight end Matt Kohlmeyer.

On defense: Reedsburg returns its reliable 4-3 defense, with Jake McGlynn leading the squad as a returning first-team all-conference selection as a down lineman.

The Beavers will lean on returning senior linebacker Trevor Steffen and Lichte at defensive end. Linebackers Spencer Reinecke and Gavin Gurgel will be big contributors as well.

Bottom line: Overall, the Beavers will be a more mature and experienced group, returning 20 of their letterwinners. Reedsburg will be bigger and faster as well, having seen steady numbers in its offseason workout programs.

Senior-laden group to lead Beavers Reedsburg looks to bounce back from rare losing season CHRIS FLORES cflores@wiscnews.com‌

The Reedsburg football ‌ team had an uncharacteristic down year last season at 4-6, but the Beavers have demonstrated they know how to bounce back.

Reedsburg’s last losing season came in 2011, the second of two in a row.

Two years later, the Beavers went undefeated in the Badger North Conference and followed that up with two straight appearances in the state semifinals.

You’ve got to go back to 2007 to find another losing season in the program’s annals, and Reedsburg responded to that with two straight trips to the WIAA state title game, winning the championship in 2009.

Head coach Brian Pottinger, who enters his 12th year at the helm, clearly can build state-caliber teams.

But the path to Camp Randall Stadium, he says, begins with a more modest goal: First, make the playoffs.

“Our goal any year on the varsity level is to make the playoffs. That doesn’t change from year to year,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep that going.”

After producing over 22

CHRIS FLORES, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Reedsburg football coach Brian Pottinger talks with his team after practice earlier this month. points per game in 2015, Reedsburg’s offense dipped in 2016. The Beavers were shut out on five occasions, including a 21-0 loss to Monroe in the opening round of Division 3 playoffs.

The Beavers return 20 letterwinners, while boasting an experienced squad of 21 seniors and 11 juniors.

While Reedsburg also loses 20 letterwinners, including their top two running backs in Dalton Hahn and Sam Dennis, Pottinger is confident with the amount of experience his team still returns.

“It happens every year.

Every single year you graduate some people and you’re going to miss them but you have guys coming up and filling their shoes, and we’ve got some kids who had some good experience last year,” Pottinger said. “The returning seniors have a lot of experience and you rely heavily

By the numbers 71 Wins under the direction of head coach Brian Pottinger over the last 12 years 00 1

20 Letterwinners returning

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 25

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on those guys.”

Pottinger said about 80 percent of the team participated in a weekly offseason workout routine of three days of strength training and two days of speed and agility. He said he already has seen strong dedication throughout all levels of the

program.

“We can look at things like how quick they’re picking stuff up mentally, their attitude, their work ethic, things like that. I really like this team, at all levels.

Freshmen through seniors, it’s been a good group as far as attitude,” Pottinger said.

“They’ve worked really well together, and it’s not a selfish group at all, which is a good thing.”

Pottinger said teamwork was a big point of emphasis over the winter and summer months.

“We did a little bit something different in the offseason. We drafted them on teams and had team captains and things like that.”

Pottinger said. “They had some fun with it, and it

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The Beavers played well against their Badger North foes last season, finishing third in conference play with a record of 4-2. Pottinger said Waunakee, which won its 13th Badger North title in 16 years last season, will once again be the toughest opponent in the league.

“They just reload every year,” Pottinger said. “I think Mount Horeb last several years have been steady; they’re a reloading type of team so you can count on them being strong.

“We’re just hoping to get into playoffs. It’s a tough conference.

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26 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Kruser keys triple-option attack With leading rushers gone, it’s now senior quarterback’s show to run CHRIS FLORES cflores@wiscnews.com‌

‌Reading the defense is the name of the game for Reedsburg’s triple-option offense, where a fullback lines up behind the quarterback while a slotback is usually sent in motion.

All eyes will be on senior quarterback Nathan Kruser (5-8, 175) to make the decision of handing off the ball, keeping it for himself or pitching it to the slotback.

Kruser showed his agility last season, running for 238 yards on 77 carries while scoring three touchdowns along the way. Beavers coach Brian Pottinger said Kruser has worked hard in the offseason to perfect the triple-option and looks ready to go this fall.

“Nathan Kruser started a few games for us last year as quarterback, and you could tell the first day he stepped onto the field this summer, he’s really way ahead,” Pottinger said. “That’s always a good thing to have at the quarterback position in this kind of offense.”

While the return of Kruser is a plus, the Beavers will feel the loss of firstteam All-Badger North Conference running back Dalton Hahn, who was

Reedsburg’s go-to weapon last year. Hahn led the team in rushing with 641 yards on 146 attempts, scoring a team-high six touchdowns as well. The Beavers also lost Sam Dennis to graduation, who was second in rushing with 463 yards on 54 attempts and four touchdowns.

While there are a couple of big holes to fill in the backfield, Pottinger is confident senior Ben Horzewski (5-10, 180) will step up this year. Horzewski was productive last season, rushing 89 times for 379 yards and one touchdown.

Joe Lichte, meanwhile, will provide some size as another fullback option.

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound senior carried the ball 19 times for 82 yards in 2016.

Also on the radar will be sophomore Casey Campbell (5-8, 155), who showed his speed on the JV team last year.

“We’ve got Ben Horzewski coming back, who was a starter last year. Joe Lichte got quite a bit of action at fullback, so good experience for him,” Pottinger said. “I don’t know if we’re an above-average team speed-wise, but I don’t think we’re slow by

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Senior quarterback Nathan Kruser makes a pass during practice earlier this month.

Kruser was 5-for-33 for 51 yards through the air in 2016.

CHRIS FLORES PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Tobias Brown catches a pass during practice earlier this month. Brown will split his time as a receiver and a cornerback. any means. Our fastest kid is probably Casey Campbell, who’s just a sophomore right now. So we’ll see what he can do.”

Pottinger also has senior Spencer Reinecke (5-11, 185), junior Mason McSweeney (5-9, 165) and senior Mason McMillen (5-7, 140) as solid options in the backfield. Reinecke carried the ball 20 times for 67 yards last year, while McMillen gained 82 yards on 19 carries. McMillen will also return as the team’s reliable kicker and punter, having averaged 33.7 yards on 38 punts last year. He added one field goal and went 11-for-12 in extra-point attempts. The senior earned first-team all-conference honors as a punter and was a second-team selection as a

kicker.

Of course, Reedsburg’s triple-option won’t work without a sturdy offensive line. Senior Michael Griffin (5-10, 200) returns as an honorable mention all-conference tackle, and will be joined by senior Zach Arneson (5-11, 200) as the top two blockers.

Pottinger said his linemen will be quick on their feet.

“We’re not necessarily looking for size in our O-line for our offense,” he said. “We need guys who can move, who can run.

Smart kids who can pick up the blocking schemes and things like that so we have a good core group coming back with Zach Arneson and Michael Griffin — those are the two main guys.”

The Beavers did lose three linemen to gradua-

tion, but Pottinger said senior Hunter Coy (6-4, 235), Nate Evans (6-2, 200) and Dakota Klosky (6-0, 205) will fill the shoes with ease.

“Hunter Coy is a kid coming in that’s done a nice job so far at left tackle but hasn’t played in a couple years, and it takes a while to get back into it. Nate Evans is a junior, a good-sized kid and a smart kid so we’ll count on him at that center spot. Dakota Klosky is a senior coming back, played some JV ball last year, who knows what’s going on mentally in this offense.”

Seniors Victor Statz (6-2, 190), Hunter Stumpf (5-8, 170), Trevor Steffan (5-9, 185), Jacob McGlynn (5-8, 295) and sophomore John Schmitt (6-0, 235) will see time on the offensive line as well.

While Reedsburg doesn’t pass the ball very often, Pottinger is confident his players are up to the task when necessary. Kruser went 5-for-33 and 51 yards in 2016, and will mainly target senior Matt Kohlmeyer (6-1, 175), who had one reception for 22 yards as a tight end last season.

Other split ends include junior Zebastian Brown (510, 150), junior Jon Zobel (59, 150), junior Kyler Schutz (5-6, 140), senior Kaleb Mueller (5-10, 165), senior Tobias Brown (5-10, 155), senior Gavin Gurgel (5-5, 175), junior Noah Klingbeil (5-6, 150) and senior Dylan Dunse (5-11, 145). Sophomore Carter Daniels (6-0, 180) and junior Wayde Ernstmeyer (6-2, 180) will be options at tight end.

“I think when we need to throw the ball, we can get the job done,” Pottinger said. “It’s not a situation where you know we’re going to throw the ball 30 percent of the time or anything like that. That’s not how it works with this offense.” 001

REEDSBURG

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 27

Defense has big shoes to fill “The linebacker spot... [is] probably one of the areas where we need guys to step up here and pick things up quick.”

With top tackler lost to graduation, Beavers seek new contributors CHRIS FLORES cflores@wiscnews.com‌

00 1

‌Reedsburg’s defense was inconsistent in 2016, giving up an average of 19.3 points per game. The Beavers did have some shining moments, including a 21-0 of Baraboo and a 28-7 win over Sauk Prairie.

As a team, Reedsburg led the Badger North in total tackles in 2016, recording 657. The Beavers were second in sacks with 16 and led in fumble recoveries with 10. They tied for the second-most interceptions in the conference with six and were third in passed defensed with 25.

The Beavers will certainly feel the loss of Dalton Hahn, who caused havoc as a linebacker. Hahn led the team in tackles with 106, while adding four fumble recoveries, a sack and an interception.

Matt Reinfeldt, who was also lost to graduation, recorded 67 tackles and led the team in sacks with six.

Other key losses include Trey Haugen, who recorded 51 tackles and an interception, and Hugh Champagne, who added 40 tackles and a fumble recovery.

Reedsburg does return some all-conference performers on defense. Senior Jake McGlynn was a unanimous first-team selection as a down lineman after recording 47 tackles and five sacks last year, and senior Trevor Steffen earned honorable mention honors with 61 tackles, one sack and one

Brian Pottinger, head coach

ner spot, he’s just a good athlete so he’ll obviously see time on both sides of the ball,” Pottinger said.

Other players expected to Reedsburg’s 4-3 defense include Spencer Reinecke and Gavin Gurgel as linebackers, along with Lichte, Mueller and Chase Kaiser as defensive backs.

CHRIS FLORES PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Members of the Reedsburg football team work on a defensive drill during practice earlier this month. fumble recovery.

The Beavers will also rely upon senior defensive end Joe Lichte, who accounted for 56 tackles, two sacks and one interception last year.

“We have Joe Lichte at one of the spots, and Jake McGlynn is a returning all-conference player,” Pottinger said. “Mason McMillen got a lot of experience last year as a starter in the secondary. Trevor Steffen is coming back to the linebacker spot on the inside, and he’s really the only guy who has had a lot of experience at linebacker. That’s probably one of the areas where we need guys to step up here and pick things up quick.”

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GO BEAVERS! Reedsburg’s defense will be led by senior Jake McGlynn, Trevor Steffen, Joe Lichte, Spencer Reinecke and Gavin Gurgel.

Brown will serve as the team’s quick and athletic defensive backs. McMillen earned honorable mention all-conference accolades

at the position last season, while Pottinger said Brown can defend against just about anybody.

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28 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Roster overhaul allows for fresh start Loss of 22 seniors gives Sauk Prairie chance to reboot BROCK FRITZ bfritz@wiscnews.com‌

‌Losing 22 seniors can put any football team in jeopardy, but it can also give a program clean slate. That’s what Sauk Prairie is hoping can happen this fall — the Eagles’ numbers are down, but the team sees that as an opportunity to build the program up.

Everybody on Sauk Prairie’s roster is unproven at this point, as all three of their All-Badger North Conference honorees from last season — Josh Holler, Nolan Joyce and Vince Walsh — have graduated.

Sauk Prairie struggled in 2016, going just 1-8 overall, including 1-5 in Badger North play, but the Eagles will still have to adjust after losing a number of players

who set the tone the last two years.

“Certainly any time that you lose a large group of seniors, it impacts the program in significant ways,” Sauk Prairie head coach Scott Mirkes said. “You lose a number of leaders like Josh Holler, Logan Moore, Devin Ballweg, and others who did everything that they were asked and worked diligently to point our program’s culture in the right direction.”

The Eagles hope they are still pointed in that direction when they open the season at home against Milton on Friday.

There will be new names and faces all over the field, but they aren’t new faces within the program. In their third year in Mirkes’ system, the players had a head start going into the first practice of the season on Aug. 1.

“Our kids know what the expectation is,” Mirkes said on Aug. 4, the fourth day of practice. “In year

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things like that.”

Still, a lack of numbers is always an issue on the football field, and Sauk Prairie has had about 45 players on the roster through the first two weeks of practice.

“Our numbers are not where I’d like them, but there’s not much I can do about that now,” Mirkes said, noting that there were 77 players in the program when he took over in 2015.

“Kids and families have to make decisions based on what they think is best for them. Football’s not for everybody.”

Numbers can ebb and flow within high school sports, but the Eagles are focused on having a strong 2017 season nonetheless.

“What we can do is make the experience as good as it can be for the kids that we have and make sure that they’re getting a great life experience and enjoying the 12 weeks that we have together, and hopefully

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three, they know a little bit more of the ‘Do this, then do this, then do this’ as far as schemes go and things along those lines.

There’s less to teach and stop and have to correct, as far as ‘What do I do on this play? Or in this particular defense, where do I line?’

There’s always cleanup to do in that sense, but it’s not completely stripping it down, starting from scratch and having to reteach stuff.”

That familiarity allowed Sauk Prairie to jump right into action once practice started, something that hasn’t necessarily been the case during Mirkes’ first two years with the Eagles.

“The contact days we had really kind of took care of that,” Mirkes said of the week the coaching staff was allowed to work with the players this summer.

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2017 Schedule Aug. 18 MILTON Aug. 25 at Edgewood Sept. 1 at Portage Sept. 8 REEDSBURG Sept. 15 DEFOREST Sept. 22 at Waunakee Sept. 29 BARABOO Oct. 6 at Beaver Dam Oct. 13 MT. HOREB/ BARNEVELD Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m.

By the numbers 10 Years since Sauk Prairie’s last playoff berth in 2007. more,” Mirkes said.

The Eagles haven’t had a winning record in the regular season since 2007. They would love to reach .500 and qualify for the playoffs, but Mirkes is more concerned with building the team’s culture and taking the next steps as a program.

“That’s the approach we’re going to take. We just go 1-0 every week,” Mirkes said. “Our goal on the field is to be the best possible team that we can be each Friday night, and to be better at the end of the season than we were at the beginning of it. Off of the field, I want us to be great in the classroom and leaders of the Sauk Prairie culture — exemplary men who make our school and community better.”

Eagles at a glance Coach: Scott Mirkes, third season (3-15) On offense: Three-year starting quarterback Josh Holler has moved on and will be replaced by 6-foot-4 senior Dawson Evert.

Evert will look to get the ball in the hands of Bryant Schaaf and Elijah Jorgenson, who will be asked to make plays for the Eagles.

On defense: The Eagles are trying to find a way to play faster and more physically this season. Individually, Jorgenson will play a key role in the defensive backfield while Brady Ederer and Josh Bader will need to make plays at linebacker.

Bottom line: A lot is up in the air for a Sauk Prairie team that had 22 seniors on the roster last season.

Mirkes likes the competition that the Eagles have had in practice while people are battling for positions. He also likes how the players are familiar with the system, how practice is run now that it’s their third year under Mirkes. On the field, it’ll be another tough run through the Badger North Conference for the Eagles, who will need some young guys and newcomers to step up in order to compete.

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SAUK PRAIRIE

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 29

Consistency sought on ground With new quarterback at helm, Eagles look to control more clock BROCK FRITZ bfritz@wiscnews.com‌

00 1

Sauk Prairie’s offense ‌ couldn’t get much traction last year.

The Eagles scored just 7.4 points per game during the 2016 campaign. They were shut out four times and scored in double figures just three times all season — a 19-14 win over Portage, a 28-24 loss to Milton and a 42-10 loss to Baraboo.

If the Eagles are going to get the offense humming this season, they’ll need to do so with a new quarterback under center for the first time since Josh Holler took over in 2014. Holler graduated after a senior season in which he earned honorable mention All-Badger North Conference recognition.

In steps Dawson Evert, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior who has started at defensive end while waiting for the quarterback spot to open up.

“Dawson will get the first opportunity there. He’s been patient; he’s waited his time,” Baraboo head coach

Scott Mirkes said of Evert.

“He didn’t play a whole lot at quarterback last year, so he played on the defensive line. That’s what we have to have from those guys, this understanding of what’s going to be best for the team. …

He did something last year that maybe he’d only done a little bit in the past, starting on the varsity at D-end. I’ll take a D-end that can play quarterback for us.”

Evert will have some experience surrounding him in the playmaking positions of Sauk Prairie’s single-wing attack. Junior running back Bryant Schaaf returns after a solid sophomore season in the backfield, while senior Elijah Jorgenson, one of the fastest guys on the field, will look to make a difference in the ground game and the passing game.

Senior Aidan Young will also give Evert a reliable target at tight end. Adam Pape and newcomer Ethan Schad, who played soccer last season, will also look to carve out a role in the passing attack.

Creating the holes will be a relatively deep group of offensive linemen that will be led by returning starters Baxter Peetz and Ed Schott.

The two seniors, along with classmate Francis Sprecher, will lead the way for an offensive line that is hoping to give Sauk Prairie more of a rushing attack this fall.

“We’ll need to improve our consistency in the run game to allow us to control the clock on Friday nights,” Mirkes said. “We’ve got a little bit more depth in the line than I think we’ve had in the past. We’ll have some

Sauk Prairie’s Elijah Jorgenson will be one of the Eagles’ playmakers on both sides of the ball this fall.

BROCK FRITZ, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

sophomores who contribute to that and push some kids for a starting spot.

There’s question marks, but there’s question marks because some of those kids just haven’t competed yet.

We know physically they bring some things to the table.”

That large group of sophomores will be counted on to supplement the Eagles at a number of positions this fall.

“The competitiveness of that sophomore class is Please see Eagles, next page

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SAUK PRAIRIE

30 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

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Junior Bryant Schaaf will be one of the leaders for the Eagles this fall.

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The Sauk Prairie linemen work on their technique during practice earlier this month.

Eagles From previous page

pushing some kids. They’ve worked hard,” Mirkes said, noting that moving too many sophomores up can make it difficult at the junior varsity level. “There’s more of a sense of competition this year than there has been in years past for a number of positions.”

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stout defenses.

“It’s the Badger North, so it’s not going to be easy regardless,” Mirkes said.

“Waunakee’s obviously the class of the conference, possibly the state. … This group will have the opportunity to compete in one of the — if not the best — football conferences in the state. I expect that will help our kids be the best possible version of themselves that

they can be this year.”

With that knowledge going forward, the Eagles know that lighting up the scoreboard won’t always be the determining factor in how well they played.

“We’re looking to get better every week,” Mirkes said. “Be better in week nine against Mount Horeb than we were in week one. I think we’re going to be able to do that. That is the goal.”

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That competition has bred some solid practices, but the Eagles won’t truly know what they have until they open the season by hosting Milton on Friday.

Sauk Prairie’s goal is to develop a hard-nosed, consistent running game that can take care of the ball and eat the clock. But it’s not going to be easy in a tough Badger North Conference that always boasts some

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Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 31

Eagles go back to basics Smaller, quicker Sauk defense focuses on fundamentals BROCK FRITZ bfritz@wiscnews.com‌

third year as Sauk Prairie’s head coach. “We’re going to be a little bit more athletic, but a little less big up front. We’re going to do some things that maximize those skills. We should be a little bit quicker on the defensive side of the ball, but we’ve still got to be sound in alignment and assignment.”

While the young Eagles are going to be more agile, not many of them are used to the physical style of play at the varsity level.

“We took some steps forward tackling and being physical last year, but we’ve got a young team, so to make that move to the varsity level, that’s a whole different level of physicality that they’ve got to bring,” Mirkes said. “There will be an ad-

justment there. Up until that time, we’ll just focus on fundamentals, leverage, tackling and taking care of those things. We’re going to play a little bit faster.”

Elijah Jorgenson will be one of those guys flying around. The senior defensive back got plenty of work last season and will need to make plays in a secondary that has to replace Ben Humbracht, Jake Ederer and Cole Miller, among others.

Senior Adam Pape will step in to fill one of those roles after primarily playing on the junior varsity team last season.

“Adam Pape has bided his time,” Mirkes said. “He took reps and got better doing that and played some special teams on the varsity.

It’s kind of that wait and see

‌Sauk Prairie is changing things up a bit on the defensive side of the ball this fall.

The Eagles are switching things around in the hopes of shoring up a defense that gave up 29.8 points per game in 2016. Head coach Scott Mirkes said that those high-scoring games resulted from a Sauk Prairie defense that was inconsistent last season, leaving the Eagles vulnerable to quick scoring drives.

“We made strides in improving our tackling, but we’ll need to improve our discipline and increase third-down stops to get off the field more consistently,” Mirkes said.

With that in mind, Sauk Prairie is looking to make a few adjustments prior to the season opener against Milton on Friday.

“I know everybody’s tweaking and adjusting the same way that we are,” Mirkes said. “We think it’s going to be good for us.”

Roster makeup also dictates style of play, and the Sauk Prairie roster looks a lot different this season after losing 22 seniors from last year.

“We’re going to do some different things defensively, just to make sure we’re utilizing strengths,” said The Sauk Prairie defense is stressing tackling fundamentals Mirkes, who is entering his heading into the 2017 season.

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BROCK FRITZ PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Sauk Prairie defenders participate in practice earlier this month. approach, do what I can to make myself better.”

The Eagles will also have a new face in the secondary after Ethan Schad decided to make the switch from soccer to football prior to his senior season.

The roles are more defined at middle linebacker, as Sauk Prairie will rely on Brady Ederer and Josh Bader to provide steady senior leadership in the linebacker corps.

“They’ve got varsity experience, so that’s always good to have that back, especially at those positions,” Mirkes said.

Junior linebacker Bryant Schaaf will be crucial at outside linebacker, the most experienced returnee after the departures of Nolan Joyce, Seth Patterson and Andrew Weeks.

There will also be quite a bit of turnover on the defensive line, as Vince Walsh,

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Hayden Batz and Devin Ballweg have all graduated.

Baxter Peetz, Francis Sprecher and Ed Schott will get a bulk of the playing time along the defensive line. Dawson Evert is also back after starting at defensive end last season,

although he may not play as much at that spot as he’ll be starting at quarterback.

With all that turnover, the Eagles have had several position battles on the defensive side of the ball throughout the first couple weeks of practice.

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COLUMBUS

32 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 at Ripon Aug. 25 PLATTEVILLE Sept. 1 MARIAN CENTRAL

(ILL.) CATHOLIC Sept. 8 ADAMS-FRIENDSHIP Sept. 15 at Wat. Luther PrepSept. 22 POYNETTE Sept. 29 at Lodi Oct. 6 LAKESIDE LUTHERAN Oct. 13 LAKE MILLS Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m.

THEY SAID IT “Probably around 10 years old at a baseball game, Connor Manthey sees me eating a bag of nacho cheese Doritos — I’m chowing down on them between games, and he sees me and he starts calling me that.

I guess it just stuck. It’s graduated from Nacho to Nach.”

— Columbus lineman Noah Black on the origin and evolution of his nickname, “Nach”

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Champs have chip on shoulder Cardinals at a glance

Cardinals aim to silence those who don’t believe they can defend title

Head coach: Calvin Zenz, first year On offense: Senior Connor Manthey takes over at QB after being the backup fullback last year and Cole Maxwell returns at wide receiver, but after that it’ll be newcomers accounting for the yardage and touchdowns.

All-conference offensive lineman Noah Black returns. The Cards will continue to employ an option attack, and Zenz said “this is the fastest team we’ve had in my five years at Columbus.”

DAN LARSON dlarson@wiscnews.com‌

A defending champion ‌ normally wears a bull’s-eye on its back, but in Columbus, they’re donning chips on their shoulders.

With such a large graduating class gone from a program that last season won its first Capitol North Conference title in 15 years and advanced to the WIAA Division 4 state quarterfinals for the second season in a row, this year’s Cardinals say they’re hearing whispers that people are expecting a down year.

They’re out to prove the doubters wrong.

And they’re doing it in a

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On defense: A lot of talented players graduated. But one player who returns — Manthey — was the best of the bunch, having been chosen as co-Capitol North defensive player of the year at season’s end. Manthey and returning linebacker Connor Westlake were two of the team’s top six tacklers last year, so the core is there for a unit that has a lot of holes to fill.

DAN LARSON, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Columbus wide receiver Cole Maxwell makes a catch during practice earlier this month.

Bottom line: The Cardinals have had plenty of turnover, but the good news is they have four non-conference games in the first four weeks to figure it out. Don’t bet against them finding some answers and being right in the Capitol North race again this season.

quiet, business-like way.

Connor Manthey, who will be better than you were the “Our motto is: It doesn’t take the reins as quarter- play before.” matter, just get better,” said back. “So you’ve just got to “These guys work their butts off and that’s really how we keep (the program’s success) going — we’re just going to outwork everybody,” added Calvin Zenz, who makes the move from assistant to head coach and takes over for team that’s 35-10 in the last four seasons.

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they were big contributors the last couple seasons,” Zenz added. “They’ve got that chip where they want to show that, ‘Hey, we’re here too and we’re here to keep (the success) going.’”

Columbus had 11 seniors at a combined 13 positions receive first- or second-team all-conference honors last year, so with all of them gone, the returning reserves and newcomers will get every opportunity to showcase their skills.

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Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 33

Chip From previous page

Zenz said Manthey — also a linebacker who was the Capitol North co-defensive player of the year last season after registering a teambest 94 tackles to go along with 11 tackles for loss, a sack and three interceptions — gives the Cardinals a “bit of a different type of look” at QB than Columbus has had recently in its option offense.

“And we’ve got a lot of speed on the outside — our guys that play the slot are faster than we were last year, which is exciting when you consider how good that those guys were (last year),” Zenz added.

The Cards had two players combine to rush for more than 2,500 yards last season, including 1,300yard rusher Jake Smith. But both have graduated.

So it will be newcomer Ben Waldo doing the lion’s share of the work toting the rock.

He’ll “be able to pick up right where Jake left off,” Zenz said.

Up front, offensive lineman Noah Black returns

DAN LARSON, DAILY CITIZEN‌ DAN LARSON, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Columbus defensive lineman Noah Black (right) works off a block to try and tackle Jamal Hill (left) during practice earlier this month. after receiving first-team All-Capitol North accolades a year ago.

He knows the challenge that lies ahead in terms of having some big shoes to fill at most of the other spots on the O-line.

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coming in up front that we can get the job done.”

Cole Maxwell is the best returning wide receiver after hauling in 15 balls for

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238 yards last season. Trey Hensler, Trent Casper and Jay Hill are newcomers that Zenz mentioned as players he expects to have an impact.

Defensively, Manthey and

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“It’s going to be a new year,” he said. “A lot of people graduated, but I think we have enough experience up front and some new guys

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LODI

34 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 Aug. 24 Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13

DELAVAN-DARIEN at Wisconsin Dells NEKOOSA at Marshall at Lake Mills at Lakeside Lutheran COLUMBUS at Luther Prep POYNETTE

Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m.

Blue Devils at a glance Coach: Dave Puls, 14th season (110-36) On offense: While the Blue Devils have put up big numbers offensively in recent years, Lodi has relied heavily upon its rushing attack. This year, the Blue Devils will look to throw the ball more, with a number of threats on the outside. Senior Kade Crissinger provides a big mismatch at tight end, while seniors Austin Shunk and Canyon Bacon will be the top two wide receivers.

On defense: Returning five of its top six tacklers on defense, Lodi has a lot of depth. Up front, senior Will Richards will look to build off his 24-tackle performance last season, while senior Ryan Brewer and junior Ben Rashid will be contributors at linebacker. Junior Owen Jelinek, who made 27 tackles last year, will be key in the defensive backfield.

Bottom line: Even though Lodi enters the year ranked No. 2 in the WisSports.net Div. 4 preseason rankings and features a deep, talented senior class, 2017 won’t be an easy year. The Blue Devils face a tough schedule, including three straight road games in September against Capitol South favorite Marshall, No. 3 Lake Mills and Capitol North dark horse Lakeside Lutheran.

By the numbers 156 The number of first-half points the Blue Devils scored in 11 games last year, outscoring opponents 156-71.

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Early exit adds motivation the backfield, the Blue Devils bring back seven offensive linemen who all started games last year.

Seniors Lucas Brisky (6-1, 280), Ryan Goethel (6-1, 235) and Anthony Benson (6-1, 220) saw a majority of the snaps, while seniors Sam Kerr (6-5, 236), Will Richards (6-2, 225), Bo Zander (6-4, 205) and Dalton Richard (6-1, 262) also saw time.

“We have eight guys that can start on the offensive line right now,” Puls said, adding that senior Ty Leonard (6-0, 274) and a few juniors and sophomores are also in the mix.

Blue Devils hope ceiling high behind sound senior class SEAN DAVIS sdavis@wiscnews.com‌

Following a state runner-up ‌ finish in 2015, last season was a trying one for the Lodi football team.

While the Blue Devils reached the playoffs for a 16th consecutive season, they finished in a tie for second in the Capitol North at 3-2 and bowed out in the second round of the postseason, ending the year with an overall record of 8-3.

With a deep, talented senior class returning this year, Lodi is hungry to reach the heights it did two years ago.

“We had a realization last year that everyone is getting better, so we need to find a way to get better as well,” said Lodi coach Dave Puls, who enters his 14th year at the helm of the Blue Devils. “It’s going to take some hard work, focus and dedication, but it’s a good group of seniors that have some good leaders and hopefully we can take that forward.”

According to Puls, a major motivation for the Blue Devils to bounce back stems from a pair of late-season losses, including a 33-7 thumping at the hands of eventual Division 4 state runner-up River Valley in a WIAA Level 2 playoff game.

“That has really motivated these guys to realize that they have with both of these guys,” Puls said. to work really hard to be a compet- “They have a different skill set in itive team,” Puls said. terms of running, throwing and different types of throws.”

Offensive depth Puls said, Scola (6-foot-3, 195 That competitiveness is all pounds) could also see time at around for the Blue Devils on both wide receiver, while McDonald (6sides of the ball, but particularly at 0, 190) has spent his high school the quarterback position. career at quarterback.

The senior duo of Dominic In the backfield, the Blue Devils Scola and Cameron McDonald return three skilled running backs split time under center last year in seniors Jacob Heyroth, Mitchell and will again be in the mix to be Nellen and Max Barreau.

Lodi’s signal-caller.

Heyroth (6-1, 193) handled the “We feel really comfortable majority of the Blue Devils’ carries

Defensive leadership

Above: Lodi senior Jacob Heyroth sprints up field after taking a handoff from sophomore Zach Potter during a recent practice.

Left: Lodi senior Austin Shunk grabs a pass during a wide receiver drill Aug. 2.

SEAN DAVIS PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

last year, rushing for 1,198 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Nellen (6-0, 175) added 315 yards and three TDs behind Barreau (5-11, 185) at fullback.

According to Puls, the trio has consistently been near the top of the skill tests in the weight room.

“You always feel really good when you have dynamic athletes like that,” he said, adding that junior Austin Soehle and sophomore Colton Nicolay will also be leaned upon.

Along with plenty of depth in

Despite losing their most vocal defensive leader, Capitol North Conference Defensive Player of the Year Alex Mashak, to graduation, the Blue Devils return a lot of defensive standouts.

Heading up Lodi’s defense, which held opponents to 14.6 points per game last year, will be Barreau.

The senior linebacker, who enters his third year as a starter, led the Blue Devils with 71 total tackles last year, including 48 solo and seven tackles for loss.

Scola is another three-year defensive starter, recording a teamhigh four interceptions last year at defensive back.

“Those guys with veteran experience will be our leaders,” Puls said.

Behind Barreau and Scola, seniors Nellen and Heyroth will be contributing at defensive back and linebacker, respectively, while senior Kade Crissinger will anchor the push up front.

Crissinger (6-3, 210) had a team-high 12 tackles for loss last season to go with 2.5 sacks, and will be relied upon heavily up front.

“Crissinger can be a huge threat and when he gets emotional, he can get anybody to run through a wall,” said Puls, who added that the Blue Devils offensive linemen will also see time on the defensive 00 front.

1

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 at Palmyra-Eagle Aug. 25 at Adams-Friendship Sept. 1 at Southwestern Sept. 8 WINNEBAGO LUTHERAN Sept. 15 LAKESIDE LUTHERAN Sept. 22 at Columbus Sept. 29 LUTHER PREP Oct. 6 LAKE MILLS Oct. 13 at Lodi Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m.

Pumas at a glance Coach: Greg Kallungi, third season (9-9) On offense: While they have featured a strong rushing attack the first two seasons under Kallungi, the Pumas must expand offensively after the loss of their leading rusher. Helping to alleviate that pressure will be Poynette’s passing game, with seniors Aaron Freimuth and Casey Chadwick as key receiving threats on the outside.

On defense: The Pumas return four starters, including all-conference junior Christian Barnharst up front. Expect sophomores Cole Gray and Colby Savich to be key role players in the defensive backfield and junior Caleb Reddeman to help out at linebacker.

Bottom line: Poynette will face a tough road back to the postseason due to its brutal conference schedule. If the Pumas can weather the storm of three consecutive road games to open the year, they could be carrying a good amount of momentum into crucial part of the season.

By the numbers

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15 Turnovers by the Pumas last year. Poynette will look to cut down on that number as it tries to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2014.

POYNETTE

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 35

Newcomers’ time to shine Pumas must replace 16 starters in pursuit of playoff return

SEAN DAVIS sdavis@wiscnews.com‌

‌It’s never easy for a team to replace a majority of its starters from one year to the next.

That’s the task at hand for the Poynette football team this season, as the Pumas will look to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.

“We lost a lot of seniors last year, most of our starters for sure,” said Poynette coach Greg Kallungi, who enters his third year in charge of the Pumas. “But we return some guys that had some valuable playing time last year.”

Poynette, which finished 1-4 in the Capitol North Conference last year and 4-5 overall, returns only two starters on offense and four on defense following the graduation of 20 seniors.

Despite that small number of returning starters, the Pumas return 16 letterwinners and, according to Kallungi, a lot of depth.

“We have some kids that maybe don’t have starting experience, but have experience,” he said.

Run game stuck in neutral?‌ One area that the Pumas will need to develop depth in will be the offensive line after losing all five starters from last year’s squad.

“That’s one area where we’re going to have some younger guys playing and guys that haven’t seen a lot of time,” Kallungi said.

Kallungi has a pair of

seniors in Trey Klink and Shane Doherty who have seen time up front.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Klink played center last year while Doherty (6-0, 172) logged some time at guard.

“Trey has done a good job at center; he’s a really smart kid in terms of knowing where he has to go, but also where all the other guys are supposed to go,” Kallungi said.

Along with Klink and Doherty, the Pumas have a trio of underclassmen that provide size up front in juniors Christian Barnharst (6-2, 208) and Tommy Brink (6-0, 320) and sophomore Billy DuFresne (6-2, 336).

Along with having to replace their entire offensive line, the Pumas will have to replace a majority of their offensive production from the last two years following the graduation of Tanner Kerr.

Poynette averaged 23.1 points per game last season, largely thanks to Kerr, who rushed for over 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons, including 1,010 yards and 16 touchdowns last year.

Above: Senior Taylor Elsing throws a pass during an offensive drill at practice earlier this month.

Left: Poynette senior Aaron Freimuth looks in a pass for a catch during practice earlier this month.

SEAN DAVIS PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

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36 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Pumas From 35

“You’re not going to replace Tanner with one guy, and we’re not going to try to,” Kallungi said. “It’s going to be by committee and we think we have some guys there.”

Seniors Max Ripp, Jack Moll and Maverick Wheeler make up the heart of that committee.

Ripp (5-11, 195) saw the most action of the three last year, rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while Moll (5-11, 155) and Wheeler (510, 155) will look for a more expanded role this season.

Kallungi expects senior Haydin Campbell (6-0, 167), juniors Sawyer Moll (5-9, 159) and Caleb Reddeman (5-10, 163) and sophomore Brayden O’Connor (58, 137) to also get touches in the backfield.

The Pumas do have an experienced quarterback in Taylor Elsing. The 6-foot, 177-pound senior took a majority of the snaps last season, throwing for 446 yards and three scores.

“He’s looked really good this summer and in fall camp,” Kallungi said. “He’s done a great job taking on a leadership role and getting other guys going. We’ve been really impressed with him and he’s going to be one of our leaders for sure on offense.”

Barnharst keys D

The Pumas will also see a

lot of changes defensively, having lost their top five tacklers from last season.

One thing that won’t change up front for Poynette is Christian Barnharst, who returns after earning first-team All-Capitol North Conference honors as a sophomore last year.

Barnharst made up 16 tackles, including a teamhigh seven tackles for loss, along with a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery.

While that is good news for Kallungi, he knows that Barnharst will garner more attention this season.

“Last year, he caught a lot of teams by surprise; nobody knew about him really as a sophomore, and he was able to use his speed a lot,” said Kallungi, who says Barnharst has great athleticism and strength.

“It will be a big challenge for him to take that next step, because he’s not going to sneak up on anybody.

Teams are going to know about him and game-plan for him.”

Behind Barnharst, the Pumas feature a group of experienced linebackers.

Wheeler accounted for 28 total tackles last year, including 21 solo, and a fumble recovery, while Ripp and fellow senior Aaron Freimuth (6-1, 188) will be key fixtures at inside and outside linebacker, respectively.

In the defensive backfield, Moll and fellow senior Casey Chadwick (6-2, 165)

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CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

SEAN DAVIS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Poynette senior Maverick Wheeler runs upfield after taking a handoff during practice earlier this month. will be the Pumas’ leaders, years out of the playoffs,” while quarterback Elsing Kallungi said. will also play some on deHowever, that task is easier said than done as fense.

Poynette has a tough road Tough slate awaits ahead.

With a lot of confidence “The last few years, our heading into this season, conference has been reKallungi and the Pumas are ally solid top to bottom eager to get to the postsea- and I don’t expect that to son for the first time since change,” Kallungi said.

2014.

“Lodi at this point, is head “Every team wants to get and shoulders above evin the playoffs, and we’re erybody else, Columbus no different; we don’t like lost a big senior class but having back-to-back they return some really

good players and anytime you have a guy like (Ben) Dunkleberger at Lake Mills, he’s a game-changing type athlete.”

The good news for Poynette is it has three home conference games this year.

The bad news is the Pumas’ two road games are at talent-laden Columbus and Lodi.

While reaching the playoffs is the end goal for the Pumas, Kallungi knows that his team can’t look too

far down the road.

“On top of everything, we want to get better every day,” he said. “We have a lot of youth in certain spots and we want to get those guys up to speed.”

Poynette opens its season with three road games, starting with a trip to Palmyra-Eagle on Friday, then at Adams-Friendship and Southwestern before returning home to host Winnebago Lutheran on Sept. 8.

00 1

WAUPUN

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 KIEL Aug. 25 at New Holstein Sept. 1 at Plymouth Sept. 8 at Kettle Moraine

Lutheran Sept. 15 BERLIN Sept. 22 at Ripon Sept. 29 WINNECONNE Oct. 6 at Campbellsport Oct. 13 KEWASKUM Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m.

Sauer set to go out with bang Warriors senior running back thriving in new coach’s pistol offense DAN LARSON dlarson@wiscnews.com‌

Warriors at a glance Head coach: Ethan Kintzler, first year On offense: You’ve seen it on your TV screen; now get ready to see it in living color: the pistol offense. That’s right, the Warriors are converting to the pistol in large part because that’s the playbook Kintzler is most familiar with after utilizing it at Oakfield. Senior running back Caleb Sauer and junior quarterback Reece Homan will be called upon to make the offense go, but there’s two big offensive linemen up front — senior guard Austin Krause and senior tackle Robert Wook — to help pave the way and a handful of threats to throw to, including returning second-team All-East Central Conference wide receiver Jak Lenz.

00 1

On defense: The Warriors don’t have a ton of returning starters on defense but two of them — Sauer and Lenz — are in the defensive secondary, which should be a big help as they try and cut down on the number of big plays they gave up last season. Senior linebacker Cole Kamphuis — honorable mention All-ECC last year — and junior linebackers Bennet Veleke and Conner Kamphuis give Waupun a good group of heat-seeking missiles and Krause and Wook should be tough to block up front.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 37

DAN LARSON, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Waupun quarterback Reece Homan passes during a QB footwork drill at practice earlier this month. He’ll be orchestrating the Warriors’ new pistol offense this season.

Bottom line: If the Warriors don’t have too many growing pains learning their new offense and if the defense can follow through on its goal of cutting down on the number of big plays allowed, the Warriors could be a dangerous team to face this fall.

By the numbers 5 Number of returning all-conference players the Warriors have on the roster, three on offense and two on defense.

‌Waupun’s Caleb Sauer is a 1,000-yard rusher — and “a beast” of a 1,000-yard rusher at that, according to Warriors head coach Ethan Kintzler.

And yet a few times in training camp these past couple weeks, the 6-foot, 180-pound Sauer has felt like a punter.

“A little bit, yeah,” he said.

Truth be told, he said that tongue in cheek. But the fact remains: He’s lined up in about the right spot to boot one deep.

And the reason is because his Warriors have converted to the pistol offense, where the quarterback is four yards behind the center (a bit closer than the traditional shotgun) and the running back is lined up behind the QB, about 7-8 yards from the line of scrimmage. The offense has been brought to Waupun by Kintzler, who’s in his first year after three years as an assistant for Oakfield’s successful

Wishing the Area Football Teams a Successful 2017 Season!

eight-man football program.

The Oaks also employ the pistol, which — however different in the eightman game as in the traditional 11-man — is gaining popularity, at the college level in particular.

Kintzler said his familiarity with the playbook was the overarching reason for bringing the pistol to Waupun, but he also said the new offense suits this year’s Warriors quite well.

“We don’t have a huge line. We’ve got a lot of talented, speedy, aggressive kids but we don’t have the

300-pounders,” he said.

“So it gives you some time and space.”

And with Sauer being the hard-nosed, get-outof-my-way-or-get-runover style runner that he is, the senior “doesn’t necessarily need a lead-blocking back,” Kintzler said. “So just putting him in the backfield and letting him find a hole suits him quite well.”

“He’s taking to it quite well,” Kintzler added.

“He’s running like a man possessed.”

If that keeps up, then Sauer could be in for an even bigger year than 2016, when he rushed for 1,067 Please see BANG, Page 39

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CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

DAN LARSON, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Waupun assistant coach Cody Gould (right) looks on as he gives pointers to junior defenisve lineman Jalen Peters at practice earlier this month.

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Warriors intend to plug leaks Eliminating big plays is top task for defense DAN LARSON dlarson@wiscnews.com‌

‌Ethan Kintzler wasn’t in the fold at the time, so he doesn’t have any scars to show from it.

But the first-year Waupun head coach saw enough on film to know it must have stung.

Big plays bit the Warriors’ defense hard last year.

“I don’t know the exact number, but I remember I did look it up at one point,

and if they stopped the 20-plus yard touchdowns, they’d have won two more games and would have been in almost all of them,” Kintzler said.

Needless to say, not getting gashed for big chunks of yards has been priority No. 1 for the Warriors defense throughout the offseason and now during practice leading up to the first game Friday at home against Kiel.

“If we stop big plays, we’ll be doing alright,” senior free safety Jak Lenz said.

“We’re just always trying to keep people in front of us. And if they do make

the catch, we’ve just got to swarm tackle — get everyone to the ball so they can’t break any tackles on us,” senior defensive back Caleb Sauer said.

And for their part, the boys up front are intent on getting after the quarterback or plugging holes in the running game in order to prevent any fires from even being lit.

“We have three seniors up front, so this year we have a little more knowledge than the last year or two,” said senior Austin Krause, who was honorable mention All-East Central Conference last season after accumulating 44 tack-

les — six of them tackles for loss — to go along with three sacks.

“It’s going to be key for us to get that pressure, and I believe if we get that done, it’s going to be easier for everyone on the whole.”

For all their talk about stopping the big plays, though, the Warriors know success will ultimately hinge on being sound fundamentally and executing at a high level.

To that end, “the other point of emphasis we’ve got this year is tackling — becoming good open-field tacklers, really getting in Please see LEAKS, next page

00 1

WAUPON

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 39

Leaks From previous page

there and not allowing whoever we’re playing against to bounce it outside,” Kintzler said. “We’ve been doing a lot of work on that, and we’ve shown great strides compared to film last year.”

Joining Krause as a returning all-conference player on defense is senior linebacker Cole Kamphuis.

And giving the Warriors some freedom to be creative will be Sauer, who Kintzler said is a “hybrid safety.”

“We can put him at corner or we can drop him back in zone and do multiple things with him in the position he’s in,” Kintzler said.

Kintzler said Lenz “looks really good and comfortable back there” in his free safety spot and “really has a good knack for what the quarterback wants to do with the ball and then flowing in that direction.”

Rounding out the list of defensive players that have stood out thus far are junior linebackers Bennet Veleke and Connor Kamphuis.

“We’ve got our core players. We’re just finding that next level to step up and fill out the rest,” Kintzler said. “If everybody does their job, we’ll be all right.”

Bang From Page 37

yards and 12 touchdowns — including a pair of 200-yard, three-TD games — en route to receiving second team All-East Central Conference honors.

As of now, he likes his odds.

“I’m liking the pistol so far,” Sauer said. “It allows me better vision … and I can also pick up a little more speed coming into the line.”

The other piece of the backfield

DAN LARSON, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Waupun’s Caden Bronkhorst (right) takes on a pulling guard during a defensive linemen drill at practice earlier this month.

tandem is 6-4, 175-pound junior quarterback Reece Homan, who amassed 1,365 yards passing and tossed eight TDs a year ago — but did so while completing only 38.2 percent of his passes.

Kintzler said accuracy is going to be a point of emphasis for Homan this season.

“He’s got a hell of an arm; he can throw it a mile,” Kintzler said. “So we’ve just got to get him to throw the slant as well, too.”

For his part, Homan isn’t feeling overwhelmed by the new scheme

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on offense.

“It’s a little different,” he said. “I don’t have as much time to react to the snap. But other than that, we still have the slots, we still have the outside receivers — that’s all the same — it’s just the play calls are a little different and the footwork’s a little different.

“But we’re working on it and we’ll be ready.”

Homan’s top targets figure to be senior wide receiver Jak Lenz — who had 23 catches for 357 yards and three TDs last year and was

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chosen as second team all-ECC — and junior slot receiver Bennet Veleke.

“He really takes advantage of those one-on-one looks he gets,” Kintzler said of Lenz, and Valeke is “just a lightning-quick guy, one of the fastest on the team in the 40 and the pro agility.”

Also in the mix for receptions will be juniors Blake Dobbratz and Connor Kamphuis.

“He can be a burner in space,” Kintzler said of Dobbratz. And of Kamphuis, he has “probably the

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best hands of the group” and “runs solid routes.”

Up front, Waupun will look to seniors Austin Krause and Robert Wook as players to build its offensive line around.

“He’s just a beast in the weight room,” Kintzler said of Krause, a guard who can play on either side of the center.

Wook might be even scarier.

“He’s just a big farm boy that can manhandle almost anybody that’s going to be in front of him,” Kintzler said.

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MAYVILLE

| WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Cardinals’ confidence on upswing

MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Mayville’s Alex Nadolski works on his spin move during a running backs drill at a recent practice.

MARK MCMULLEN mmcmullen@wiscnews.com

Cardinals at a glance

2017 Schedule

Two years ago, there was uncertainty. Last season, there was a new head coach in Tom Noennig. Now, for the 2017 prep football season, the Mayville Cardinals are hopeful some stability will start to pay off.

“I see a little more confidence,” Noennig said.

Noennig was the head coach at Mayville from 2004-07 before leaving to go to Hartford from 200915. He returned to his former role last year.

“They were kind of feeling me out to figure out who I was as a coach,” Noennig said of his first year back.

“There were a good group of seniors that graduated, but they just weren’t confident right away. I see a little more confidence in this group.

They know what to expect now. I think the second year you see some improvements.

“I’m expecting a pretty

Coach: Tom Noennig, sixth season (29-22).

Aug. 18 Aug. 25

On offense: Mayville is switching to a pistol offense with three years of experience from quarterback Wesley Weiglein and running backs Jacob Schellpfeffer and Darren Feucht. The Cardinals lost two offensive linemen to graduation, but Mayville still has three veterans (Dylan Leuhring, Matt Schelling and Kaleb Adelmeyer) returning.

On defense: The Cardinals will be running a 4-4 base defense this year in the second year of Noennig’s return with middle linebacker Alex Nadolski leading the way, one of six returning starters on defense.

Bottom line: Noennig wants his team to believe in themselves. If the Cardinals do that, expect a culture-changing season from them.

By the numbers 9 The number of open starting positions Mayville has to fill. good season out of these guys.”

Noennig led the Cardinals to a WIAA Division 4 state championship game in 2006 and a Flyway Con-

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ference championship in 2007 during his first stint with the program. But once he left, Mayville fell off the map with an overall record of 20-116. The lack of success started to have a negative impact on the team’s numbers.

“What we’re trying to do here is really hard,” Noennig said. “Once that culture has changed, it’s really hard to get it back.

I’ve seen it happen at other schools.

It starts with kids’ enthusiasm. It starts with having that belief that you

CAMPBELLSPORT at Delavan-Darien/ Williams Bay Sept. 1 at Lomira Sept. 8 OMRO Sept. 15 LACONIA Sept. 22 SAINT MARY CATHOLIC Sept. 30 at Winnebago Lutheran, 1:00 p.m.

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“It’s that belief in that we can be successful. It starts with the mental. It’s the mental approach to how you compete. I think that’s the message we’re trying to stress.”

With one year under his belt, Noennig and his players are seeing a change among the team. Players are starting to believe in themselves.

“We can all see that we feel there’s more tension in the Please see CARDINALS, Page 64

Mayville’s Wesley Weiglein throws a pass during a recent practice.

MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

00 1

WONEWOC-CENTER/WESTON

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Wolves at a glance Coach: Tom Hoile, 5th season (4-40) On offense: The Wolves produced the highest amount of rushing yards in the Ridge & Valley Conference in 2016 with 2,477, but lost standout fullback Thom Jefferson-Ang, who accounted for 1,174 yards on the ground.

Wonewoc-Center/ Weston will rely on senior Harrison Boland, who is switching from tight end to fullback, as well as sophomore Hunter Helt, senior Brennan Durst and junior Tanner Sandifer to produce a running game.

The biggest returner is senior quarterback Quintin Peasel, who threw for 357 yards and five touchdowns last season.

The Wolves have some shoes to fill in their receiving corps, and will rely on Jon Fanta, Riley Astle and Monty Jennings to step things up. In the offensive line, Wonewoc/ Weston will lean on Dylan Degner and Jed Fanta to lead the way in the team’s double wing offense.

On defense: Wonewoc/ Weston’s 4-4 defense will look to decrease its 42.4 allowed points per game from 2016.

Peasel and Jake Wagner return as key linebackers, while Hoile plans to mix and match younger players for the rest of the line. Boland, Helt, and Marcus Holloway will provide speed and athleticism in the backfield.

00 1

Bottom line: Wonewoc/ Weston is still getting used to being a co-op team, but has the talent this year to surprise some opponents.

The Wolves look to not only improve on their 1-8 record from last season but to make the playoffs for the first time as a co-op. Wonewoc/ Weston’s ground game will still be strong, while Peasel’s throwing ability will make for a diverse offense.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 41

Co-op program plots next step 2017 Schedule

Second-year joint entity has eye on winning season

Aug. 18 at Royall Aug. 25 NEW LISBON Sept. 1 KICKAPOO/LA FARGE Sept. 8 at Ithaca Sept. 16, 1 p.m. at Riverdale Sept. 22 WAUZEKA/SENACA Sept. 29 BELMONT Oct. 6 DE SOTO Oct. 13 at North Crawford Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m. unless noted otherwise

CHRIS FLORES cflores@wiscnews.com‌

‌After joining forces for the first time last year, the Wonewoc-Center/Weston football team is looking to continue building its new program in 2017. The Wolves won only one game last season, but were competitive in a number of games before closing the season with a 32-28 victory over Kickapoo/La Farge.

So far this year, head coach Tom Hoile has been pleased with what he’s seen on the practice field.

“We’re pretty happy.

Practice has gone really well,” he said. “The kids have worked real hard.”

The Wolves produced 2,477 rushing yards in 2016, the highest total in the Ridge & Valley Conference. But Wonewoc/ Weston will feel the loss of Thom Jefferson-Ang, who accounted for 1,174 of those yards, along with nine touchdowns. The Wolves also lost Cam Sprotte and Joey Krueger, who combined for 667 yards and seven touchdowns.

While it may take some time to re-establish the running game, Hoile has confidence with a new set of running backs. One of which is senior Harrison Boland, who led the team in receiving yards last year with 302 along with four touchdowns but will be switching to the lead fullback position. Sophomore Hunter Helt, senior Brennan Durst and junior Tanner Sandifer all have experience and will fight for spots in the backfield; Hoile said he expects Helt

By the numbers DAVID PARADISE, STAR-TIMES‌

Football members of the Wonewoc-Center/Weston Wolves practice last summer. This is the second year of the co-op for the Ridge & Valley Conference program. and Durst to battle for a backup fullback spot behind Boland.

“We think we’re OK,” Hoile said of the loss of Jefferson-Ang. “It might take a week or two, but we’ve got some talent there.”

One key returner is senior quarterback Quintin Peasel, who went 19-for-52 for 357 yards and five touchdowns in 2016. He will also take over as the team’s kicker and punter.

“He throws a good ball.

He got kind of banged up last year; one of our goals is to keep him healthy,” Hoile said. “He’s a solid leader.

The kids stand up for him, they like him. He’s a quiet leader, he’s not real vocal.

But he’s the type of kid the kids rally around. He does a lot of the little things, and is very coachable.”

Hoile said his team runs a double wing offense, which features two tight ends, two wing-backs and one fullback.

“We try and pass five to 10 times a game. We want to

control the clock. We want to dictate tempo is what we want to do,” he said.

“We’re going to play at our pace whether they want to or not.”

The Wolves will have some holes to fill in their receiving corps, as Boland moves from tight end.

“We’re going to have to start all over,” Hoile said.

In the offensive line, Hoile has faith with 6-foot3, 240-pounder Dylan Degner and four-year starter Jed Fanta. The rest of the line will be filled with sophomores.

“We’ve got a couple of really good linemen that we really trust in, and were able to get Sandifer out that didn’t play last year who’s an extremely good athlete. So we feel pretty fortunate and feel good about some things.”

Defensively, Hoile runs a 4-4 and will rely on Peasel and Jake Wagner as his main linebackers while mixing and matching younger players for the

rest of the front eight.

“Quintin Peasel and Jake Wagner, they will be our two inside linebackers,” Hoile said. “We’re going to rotate people in and out so hopefully we can get the matchups we want.”

Boland, Helt and Marcus Holloway will anchor the defensive backfield. “(Holloway) is a dark horse. He’s going to contribute a lot,” Hoile said.

“He’s really impressed us.”

Hoile said his team’s main

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357 yards thrown by quarterback Quintin Peasel in 2016 8 turnovers last season 0 extra-point kicks made in 2016 goal for 2017 is to make the playoffs. Wonewoc has never made the playoffs, while Weston qualified two years ago.

“I told the kids, I can’t promise how many games we’ll win but I can promise that we’re going to play better defense, I promise that we won’t turn the ball over (as much as) we did last year, and I promise we’ll be much more competitive,” Hoile said. “If we can get into the playoffs, we’ll be happy.”

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NECEDAH

42 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Cardinals hope to take flight Necedah has big goals with small team ERICA DYNES edynes@wiscnews.com‌

Despite Necedah’s low ‌ numbers, the team has some big goals as coaches and players prepare for the 2017 football season.

Twenty-three athletes make up the Cardinals’ roster, which head coach Jim Beaver said has remained constant since he took over as head coach four years ago. Because of Necedah’s lack of depth, multiple players are expected to play on both offense and defense.

“You have to fill in with what we have,” Beaver said.

Necedah’s biggest loss is Patrick Arbanas, who led the team last season as a senior with 731 rushing yards and 91 tackles.

“We’re hoping we have a lot more people making stats that Pat was making last season,” Beaver said.

“We’re going to have some freshmen coming in this year. The skill players that we have and the people we put out there, I think can effectively win games and get things established.”

One of those skill players who return is senior Miles Saylor, who led the team in passing (1,155 yards) and rushing (495) last season en route to All-Scenic Bluffs

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Necedah’s Marcus Sterbenz, left, and Noah Waltemath work on a tackling drill at a recent practice.

All-Conference honors.

Saylor added 85 tackles on the defensive side of the ball.

“He dealt with some injuries last year,” Beaver said.

“If he can stay healthy he will do just as well or better than he did last year.”

Another athlete expected to make big plays on offense is sophomore Jaron Murphy, who had 824 passing and 244 receiving yards as a freshman on the varsity.

Beaver expects Murphy and Saylor to lead the team on offense this season.

“We also have a lot of other guys running the ball, but between the two of those guys, they will be leading the team in passing yards and rushing,” Beaver said. “We’re tightening up on our defense as well, simplifying it so hopefully we can do better in that aspect to help us win games too.”

Senior Noah Waltemath returns this season as a wide receiver and defensive back for the Cardinals.

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Coach: Jim Beaver, fourth season (13-16).

Offense: Two players are expected to fill the void left

by Patrick Arbanas.

Miles Saylor, who led the team in passing last season, returns for his senior season.

Jaron Murphy returns for his second year at the varsity level after throwing for 824 yards as a freshman.

Defense: Saylor, who had 85 tackles last season, will have an impact on defense, while Noah Waltemath could also make some big plays as a defensive back.

Bottom line: Despite a small roster, the Cardinals return plenty of talent from last season and could push for a return to the postseason.

2017 Schedule Aug. 18

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tackles. Senior Tyler Reichel, an all-conference tight end, returns and will also play wide receiver for the Cardinals.

Seniors Kayden Yoss, Marcus Sterbenz and Eric Smedbron are expected to anchor the offensive and defensive lines.

“The fact we’ve been running the same offense for three straight years, the kids are very familiar with what we ask them to do and how to do it, so I think that’s very beneficial,” Beaver said.

There will be some new faces this season, including nine freshmen on the roster.

Two new assistant coaches, Aaron Przbylski and Lucas Manning, are also on board.

The Cardinals have ended the past two seasons with a 3-6 record. Beaver said the goal is to win five games to become eligible for the playoffs.

Aside from playoff goals, the team also has hopes to defeat conference rival New Lisbon and compete with conference powerhouse Bangor.

“We’ve always wanted to compete well against them as well,” Beaver said. “First goal is to make the playoffs and be over that .500 mark in our season so we can participate in the playoffs.

Then it’s a new season after that.”

Cardinals at a glance

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Talented backfield leads way Rockets’ Loew rushed for nearly 1,500 yards last year

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2017 Schedule

Coach: Brad Bever, 26th season (142-92)

Aug. 18 at Kickapoo Aug. 25 at Wonewoc-Center Sept. 1 BLACK HAWK Sept. 8 at Bangor Sept. 15 at Cashton Sept. 22 BROOKWOOD Sept. 29 NECEDAH Oct. 6 at Royall Oct. 13 HILLSBORO

On offense: New Lisbon will lean on a veteran backfield that is led by running back Zach Loew, the 2016 Southern Bluffs Conference Player of the Year after rushing for 1,487 yards and 18 touchdowns. Sophomore Gunnar Pedersen and junior Cody Haschke have experience at quarterback. The Rockets would love to replicate their 28.9 points per game from last season, and have all the playmakers to do it if the offensive line can come together.

BROCK FRITZ bfritz@wiscnews.com‌

Scoring points in high ‌ school football tends to depend on two factors: the backfield and the offensive line. New Lisbon has the former covered this fall, while the latter is still a work in progress as the 2017 season approaches.

The Rockets are loaded in the offensive backfield, returning everyone from a team that went 7-3 last year, including 4-2 in the Scenic Bluffs Conference en route to their fourth WIAA Division 7 postseason appearance in five years. The season ended with a 12-6 firstround playoff loss at Royall.

“We return our whole backfield, so that will hopefully be one of our strong points,” New Lisbon head coach Brad Bever said .

Senior running back Zach Loew was named the Scenic Bluffs Conference Player of the Year after rushing for 1,487 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 143 carries, good for an average of 10.4 yards per attempt. “If he gets out in the open, there’s not too many guys in our conference that can catch

Rockets at a glance

ERICA DYNES, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

New Lisbon running back Zach Loew returns after being named the player of the year in the Scenic Bluffs Conference last year. him,” said Beaver. “Once he gets a corner, he’s gone.”

Sam Rogers gives New Lisbon another reliable option in the backfield, having carried the ball 62 times for 319 yards and three touchdowns in 2016. The junior also had a team-leading 109 receiving yards a season ago.

The playmakers will have a pair of familiar faces distributing the ball to them.

Sophomore quarterback Gunnar Pedersen returns after completing 19 of 59 passes for 286 yards and four touchdowns in seven games in 2016. Junior quarterback Cody Haschke also has experience, having completed 8 of 12 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns in three games last year.

Despite all the offensive

options, New Lisbon’s success will depend on how quickly the offensive line progresses.

“The biggest question is going to be our line,” Bever said. “We’ll go with the development of our line.”

Defensively, the Rockets are bringing back seven starters from a team that gave up just 15.2 points per game last season. The Rockets were dominant at times, holding opponents to single digits on four occasions, including shutouts over Kickapoo (46-0) and Belmont (48-0). New Lisbon gave up more than 15 points in just three games.

A pair of honorable mention All-Scenic Bluffs selections are back in the fold at linebacker, as Rogers and

Home games in BOLD CAPS On defense: New Lisbon suffered fairly heavy losses on the defensive side of the ball, including five all-conference selec- Games are at 7 p.m. tions. They’ll count on a strong linebacker corps that is led by Robert Robinson and Rogers. The Rockets will rely upon the principles that allowed them to hold opponents to just 15.2 28.9 Points per game for points per game last year. the New Lisbon offense last The bottom line: The Rockets have the top-end talent to season. compete at the top of the Scenic Bluffs Conference if they 15.2 Points per game for can avoid injuries to their 26-man roster. If they can find New Lisbon opponents last newcomers to fill in at offensive line and on defense, New season.

Lisbon has the ability to reach the postseason for the fifth time in the last six years. However, after surprising people to 10.4 Yards per carry for Zach finish second in the conference last season, New Lisbon likely Loew in 2016. won’t sneak up on anyone this time around.

225.9 Rushing yards per game for the Rockets last senior Robert Robinson are Bever has dealt with year. returning starters. Rogers numbers issues in the past tied Cole Haschke for third and knows that they can be 26 Number of players on the New Lisbon roster at the on the team with 52 tackles overcome with versatility. last season. Robinson added “We just have to have a lot start of practice.

42 tackles, four intercep- of kids be adequate at a lot tions and one touchdown of different positions,” said If the Rockets can limit infrom his inside linebacker Bever. New Lisbon won’t juries and start well, they’ll position. get a chance to ease into the get a chance to make a playNew Lisbon’s numbers season, as the Rockets will off push with three of their are a little down this fall. play a front-loaded schedule final four games at home.

The Rockets had 26 players that has them playing four of “If we stay healthy, we in the first week of practice, their first five games on the should stay competitive,” including a small group of road, beginning with a trip Beaver said. “If not, it could be a whole different story.” just five seniors. to Kickapoo on Friday.

By the numbers

44 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

ROYALL

Panthers ready to pound

Royall wants to build on first-ever playoff appearance ERICA DYNES edynes@wiscnews.com‌

Last season, the Royall ‌ Panthers proved it was “Our Time” by winning their first playoff game in school history and finishing the season with a 7-4 record. It was a season that head coach Ryan Olson said changed the culture of Royall football.

For the 2017 season, the Panthers hope to “Be the Hammer” and continue building on the success of last season.

“We don’t want to take any hits. We want to be the one giving the hits,” Olson said. “We’re ready to go.”

While the Panthers lost seven seniors to graduation who helped turn the program around, Olson said the team returns a lot of its skill-position players.

One of those players is senior quarterback Seth Brown, who threw for 626 yards last season in his first year at the position. Olson said he and Brown have a great relationship, and he expects the QB to be one of the standout athletes on of-

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Royall’s Noah Friedl runs sprints during a recent practice. The senior is expected to be one of the key athletes on defense for the 2017 season. fense this season.

“He knows what I’m going to call before I even call it a lot of the times,” Olson said. “We work very well together.”

Running back Adrian Reneau, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound junior, will follow in the footsteps of last year’s standout, Chandler Townsend. Townsend rushed for 1,641 yards and scored 19 touchdowns last ERICA DYNES, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌ season. Olson said Reneau could exceed Townsend’s Royall senior quarterback Seth Brown threw for 626 yards last season last season for the Panthers. success this fall.

“He’s built from the same mold as Chandler,” Olson said of Reneau. “A big run- ning back that’s fast and strong. I think he’s going to have a phenomenal season.”

Junior Dane Hyer and senior Nick Murray are exNEW pected to be key contribuPATIENTS tors at wide receiver.

Senior Noah Friedl will WELCOME! also have an impact on the team’s defense. With 128 tackles last season, Necedah Elroy the 5-foot-11, 190-pound 608-565-7173 608-462-8282 linebacker was a force. “He looks really good in camp www.karasdentalgroup.com so far,” Olson said. “He’ll

get a lot of carries, too, at fullback.”

While the team lost all-conference players Sam Guilfoil, David Stark, Matt Preuss and Mason Thompson to graduation, Olson said there will be plenty of depth on the line with several younger athletes competing for a spot in the starting lineup.

“It pushes everyone to get better because they want to be a starter,” he said.

The Panthers have been working hard with weightlifting and speed and agility work all summer. During the team’s contact days over the summer, it attended a four-day team camp at Winona State University.

“It was a great experience for our guys,” Olson said.

“They did outstanding work up there and competed with some teams who are a lot bigger than them.”

While the season is just beginning, Olson said he senses a lot of excitement, as well as strong leadership from the seniors who are not content with losing a game.

“There are a lot of guys on this team who have been starting for three or four years now, so they know what to expect,” Olson said. “Our seniors — Nick (Murray), Seth (Brown), Noah (Friedl) — are out there coaching the younger guys up just as much as the coaches are.”

Olson said the goal for this season is to continue the legacy that was built last season, and to prove Royall football can continue to compete at a high level.

“Royall football is here to stay,” Olson said. “We’re here to compete and win. We want to get back to playoffs and make it farther in playoffs than we did last year.”

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 WONEWOC/WESTON Aug. 25 at Viroqua Sept. 1 BANGOR Sept. 8 MELROSE-MINDORO Sept. 15 NECEDAH Sept. 22 at Hillsboro Sept. 29 at Cashton Oct. 6 NEW LISBON Oct. 13. at Brookwood Home games in BOLD CAPS Game at 7 p.m.

Panthers at a glance Coach: Ryan Olson, third year (9-11).

Offense: Senior Seth Brown returns at quarterback this season for his fourth year as a starter. While the team lost standout running back Chandler Townsend to graduation, junior Adrian Reneau is expected to be a capable replacement. Nick Murray and Dane Hyer will add more depth at wide receiver.

Defense: Senior Noah Friedl returns as a threeyear starter at linebacker after leading the team with 128 tackles last year. On the defensive line, Cameron Townsend is expected to make big plays.

Bottom Line: After winning the first postseason game in program history to advance to the second round of WIAA playoffs, Royall aims to build on its success. With a strong number of returning athletes and experience from last season, Royall doesn’t show any signs of slowing down this season.

By the numbers 6 The number of returning starters for Royall that have three years of experience at the varsity level.

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MAUSTON

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Eagles at a glance Coach: Roland Lehman, sixth season, (16-30).

Offense: Senior Nick Kudick returns after sustaining an injury last year and is expected to make big strides as a wide receiver.

Senior Tyler Jirousek is also expected to make big plays as a running back and junior Wyatt Finucan could also be in the mix for a running back spot. Seniors Cole Kobylski and Dakota Barnier are battling it out to replace last season’s starting quarterback, Tarren Hall.

Defense: The Golden Eagles return nine players from last season, as well as moving up several other players onto the varsity line. Junior Clayton Walsh will be one of the linebackers to keep an eye on this season as well as Daniel Raabe and Jirousek. Juniors Dakota Barrix and Dominick Meurett and seniors Jarrett Dolata and Tom Gruman are expected to contribute to the defensive line.

Bottom Line: With a significant number of athletes returning from the same offensive and defensive system the team has been running the past four years, the Golden Eagles could be in the mix for the South Central Conference title.

Golden Eagles boast balance

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Mauston’s first two home games will be played at Wisconsin Dells High School, because the school wants to give the grass on its new football field more time to grow.

ERICA DYNES edynes@wiscnews.com‌

‌Mauston football coach Roland Lehman said balance is the buzzword for the Golden Eagles offense this season.

“We want to be able to pass and run the ball with equal distribution based on what defense is doing,” Lehman said. “We’re not just a heavy one side, heavy run the ball, or one side throw the ball.”

Mauston will continue to run the same pro-style offensive system they have in previous years. Lehman believes the Golden Eagles’ signal-callers have enough experience in the system to

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boasts a “deep receiving corps,” highlighted by seniors Daniel Raabe and Nick Kudick and junior Kyran Fitzgerald. Raabe led ERICA DYNES, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌ the team with 593 receiving Mauston head coach Roland Lehman talks with the team yards and Kudick posted after a recent practice.

259 before his season was cut short with an injury. ^Denotes game played at trust them with audibles. tage to be able to call the Mauston offensive coach Wisconsin Dells “If we call a play in the best play, or put us in the Brandon Luehman said huddle, we’re getting to the best position to have a suc- Kudick has put a lot of time *Scheduled opponent Westfield canceled varsity point where we can come cessful play.” up to the line of scrimmage Lehman said Mauston Please see BALANCE, next page season earlier this month and our quarterbacks are recognizing different things,” Lehman said.

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CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Balance From previous page

in the off season to become stronger.

“He went to several camps and over the winter spent time in the gym throwing the ball around and running routes,” Brandon Luehman said.

“He’s got a lot of potential as long as he can stay healthy.”

Daniel Domenech and Ping Vang are battling to be the team’s starting running back, and Tyler Jirousek is also helping to fill the void left by 1,000yard rusher Keinan Fassett.

Lehman said Jirousek, who had 253 yards rushing last year, has been working hard in the weight room to prepare for his new role on the team.

“He’s probably put on 20 to 30 pounds from last year,” Lehman said.

“He’s very strong. He’s increased his speed a lot as well.”

Mauston wide receiver Nick Kudick will be on of the key players on the Golden Eagles offense this season.

The battle for the starting quarterback position between Dakota Barnier and Cole Kobylski looks balanced. The two athletes have been pushing each other to become better.

“We’re working a lot on technique,” quarterbacks coach Ron Pfaff said.

“I’ve been real pleased the way they’ve picked things up.”

While the offensive line won’t have a lot of size, Lehman said the group will use its quickness and agility to be successful.

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Mauston’s Dakota Barrix hits a blocking sled during a recent practice. Barrix will be one of the key players for the Golden Eagles defense this season.

Aggressiveness a big attribute Undersized Golden Eagles defense will rely on quickness, intelligence ERICA DYNES edynes@wiscnews.com‌

‌Mauston football coach Roland Lehman said the Golden Eagles’ defensive players aren’t big, but they will be faster, quicker and more aggressive than they’ve been in the past.

“We’ve got some kids who are really aggressive and like to hit,” Lehman said. “We can move pretty fast and we’ve got some good quickness which is going to help us.”

Mauston defensive coach Ralph Kratochvil said the

team’s aggressive style is augmented not only by its quickness, but also intelligence.

“We can rush three on any snap, (or) we can rush seven.

We’ll put multiple players in the box at one time,” Kratochvil said. “This year, I think it’s safe to say, we’re a quicker defense, quicker front, we have more people we think are stronger this

year than what we had last year.”

Something Kratochvil said would change this season is the defensive coverage. While most teams will run a cover three or cover one style of defense, Kratochvil said the defense will mix up its style.

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Mauston’s Clayton Walsh will be one of the key players for the Golden Eagles defense this season.

ERICA DYNES PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Attribute From previous page

show this year,” he said.

“Two, four and multiple types of coverage.”

The Golden Eagles return nine players expected to contribute on the defensive side of the ball, just like on offense.

“We’ve got guys who were No. 2s last year under the seniors. There’s a lot of kids coming back to our defense, so we have a lot of experience, we feel,” Kratochvil said. “It’s really unique

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Mauston defensive coordinator Ralph Kratochvil gives direction at a recent practice. Kratochvil expects the Golden Eagles because the seniors this year will be quick and aggressive on defense this season. have been in our system for at least four seasons, so they “All these kids put a lot icsm, his understanding of really know the system.” of time in the weight room. coverages. It takes you two Dakota Barrix will be an Now it’s just about getting or three years to get someathlete to watch on the de- them better at what they do one like that.” fensive line, while seniors and performing on Friday Kratochvil said the work Jarrett Dolata and Tom Gru- nights,” Kratochvil said. ethic of Mauston’s defense man and junior Dominick Senior Cole Kolbinski has been strong during Physical Therapy & Meurett will also contrib- and junior Damion Meurett practice, which he hopes Sports Rehabilitation ute. Kratochvil also men- could interchange between will carry over into Friday tioned junior Clayton Walsh one or two positions on de- nights. will be one of the “studs in fense. Nick Kudick will be “There’s a passion these the middle” for the Golden a contributor at defensive kids have. You can hear it Conveniently located between McDonald’s & Culver’s at Eagles. back. when they are out on their 610 McEvoy Street, Mauston Jirousek, Raabe and se“Nick is going to be a force own doing drills. They like nior Dakota Barnier will in our secondary,” Kratoch- what they do. It’s hard to make up the team’s line- vil said. “His intelligence, coach that,” he said. “It’s his quickness, his athlet- great when you have it.” backing corps.

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WESTFIELD

48 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

2017 Schedule (junior varsity) Aug. 21 at Poynette Aug. 28 at MPGL

(at Montello) Sep. 11 at Wisconsin Dells Sept. 18 MAUSTON Sept. 25 at Wautoma Oct. 2 ADAMS-FRIENDSHIP Oct. 9 NEKOOSA Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 5 p.m.

Schedule subject to change

Pioneers at a glance Coach: Josh Cheek, first season.

On offense: Junior Paiton Freeze and sophomore Peyton Slowey give Westfield a pair of experienced runners to build around.

The offensive line will be young, but junior Keaton Wasson and sophomore Austin Chambers do have experience playing there.

On defense: The starting secondary features three sophomores in Kade Kangas, Derek Drew and Omar Ortiz, but all three started at least one game on varsity last year as a freshman.

Bottom line: After the decision was made to cancel the varsity season, first-year head coach Josh Cheek will concentrate on improving his young roster and keeping the experience fun, rather than worrying about wins and losses.

DID YOU KNOW? Westfield sophomore Kade Kangas is the grandson of longtime Westfield head football coach and Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Famer Al Kangas.

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Pioneers down, but not out Westfield has eye on future after canceling varsity season TRAVIS HOUSLET thouslet@wiscnews.com‌

‌It’s already been a season that new Westfield head coach Josh Cheek won’t forget, and not for all the right reasons.

Shortly after Cheek led the Pioneers onto the practice field two weeks ago, the Westfield program had to make the decision to cancel its varsity football season due to a lack of upperclassmen on the roster. It was not exactly how Cheek was hoping to start his first season as a head football coach.

As of last week, Westfield had 27 players on its roster, and all but four of them were either freshmen or sophomores. The few seniors who did come out for football ended up dropping out shortly after the decision was made to cancel the varsity season, because they weren’t likely going to be allowed to play in junior varsity games.

Cheek, who played at Wisconsin Lutheran College and has worked as an assistant coach at both Grafton and Milwaukee Madison high schools, said most people in Westfield are behind the decision to cancel the varsity season.

“There were some rumblings in the community when (news of the decision) first came out. There are always going to be a few people, but for the most part, I think everyone has accepted it,” Cheek said. “We’re going to make this a fun year and come back even better next year.”

Westfield sophomore quarterback Derek Drew throws a pass at his team’s first practice on Aug. 1.

TRAVIS HOUSLET PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Westfield head football coach Josh Cheek, right, leads the Pioneers through the first day of practice on Aug. 1. Cheek was hired in the offseason to replace Mike Marr, who spent seven seasons as Westfield’s head coach.

The good news for Westfield is that 15 freshman are on the roster, including seven who figure to play on the offensive and defensive lines, positions that are lacking in the sophomore and junior classes.

Cheek said Westfield is planning to be back playing varsity football next season.

He hopes most if not all of this year’s 27 kids will return next year. And because a few of this year’s freshman class won’t likely be ready to play at the varsity level a year from now, they should still have at least 20 players available to play varsity football in 2018. And that number could go up if a few kids who aren’t playing this year decide to give football a try.

As for this year’s team, Cheek likes what he sees.

“We have a lot of really good athletes,” Cheek said.

“They’re young and under-

developed obviously, but going forward we will get them in the weight room and they will get stronger and faster.”

That includes at quarterback, where sophomore Derek Drew and freshman Trevor Gray are both getting snaps in preseason practices. And whoever isn’t playing quarterback between Drew and Gray will likely be a contributor at wide receiver.

Running back is one position where the Pioneers do have some experience.

Junior Paiton Freeze isn’t really big, but is expected “to carry the ball a lot and be very explosive,” according to Cheek. Joining Freeze at the running back position will be sophomore Peyton Slowey, who Cheek said is “off the charts for a kid that is only a sophomore.”

Wide receiver options for Westfield, along with Drew

and Gray, include sophomore Kade Kangas and freshman Brady Holly.

Leading the way on the offensive line will be junior Keaton Wasson and sophomore Austin Chambers.

“Those two are the big cogs, because they have some experience,” Cheek said. The rest of the offensive line will likely consist of younger guys, inclduing freshmen Mason Peterson and Carter Stauffacher.

On defense, freshman Darren Leibsle is going to see plenty of time at nose tackle. Leibsle isn’t big, but is quick. “We just want him to be in the middle and cause havoc,” Cheek said.

Junior Tyler Warren and freshman Mason Rudolph are expected to see plenty of time at defensive end.

Cheek’s defense plans on using as many as five linebackers at once, which should open up opportuni-

ties for Freeze, Slowey, Gray, Austin Chambers and Brandon Chambers.

In the defensive backfield, the Pioneers do have some experience, despite being so young. The threesome of Kangas, Drew and Omar Ortiz all started at least one varsity game in the secondary last season as freshmen, and all are back to play there again this season.

“They got a lot of experience playing against older kids, so this will hopefully slow way down for them,” Cheek said.

Westfield currently has eight JV games on the schedule and is hoping to move some of those games to a Friday night to allow the kids, and the community, to experience some traditional Friday night football.

As for wins and losses, Cheek isn’t really worried about that. His main goal is make sure they don’t lose any more kids, so they can return to playing varsity football in the near future.

“We want to make sure that everyone that is out is having a positive experience and they want to come back next year,” Cheek said. “We want to make sure they all get better and feel like it’s 00 worth their time.”

1

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 at Thorp Aug. 24 LODI Aug. 31 at Belleville Sept. 8 CAMBRIDGE Sept. 15 NEKOOSA Sept. 22 ADAMS-FRIEND. Sept. 29 at Mauston Oct. 6 WAUTOMA Oct. 13 Open* Home games in BOLD CAPS Games at 7 p.m. *Scheduled opponent Westfield canceled its varsity season earlier this month

WISCONSIN DELLS

Bounce-back plan heavy on guys up front Chiefs focused on improving offensive line

Coach: Erik Rosholt, third season (1-17).

TRAVIS HOUSLET PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Wisconsin Dells junior Dylan Musiedlak warms up at a recent practice. Musiedlak is expected to start at quarterback for the Chiefs this season.

On defense: After giving up 40 or more points five times last season, the Wisconsin Dells coaches decided to use a simpler approach on that side of the ball this season. A scaled-down playbook will hopefully allow players to react quicker to the ball.

Bottom line: If the Chiefs can find a way to win a few early games, it would provide some momentum for the conference portion of its schedule. Defending South Central Conference champion Adams-Friendship lost a ton to graduation, which might allow the Chiefs to close the gap on 00 the rest of the league.

1

Did you know?

Wisconsin Dells is playing a pair of Thursday night games this season, with the first coming in its home TRAVIS HOUSLET opener Aug. 24 against Lodi. thouslet@wiscnews.com‌ Wisconsin Dells is also play‌Things did not go well on ing at Belleville on Aug. 31. the gridiron for Wisconsin Dells last year. A mistake-filled performance better. in a 6-0 loss to Montello/ There was plenty of Princeton/Green Lake in blame to go around when the season opener set the dissecting last season, but stage for a winless cam- the No. 1 problem, accordpaign for the Chiefs. ing to Rosholt, was the Nobody has to remind team’s offensive line. An head coach Erik Rosholt inability to get all members about the 2016 season. Ever of the offensive line on the since it ended with a 20-16 same page ended up doomloss to Westfield, Rosholt ing the offense. and his fellow coaches have Rosholt hopes things will been working to make sure improve on the line this the 2017 campaign goes season.

Chiefs at a glance On offense: Rosholt thinks the team’s quarterback questions were answered last season, when then sophomore Dylan Musiedlak performed well when handed the keys to the offense late in the year. The key to the team’s success is the offensive line, which needs to improve. Count on junior returning starters Kevin Coughlin and Logan Janke to lead the group.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 49

Wisconsin Dells junior offensive lineman Kevin Coughlin works on a drill during a recent practice. Coughlin will likely be a key contributor on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Chiefs this season.

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“If you look at the last couple of seasons, we need to improve up front,” Rosholt said. “We need better performances from our offensive line. We made that a point of emphasis here in the early going. We really need to put together a front six that we think can do what we need to do to have any success.”

An emphasis on improving the offensive line means possibly moving guys around to make the unit as strong as possible.

“We put a lot more thought into, not only what we do as an offensive line, but who we put at offensive line,” Rosholt said. “That means some kids are going

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to find themselves in positions they haven’t been in before, but at the end of the day, we are working to put our best 11 kids out there.”

After one full week of practice, coaches were still trying to figure out who will start the season on the offensive line. Juniors Kevin Coughlin and Logan Janke return after playing on the line last season.Sophomore Billy Dethloff has also looked good early and is expected to get a chance to play somewhere.

Senior Carter McCloskey is another candidate. McCloskey moved to the offensive line early last season, but he is also being looked at as a tight end.

“He’s a big kid, he’s pretty athletic, so there are a lot of places where he could find the field,” Rosholt said. “It’s kind of up to us as coaches to find the best spot.”

Filling out the offensive line is something the coaches will have to do before the season opener, which comes Friday in Thorp.

“We got a lot of young guys and some of them are going to end up playing there,” Rosholt said.

One position Rosholt is pretty confident in is quarterback, where junior Dylan Musiedlak enters the season as the undisputed starter.

Musiedlak finished last season as the team’s starting quarterback after Peyton

Rohling went down with an injury and Musiedlak performed well in his limited time under center. The coaches believe he is ready to handle the job full time.

“I think it was a huge confidence boost to him,” Rosholt said. “He didn’t play like a kid that just got thrown into the role. You could tell that he had been paying attention throughout the year and he was ready to go.

“He really did pretty well as a young kid coming in some pretty tough games.

Barring any major changes, that is the direction we’re looking at.”

With an increased emphasis on the offensive line, the hope is that the Chiefs will be able to feature their running game this fall. At the beginning of camp, four players were battling to become the team’s primary ball carrier. That group includes junior Kayleb Galloway and seniors Adam Brown, Chester Isaacson and Travis Hudack. Galloway and Brown both saw time at running back last year.

“I would expect all of them to see playing time at some point,” Rosholt said.

If Wisconsin Dells can have success moving the ball on the ground, there will probably be plenty of opportunities to go around.

“We think that running the ball, a power running game, is something we can really hang our hat on, year in and year out,” Rosholt said. “If those athletes come

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Wisconsin Dells junior running back Kayleb Galloway warms up during a recent practice. along that allow us to throw, we can certainly re-emphasize those things, but have (the running game) to fall back on.”

When the Chiefs do throw the ball this season, they will have a pair of experienced receivers in seniors John Pikula and Darius Mackinnis. McCloskey, who volunteered to move to offensive line last season, is getting a look at tight end to begin this year, because he is a good enough athlete to be both a blocker and a pass catcher.

Wisconsin Dells had its fair share of struggles on defense last year, when it gave up 40 or more points five times. Recognizing there was plenty of room for improvement on that side of the ball, Rosholt is hoping to simplify things for his defensive players.

“We are hoping to play hard and fast. We’ve scaled back our defensive playbook so there is less confusion and less thinking about what needs to be done and more reaction,” Rosholt said. “We just feel that we have a good group of kids with pretty good instincts.

If we can get them out of their heads and just playing, we will be better off.”

The Chiefs have the potential to be strong in the

TRAVIS HOUSLET PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Wisconsin Dells senior running back Travis Hudack warms up prior to the start of a recent practice. Hudack is expected see plenty of opportunities in the backfield this season. secondary, where Brown, Pikula and Reid Marsich are leading the way. Pikula and Brown both played in the defensive secondary last season.

Rosholt said all of his defensive backs will be able to play at either cornerback or safety.

“We’re coaching that way this year, not only in the

offensive backfield, but in the defensive backfield and linebacker,” Rosholt said.

“Within any position group, we’re coaching them to be versatile. We don’t have the numbers to rely on one person to be there and be steadfast the whole year.”

Linebacker might be the deepest position on defense for the Chiefs. Galloway,

Langston Brown, Musiedlak and Brett Hirst have all had bright spots playing there in practice. Ethan Luther is the leading candidate to play at nose tackle, but the rest of the defensive line is up in the air as the team deals with eligibility issues with a few of its players who will have to sit out the first three games.

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WISCONSIN DELLS

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 51

Rosholt hopes to model Reedsburg Chiefs want to start moving in right direction TRAVIS HOUSLET thouslet@wiscnews.com‌

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Wisconsin Dells head ‌ coach Erik Rosholt doesn’t have to look far to find a successful model for his team to follow as they look to end their losing ways.

Rosholt, in his third year at the helm of the Chiefs, began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater in Reedsburg when the Beavers were in the middle of a 33-game losing streak.

That Reedsburg team finally snapped its multi-year skid with a 28-7 victory over Mauston in the 2005 season opener.

Reedsburg’s 2005 team finished 8-4 and advanced to the third round of the Division 3 playoffs, and ultimately helped set the stage for much wilder success. In 2008, Reedsburg made the first of two straight trips to Camp Randall Stadium, falling to Waupaca 21-20 in the Division 3 title game.

Then in 2009, the Beavers went all the way, winning the Division 3 championship with a 34-27 win over West De Pere.

Rosholt said sometimes one win can make a huge difference in changing the direction of a program.

“It took one game against Mauston where a senior class that hadn’t won a single game since they were freshmen in high school,” Rosholt said. “They won that game and they won the next game against Adams, and it just kind of snowballed.”

Wisconsin Dells’ current 10-game losing streak

Above: Wisconsin Dells senior running back Adam Brown works on his blocking technique during a practice drill earlier this month.

Left: Wisconsin Dells head coach Erik Rosholt gives direction during a recent practice. Rosholt is beginning his third season in charge of the Chiefs’ program.

TRAVIS HOUSLET PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

doesn’t quite compare to the 33-game skid Reedsburg had, but the Chiefs were winless last season and are a combined 4-23 over the last three seasons.

Rosholt thinks his team is close to becoming more competitive.

“It’s such a fine line sometimes between winning and losing a game.

Sometimes it can just be a mindset, and as soon as you can get through that, the good things start to come,” Rosholt said. “I really think we’re there. Is it going to be easy for us to win games?

Absolutely not, but it’s certainly possible. Our kids are right there and I think we can make it easier on ourselves than we have.”

There are some early signs that this year’s Wisconsin Dells team could turn things around. For starters, there are a few more players on the roster, including some upperclassmen that are returning after not playing the last few years.

Rosholt also said the team’s attitude at practice has been where it needs to be.

“We have a good group of the players have shown a willingness to work and learn and to get better,” Rosholt said. “I think that willingness to learn and improve is going to serve us well in the long run. I can’t tell you if that’s going to be Week 1, Week 6 or next year, but I think it will definitely

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Mack is back‌

Former Dells head coach and current athletic director Aaron Mack is back on Rosholt’s coaching staff this season after taking a year off from coaching football.

Mack, who led the team from 2012 to 2014, will serve as the team’s offensive coordinator this season.

Rosholt is happy to have Mack back on the staff because it gives him another person with head coaching experience to bounce ideas off of.

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but he’s got a good football mind. He understands the ins and outs of things pretty well,” Rosholt said. “It’s nice to have another person on the staff that’s been through it before. Coming from here and two other schools, he’s had years of head coaching experience. When those frustrations come up, as they inevitably do, when obstacles spring up, he’s there to let you know that he’s been there before.”

Mack’s father, Jeff, is also working with the Chiefs this season as the quarterback coach. Jeff Mack spent six years as Madison East’s offensive coordinator.

Rosholt also has a new assistant coach in Zach Cicero, who will lead the team’s offensive and defensive lines. As a 2014 Wisconsin Dells graduate, Cicero brings a younger voice to the coaches meetings.

“It’s nice to get a younger face in the crowd,” Rosholt said. “We get a little different energy out of that kind of coach and a little different perspective for (the players) and us.”

The Dells varsity coaching staff also includes Bob Buss and Mike Michalsky.

216

TRAVIS HOUSLET, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Wisconsin Dells senior linebacker Carter McCloskey pursues a ballcarrier during a recent practice. McCloskey is expected to be a key member of the Chiefs defense this season.

Buss will be in charge of Scheduling issues‌ wide receivers and defenWisconsin Dells opens sive backs, while Michalsky its season on Friday night will coach running backs with a road game in Thorp, and linebackers. located between Chippewa Falls and Wausau. The trip to Thorp from Wisconsin Dells is just over 2 hours.

The Cardinals were 4-5 last season, finishing in sixth place in the Cloverwood Conference. With an enrollment just under 200, Thorp has been in Division 6 come playoff time. The Cardinals last made the postseason in 2010, the end of a stretch of 15 appearances in 18 years.

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“It’s nice to have another person on the staff that’s been through it before. Coming from here and two other schools, he’s had years of head coaching experience. When those frustrations come up, as they inevitably do, when obstacles spring up, he’s there to let you know that he’s been there before.”

Erik Rosholt, Wisconsin Dells head coah, on former Dells head coach and current athletic director Aaron Mack “So many conferences are playing crossover games where their schedules are sewn up,” Rosholt said. “We had to look a ways away to find someone to play. It’s Thorp. We’ll load a coach bus and get up there and

play on Friday and hopefully play a pretty good football game against them.”

The remainder of the Chiefs’ non-conference slate is made up of Capitol Conference teams Lodi, Belleville and Cambridge.

Wisconsin Dells was scheduled to play host to Westfield in the season finale on Oct. 13, but the Pioneers recently cancelled their varsity schedule because of a lack of juniors and seniors on the roster.

That left the Chiefs with an opening on their schedule, which could end up being filled by Mayville, who also recently lost its Week 9 opponent when North Fond du Lac canceled its varsity season.

Rosholt just hopes his team gets to play somebody in that final week of the season.

“For our kids, as seniors that have been through four, six or eight years of football, it would be really nice to give them those games,” 00 Rosholt said.

1

DODGELAND

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Trojans at a glance Head coach: Doug Miller, fourth year at Dodgeland (18-12), 37th year overall (244-109).

On offense: Don’t be surprised to see a lot more play-action passes from the Trojans this year as they have talented, experienced players back in the passing game to complement their always-formidable running game.

The quarterback is Cody Nehls, a tall lefty who’ll have wide receiver Zach Yuenger, tight end Jordan Marsh and wing back Matt Moynihan to throw to. … Christopher Gomez anchors an O-line that has depth but not much experience.

On defense: Speed will be Dodgeland’s biggest asset, Miller said. … The secondary is made up of all returning starters: Yuenger and Matt Moynihan, who had three interceptions apiece last year, as well as Dan Moynihan. … Middle linebacker Dakota Gruenewald returns after starting as a sophomore and Jordan Marsh returns at defensive end after leading the Trojans in sacks and TFLs a season ago.

Bottom line: The Trojans have to find a way to come up with the 1,200 yards that Andrew Mountin took with him when he graduated but aside from that have experience littered everywhere on the field and should once again contend for the Trailways Large championship.

THEY SAID IT “Yes, I know what a Swiss army knife is. I do everything, yes.”

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— Versatile Trojans senior Matt Moynihan on being able to play wide receiver, wing back or tailback and also being one of the team’s best blockers.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 |

53

Trojans diversify with air attack 2017 Schedule

Formidable ground game should get boost from tall QB

Aug. 18 at Stevens Pt. Pacelli Aug. 25 CAMBRIA-FRIES. Sept. 1 PALMYRA-EAGLE Sept. 8 MARKESAN Sept. 15 PITTSVILLE Sept. 22 at Orfordville P’view Sept. 29 at Pardeeville Oct. 6 MONTELLO/ PRINCETON/GREEN LAKE Oct. 13 at Horicon/Hustisford  Home games in BOLD CAPS  Games are at 7 p.m.

DAN LARSON dlarson@wiscnews.com

Three yards and a cloud of dust (well, seven or eight yards and cloud of dust to be more accurate) was Dodgeland’s guiding principle each of the last two seasons.

It’s definitely not broken, either, as the ground game paved the way to the playoffs in both of those seasons.

So why fix it?

“We’ve got the ability to be very versatile,” Trojans head coach Doug Miller said. “Common sense tells you to use what you have, and if you have kids that have those (passing game) abilities — and we do — then you’ve got to share the load a little bit.”

The biggest reason the Trojans can entertain the notion of becoming more balanced — they rushed for a combined 5,269 yards in 2016 and 2017 compared with only 900 passing yards in that span — is because they have a tall quarterback in 6-foot-3 lefty Cody Nehls and a tall target for him to throw to in 6-4 wide receiver Zach Yuenger.

Excited as Nehls might be at the prospect of airing it out a little more this season, he wasn’t gushing about it, though, at a recent practice.

“I suppose there is a pretty good possibility. Our last game last year (against Lake Country Lutheran in the playoffs) they kind of shut down the run, so we ended up doing quite a bit of passing,” said Nehls, who came on at QB midway through last season because of injury and threw for 203

DAN LARSON, DAILY CITIZEN

Dodgeland head coach Doug Miller watches as Zach Schmitt attempts a field goal during a recent practice. yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

“I guess we’ll have to see where the season goes — if the running game works, we’ll stick with the run.

But if we’ve got to pass, we’ll pass.”

In other words, the Trojans think they’ll have the advantage of taking what the defense gives them.

And if the defense stacks the box, that means Nehls and Yuenger — who had eight catches for 141 yards and 4 TDs last year — could hook up quite a bit.

But don’t count out 6-2 tight end Jordan Marsh as a big threat for Dodgeland, either, as he had six catches for 86 yards a year ago and earned honorable mention All-Trailways Large Conference honors mostly because he’s an exceptional blocker.

When Dodgeland does run it, Marsh will be look-

ing to open holes for Dan Moynihan, Nate Oesterich and Dakota Grueneberg, who are the guys being called on to replace 1,200yard rusher Andrew Mountin.

And wing back Matt Moynihan should get quite a few touches as well — either on handoffs or in the passing game.

“You can do anything with him,” Miller said.

That’s not even the best part, though.

“He blocks so well out of the wing back spot; it’s the key to why we’ve been able to run the ball,” Miller added. “And it’s been contagious — Yuenger does a real nice job as a split end now (and) I think everybody is learning from Moynihan that the receivers are as big a role blocking and keeping the running game going as anybody.”

Up front, guard Christo-

pher Gomez returns for an offensive line that is long on talent but short on experience.

Meanwhile on defense, Dodgeland will be trying to capitalize on its team speed.

“Chris Gomez will play one defensive tackle and he’s not a great 40-yard dash guy,” Miller said of the 5-10, 240-pound junior, “but everybody else on the field should be 4.9-type kids or faster.

“We can move.”

And moving in the direction of the quarterback a lot, he hopes, will be Marsh, who led the team in tackles (79), tackles for loss (five), and sacks (five) last year.

He won’t be alone in that endeavor.

“We’ve got a couple kids that are going to play opposite him who are going to raise some havoc also,” Miller said of a position that likely includes Ryan

Neu, a junior who in February made it to the WIAA individual state wrestling tournament.

Neu didn’t play football last season because of an injury, but having him this year is “like having a returning starter back,” Miller said.

Also back is Grueneberg, who looks to build on his experience of having started at middle linebacker last year as a sophomore.

“There are a couple things that we want him to improve on, but nonetheless, to play that position as a sophomore the way he did, we look for big things out of him,” Miller said.

In the secondary will be Matt Moynihan, Dan Moynihan and Yuenger.

Add it all up and the Trojans have returning starters scattered in every position group — lending hope to the idea that 2017 might be even better than 2015 and 2016, which both ended with losses in the first round of the playoffs.

“We’re pretty hungry,” Matt Moynihan said.

“We’re ready to go — ready to see where the season takes us,” said Nehls, who wasn’t shy about adding that this year’s seniors are intent on winning in the playoffs, not just making it there.

54

HORICON/HUSTISFORD

| WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Cooperative effort works well H/H’s balanced roster pays dividends MARK MCMULLEN mmcmullen@wiscnews.com

Horicon/Hustisford’s Joe Holtan grabs the ball with one hand during a recent practice.

MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Head coach Shannon Mueller describes his Horicon/Hustisford co-op prep football team as a “blended team because we have a great number” of Horicon players and Hustisford players.

“There’s no strong number of Hustisford,” he said.

“There’s no strong number

of Horicon.”

In other words, there’s equal representation from both schools.

Mueller said the 2017 roster is up to almost 50 players from last year’s 42 players.

The 2016 season marked the first as a co-op between Horicon and Hustisford.

The team went 6-3 and made the playoffs. The success prompted 10 players between the two schools to join team.

“What happened last year, I was not that shocked,” Mueller said. “I saw the

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talent we had. I’ve known a lot of kids since they were younger. I knew the talent; it was a matter of making sure they bonded together.

“But the success just builds the program and that’s what we’re looking for.”

The current junior and senior football players from Hustisford participated on co-op teams with Horicon in their youth.

“We didn’t offer fifth and sixth grade tackle (in Hustisford),” Mueller said. “They went over there and it all started back then. They were building new friendships and new relationships. It ultimately led to a smooth transition of coming together.”

“Our middle school now — seventh and eighth grade — is co-opping now,” Mueller added. “That’s going to blend too. We’ve got 47 kids there already. That is just huge for the program.”

It’s all led to this season, where the chemistry is already starting to show before the season opener against Lomira on Friday at Hustisford.

“We’re trying to mold ourselves into having better leaders,” Mueller said. “The kids are taking more ownership into what they’re doing.

We’ve got different coaches.

This biggest thing is just supporting each other and trying to play one position on one side of the ball a little bit more so we can save our guys for one side.”

Mueller said the offense is dominated by underclassmen while the defense is filled with seniors.

“I like the thought we’re young on offense,” he said. “(If) we can succeed on offense being that young, that only builds for next year’s program. It may hurt the defense, but I don’t believe so.”

2017 Schedule Aug. 18ˆ LOMIRA Aug. 25 Open* Sept. 1# CAMBRIDGE Sept. 8 at Palmyra-Eagle Sept. 15# MONTELLO/ PRINCETON/GREEN LAKE Sept. 22 at Markesan Sept. 29ˆ PARKVIEW Oct. 6 at at Pardeeville Oct. 13# DODGELAND  Home games in BOLD CAPS Games start at 7 p.m.

Game is at Hustisford ˆ High School # Game is at Horicon *Scheduled opponent North Fond du Lac canceled its varsity season earlier this month

At a glance Head coach: Shannon Mueller, second season (6-3) On offense: There are only two seniors that will be starting on offense and one of them hasn’t played football for H/H. Mueller is excited to have a young group leading his splitback offense.

On defense: The defense is loaded with seniors, and will feature one new starter that came over from the soccer team.

Bottom line: If H/H can continue to bond, expect the team to be in the mix for a conference championship and a deep run in the playoffs.

By the numbers 32.5 The average margin of points H/H scored per game last season. H/H had 15 passing and 27 passing touchdowns.

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MARKESAN

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 FDL SAINT MARY’S SPRINGS Aug. 25 RIVER RIDGE Sept. 1 at Montello/ Princeton/Green Lake Sept. 8 at Dodgeland Sept. 15 PARKVIEW Sept. 22 HORICON/ HUSTISFORD Sept. 29 at Palmyra-Eagle Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m. ROSHOLT Oct. 13 PARDEEVILLE Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m. unless

otherwise noted

Hornets at a glance Coach: Travis Winkers, fifth season (29-11) On offense: Carson Clark returns for his fourth season as the Hornets’ starting quarterback with all-conference receivers Drew Bernhagen and Austin Triggs to throw to. Markesan lost running back Austin Heider to graduation, but JJ Bartaszewicz is slotted to fill the void. Tanner Weber returns with a year under his belt at center to direct the the Pistol-Flex offense.

On defense: Bartaszewicz is a sophomore and started every game last season at middle linebacker for the Hornets, but may focus more on offense this season. The team calls him “manchild” because of his freak athletic ability, so playing both ways isn’t out of the question. The Hornets did lose Heider, the Defensive Player of the Year in the Trailways Large, but outside linebacker Ty Plagenz said he’s poised to fill the void and be the POY at the end of this season.

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Bottom line: Winkers said the Hornets need to have players who can be tough and gritty like the seniors who were lost to graduation. If that happens, expect another great season.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 55

Hornets believe in power of bond Markesan prioritizes togetherness

By the numbers 3 The number of major awards the Hornets won in the 2016 Trailways Large All-Conference list. Drew Bernhagen was the offensive player of the year, Austin Heider won POY on defense and Trevor Geerdts was the Offensive Lineman of the Year.

MARK MCMULLEN mmcmullen@wiscnews.com‌

‌Markesan football coach Travis Winkers had his team fill out a survey prior to the beginning of practice this summer.

Little did he know it would change the outlook of the Hornets’ season.

The surveys were meant for players to vote for captains and write down their goals for the upcoming season. Winkers said he read the normal goals like “Win the Trailways Large Conference title,” or “make it to the playoffs” or “go deeper in the playoffs.”

Then he came across Drew Bernhagen’s survey, where he wrote down “We want to be the closest team Markesan has ever been.”

“I thought it was pretty cool because it’s a unique goal,” Winkers said. “This one was a different thought process on it.”

After going through the surveys and meeting with his team again, Winkers put the saying up on the board and said, “This was my favorite goal of all the ones that came back from the survey.”

Winkers said he didn’t mention who wrote it, but word quickly got around among the team and now it’s the program’s No. 1 aim as it seeks its third straight Trailways Large championship. Winkers said the program has never achieved a three-peat.

Middle linebacker/ running back JJ Bartaszewicz said “it really just motivates our team” and hopefully assists in the Hornets’ more tangible ambitions.

MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Markesan head coach Travis Winkers enters his fifth year with the Hornets and he returns a plethora of players ready to start the season.

Markesan won its first playoff game since 2005 last year by defeating Cuba City 34-28 in overtime. That win has fueled the Hornets coming into this season, where they open up against perennial state power Fond du Lac Saint Mary’s Springs on Friday.

Markesan returns 31 upperclassmen and four sophomores. Quarterback Carson Clark returns for his fourth season as the starting quarterback.

Clark will be in his second season in the pistol-flex offense now that they have senior Tanner Weber returning as the starting center.

“We’re able to switch to the pistol because he is 99.9 percent of the time always on the money,” Winkers said. “That’s huge because that helps our offense so much. There’s a lot of teams that switch to pis-

tol and then you have one bad snap and it screws up the drive. Knock on wood, he’s been pretty automatic there. That’s huge for us and it starts with the snap, and it goes from there.”

First-team All-Trailways Large Conference receivers Bernhagen and Austin Triggs both return. Bernhagen caught 45 passes for 945 yards and totaled 24 touchdowns last season — 18 through the air, three rushing, two kick returns and one interception return. Triggs caught 25 passes for 639 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“They’re great receivers,” Clark said. “On the (defensive) side, they’re tough to guard. You can only put so many guys on Drew and then you got Triggs open.

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Bartaszewicz, a sophomore, will be called upon to replace Austin Heider at running back.

“He’s just a physical specimen,” Winkers said of Bartaszewicz. “One that we’ve never had. What’s crazy about him is he’s the strongest player on our team. This next stat might blow your mind, but he’s the fastest player on our team.

“He’s faster than Austin, he’s faster than Drew, he’s faster than Carson, he’s faster than all these kids.”

Senior outside linebacker

Ty Plagenz finished last season with 54 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception. He said with his workouts during the offseason and having another year of experience, he can “bring that same intensity, confidence and the kind of swagger” that Markesan got from Heider, the Trailways Large Defensive Player of the Year.

Bernhagen said the competitive nature among his teammates will only make Markesan closer as the season moves on.

“I love the friendship we all have,” he said. “We’re like a family. We’re all close. It’s a small town. We know everybody. We hold everybody accountable for everything.

We hold everybody to a high standard.

“It really makes our team better. It makes the atmosphere better. It makes everybody happier.”

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CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Phoenix in line for success Phoenix at a glance

MPGL co-op will feature strong offensive front

Coaches: Bill Sauld and Harland Leusink, 10th season (45-41) On offense: With senior starters Bryan Murphy, Kyle Reuter and Gus James all returning on the offensive line, the Phoenix expect to feature the running game more this season. But with junior Brad Myers, who was an honorable mention receiver last year, also returning, the Phoenix will still be able to move the ball through the air.

TRAVIS HOUSLET thouslet@wiscnews.com‌

‌When Montello/Princeton/Green Lake co-head coach Bill Sauld was asked what the strength of this year’s team would be, it didn’t take him long to identify the offensive line as the unit that would drive the Phoenix to success this fall.

“We have the best offensive line that we’ve had probably since the 2011 season,” Sauld said. “We got a couple strong seniors leading the way and we look forward to them progressing all the way through the season.”

The senior trio of Bryan Murphy, Kyle Reuter and Gus James all return as starters on the offensive line, and all three look to have gotten stronger in the offseason.

In past seasons, the MPGL offense hasn’t been afraid to rely on the passing game. That won’t necessarily change this season, but

On defense: Last year’s the Phoenix got key contributions from a pair of freshmen, as linebacker BJ Konkel led the team in tackles and safety Buxton Toutant led the squad in interceptions. Both players return and could be even better in their second year with the program.

TRAVIS HOUSLET, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Montello/Princeton/Green Lake senior running back Jack Soda carries the ball during a recent practice. Soda was the leading rusher for the Phoenix last season.

Sauld does expect to feature more of a running game.

“We still have some good receivers, but hopefully with the line blocking like they have been (early in practice), we should be able to open up some holes,” Sauld said.

When the Phoenix do decide to pass the ball, Buxton Toutant is likely to be the one to be throwing it. The sophomore has been getting

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most of the quarterback reps with the No. 1 offense in the first week of practice.

Joining Toutant in the backfield will be senior Jack Soda, who was the team’s leading rusher a year ago.

The shifty Soda is one of the better athletes on the team.

Sophomore BJ Konkel will also get some opportunities as a fullback, a position he started at last year.

The top pass-catchers for MPGL this season figure to be Brad Myers, who earned honorable mention All-Trailways Large Conference honors at wide receiver last year, and Destin Eurich, who at 6-foot-3 is a big target at tight end.

“Both of them have a great pair of hands, so we’re looking forward to getting them the ball,” Sauld said.

Junior Kade Krings has established himself as a player to watch at defensive tackle. James, who was a linebacker last year, moves to defensive end, where he will get the opportunity to chase opposing quarter-

backs.

MPGL has a talented group of players returning at linebacker, including Konkel, who earned honorable mention all-conference accolades at inside linebacker last year as a freshmen. He will be joined by the senior trio of Alex Postler, Brennan Simons and Soda. “They got a lot of reps last year and are going to get a lot more this year,” Sauld said.

Toutant returns after earning honorable mention all-conference recognition as a freshman defensive back last season, when he led the Phoenix with four interceptions.

Having players like Toutant and Konkel, who were major contributors as freshmen a year ago, make a big impact early in the career is a good sign for the future of the program.

“It spurs everyone else, especially the young guys, because they want to play harder to see if they can get playing time also,” Sauld said. “It makes our

Bottom line: The Phoenix could be a team to watch in Trailways Large Conference, but with a first-year starter at quarterback in Toutant, they will need to play well early on to get past defending champion Markesan in the league opener on Sept. 1.

Did you know?

2017 Schedule

The MPGL program will honor the families of former Phoenix players Pawel Tordoff and Sean Klapper at the Sept. 1 home game against Markesan. Klapper, a 2016 Montello High School graduate, passed away unexpectedly on July 19. Tordoff, a Green Lake High School graduate, passed away at the age of 21 in the Didion Milling explosion on May 31. T-shirts will be sold at the game with proceeds going to the families.

Aug. 18* IOLA-SCANDINAVIA Aug. 25 at Ithaca Sept. 1# MARKESAN Sept. 8# PARKVIEW Sept. 15 at Horicon/Hustiford Sept. 22* PARDEEVILLE Sept. 29# ALGOMA Oct. 6 at Dodgeland Oct. 13 at Palmyra-Eagle *at Princeton #at Montello Home games in BOLD CAPS Games at 7 p.m.

team better by having the younger kids push the older kids.”

Last season the Phoenix finished 5-4 overall, but were just 2-4 in the Trailways North Conference, putting them one game out of a playoff berth. It was just the second time in the last eight years the Phoenix were forced to sit out the postseason.

Sauld hopes this year’s team can get back to playoffs, and even win a postseason game, which is something the program

hasn’t done in six tries since becoming a co-op.

The coach thinks a conference title is something else that might be within reach, but the Phoenix will likely have to knock of defending champion Markesan in the conference opener on Sept.

1.

“I know they want to take a step forward in the playoffs and get past the first game,” Sauld said. “And they’re actually looking (to win the) conference if they can take that away from Markesan. That will be the 00 first tough game.”

1

PARDEEVILLE

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 at Cambria-Friesland Aug. 25 RANDOLPH Sept. 1 at Parkview Sept. 8 ALMOND-BANCROFT Sept. 15 PALMYRA-EAGLE Sept. 22 at MPGL Sept. 29 DODGELAND Oct. 6 HORICON/ HUSTISFORD Oct. 13 at Markesan Home games in BOLD CAPS Games at 7 p.m.

Bulldogs at a glance Coach: Tyler Johnson, second season (4-5).

On offense: With four starters returning on the offensive line, expect Pardeeville to try to establish the run, which should help first-year starting quarterback Jacob Schommer get comfortable in his new position. The offensive line will be led by senior center Nathan Read, along with senior tackles Duncan Fleiner and Jonathan Kamrath, and junior Klaus Kilmer and sophomore Dylan Anderson at guard.

On defense: The secondary should be able to hold up against the pass, with returning starters Ryan Lindert and Nick Cerro at the cornerback positons. Cerro finished with six interceptions last year. Senior Waylon Bouchard moves from linebacker to safety, giving the backfield another capable defender who isn’t afraid to hit somebody.

Bottom line: The key to returning to the postseason for the Bulldogs is consistency, according to head coach Tyler Johnson. “We need to make sure as a whole, we’re more consistent on offense, we’re more consistent on defense,” Johnson said.

“Last year, we had shining moments and we did some good things, but we weren’t 00 consistent.”

1

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 57

Bulldogs seek return to postseason All-conference tight end now under center TRAVIS HOUSLET thouslet@wiscnews.com‌

Last season, one of ‌ Pardeeville’s biggest offensive weapons was Jacob Schommer. The junior tight end hauled in 27 passes for 332 yards and a pair of touchdowns on his way to earning first-team All-Trailways Large Conference honors.

Now in his senior season with the Bulldogs, Schommer once again figures to be a key cog in the Pardeeville offense, but unlike last year when he was catching passes, he will now be the one throwing passes.

Having an all-conference tight end switch to quarterback isn’t something you see too often, but according to Pardeeville second-year head coach Tyler Johnson, Schommer pushed himself to be the team’s new quarterback ever since last year’s starter, Riley Balzer, finished his career.

“Ever since the season ended last year, he kind of made it up in his mind that he wanted to be the quarterback,” Johnson said.

“He’s been working hard and he’s been practicing at it. This summer in 7-on-7, he took a leadership role and stepped up. We’re excited to see it.”

Schommer stands tall in the pocket at 6-foot2, and is athletic enough to use his feet to get out of trouble when under pressure. Those attributes will help him as a firstyear quarterback, but the real test will come when Pardeeville opens its season on Friday night at

TRAVIS HOUSLET PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Pardeeville second-year head coach Tyler Johnson directs his team at a recent practice. Johnson is hoping to get the Bulldogs back into the playoffs after missing out last year.

Did you know?

Pardeeville senior Jacob Schommer looks for an open receiver during a recent practice. Schommer, who was an all-conference tight end last year, is making the move to quarterback for the Bulldogs this fall.

Cambria-Friesland.

Johnson knows things will get harder for his quarterback when the real games begin.

“He’s untested. He’s never played quarterback in a game,” Johnson said.

“I’m excited to see what he can do. I’m excited for him to lead us. He’s shown in the first few days that he’s done a good job leading our crew.”

Joining Schommer in the backfield for Pardeeville this season will be a pair of running backs who have some experience playing the position, but not a ton of experience taking handoffs at the varsity

level. Senior Chase Balzer, who played last season on the offensive line, is back at running back, where he played the previous two seasons. Also joining Balzer in the backfield is junior speedster Colm Moe. Johnson expects to be playing primarily with a 12-personnel offense this season, which means in most situations, there will be only one running back and two tight ends on the field. With no fullback on the field, both Balzer and Moe will get plenty of chances to run with the ball.

While the Bulldogs are lack varsity experience at

Pardeeville will be wearing new uniforms this fall. Gone are the team’s navy blue uniforms, replaced by is a new royal blue jersey and helmet. The move comes after the school’s administration asked the football program to get back to using royal blue so all the school’s athletic teams were using the same color scheme. Also new will be the team’s helmet logo. Instead of the bulldog paw print that the team used in recent years, the team is sporting a bulldog head on its helmets. It’s the same bulldog head logo used at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where head coach Tyler Johnson played college football. the quarterback and running back positions, that is not the case on the offensive line. Four of the five players who figure to start up front for Pardeeville were starters a year ago.

One is be Duncan

Fleiner, who transferred into Pardeeville from Rio over the summer. Fleiner was a first-team all-conference offensive lineman in the Trailways Small Please see BULLDOGS, next page

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58 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Pardeeville From 57

Conference last season for Rio, and will immediately help the Bulldogs this fall.

“He’s a kid we’re going to like to run behind,” Johnson said.

Playing the other tackle position will be senior Jonathan Kamrath, who Johnson said “busted his butt all summer.” Kamrath played every game at left tackle last year as a junior. “He’s bigger and stronger this year. I’m glad to have Jonny on the back side, that’s for sure,” Johnson said.

Senior Klaus Kilmer and sophomore Dylan Anderson are likely to line up at guard. Both have the ideal size to play inside.

Senior Nathan Read, who earned honorable mention all-conference honors last season, returns at center. Read helps lead the offense with his athletic ability and his knowledge of the game.

“He is a smart kid. He calls the (defensive) front and tells us where we’re combo (blocking),” Johnson said. “He’s a leader on the field and we’re excited to have him back.”

In the 12-personnel offense that the Bulldogs plan to use, they will have two players who are either tight ends or wing backs on the field in most situations. That should mean there will be plenty of opportunities for the

TRAVIS HOUSLET PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Pardeeville senior center Nathan Read gets ready to snap the ball at a recent practice. Read is a returning starter who earned honorable mention All-Trailways Large Conference honors for the Bulldogs last season. foursome of sophomore James Trahms, junior Tyler Kowald and seniors Andrew Hodgson and Waylon Bouchard to contribute on offense.

“Those four kids are going to be able to play all those positions (tight end and wing back) and we will move them interchangeably, so it’s nice to have a little depth at those positions,” Johnson said.

Of the four, Bouchard might be the best with the ball in his hands, so expect the Bulldogs to try

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to get him involved in the offense.

The wide receiver position could also be a strength of this year’s team, as seniors Nick Cerro and Ryan Lindert both return as starters from a year ago. Cerro led Pardeeville in receiving touchdowns with four, and both receivers provide big targets, standing over 6-foot.

“We want to get those kids the ball, that’s for sure,” Johnson said. “It’s good to have those two back. Even with handing the ball off on the edge, and getting them out in the quick pass game, and letting them make plays in the open field. I’m excited to see those two catch the ball and make plays for us.”

On defense, expect Cerro and Lindert to give Pardeeville a strong pair of cornerbacks. Cerro led the team with six interceptions last year. Joining them on the back end

Pardeeville senior receiver Nick Cerro heads upfield after catching a pass at a recent practice. Cerro caught four touchdown passes last season for the Bulldogs. of the defense likely will be Bouchard, who moves from linebacker to safety.

The move from tight end to quarterback isn’t the only position switch for Schommer. On defense, the senior is moving to outside linebacker after earning honorable mention all-conference as a defensive end last year. The hope is that Schommer, who had eight sacks last year, will get even more opportunities to bring down opposing quarterbacks rushing as an outside linebacker.

Hodgson and Trahms will also see time as outside linebackers.

At inside linebacker, expect Balzer to get most of the reps, but Moe, Kowald and sophomore Dan Wohlfert will provide depth.

On the defensive line, Johnson expects the senior foursome of Fleiner, Kilmer, Read and Kamrath to wreak havoc on oppos-

ing teams.

Johnson said the No. 1 priority for his defense will be to stop the run.

“I think there were some games last year where we did a really good job stopping the run, and there was some games where we did not,” Johnson said.

“I think, if you can force a team to be one-dimensional, you can stop the run and force them to throw it, you are doing the right things.”

And once a team becomes one-dimensional, that’s when the defense can start to make plays.

“We have enough guys up front that we will be able to get after the quarterback this year, especially off the edge,” Johnson said.

“I expect to be in the quarterback’s face. I expect to be aggressive. I expect our guys to fly around. I want us to be 11 mad men on the field flying to the ball.”

The Bulldogs finished 4-5 overall and 2-4 in conference play last season.

That left them one game out of playoff contention. It was the first time since 1998 that Pardeeville didn’t participate in the postseason.

Johnson knows getting back into the playoffs won’t be easy, with conference foes Markesan and Dodgeland once again expected to field strong teams, but he thinks he has enough returning starters for his team to significantly improve.

“I think every year our goal is to make the playoffs, get into that second season, extend our season and carry on the Pardeeville tradition,” Johnson said. “We missed it by one game last year, so we’re definitely looking for a little redemption. We’re looking to get into that 00 postseason play.”

1

CAMBRIA-FRIESLAND

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 PARDEEVILLE Aug. 25 at Dodgeland Sept. 1 WAYLAND Sept. 8 JOHNSON CREEK Set. 15 at Deerfield Sept. 22 RIO Sept. 29 at Lourdes Oct. 6 FALL RIVER Oct. 13 at Randolph  Home games are in BOLD CAPS  All games are at 7 p.m.

Hilltoppers at a glance Coach: Jim Bylsma, 35th year (240-106) On offense and defense: The Hilltoppers are young.

There’s no getting around that.

They only have five seniors on the team and all of them look to have major roles on both sides of the ball. Wesley Bancroft returns to lead the rushing attack and will also play linebacker or defensive back. Joseph Pulver started at tackle as a freshman but movers over to tight end. Jake Raymond looks to earn a starting role on offense or defense after being a first-team all-conference special teams player. Senior Tanner Schaalma is a returning two-way player as well.

Bottom line: Once the young Hilltoppers get the hang of things, watch out because CF will be right in the middle of the race for a fourth straight Trailways Small Conference title.

By the numbers 00 1

3 Years the Hilltoppers have made it to the WIAA Division 7 Level 3 of the playoffs and lost.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017 |

59

Hilltoppers young, but able Inexperience abounds, but C-F expects team to round into shape MARK MCMULLEN mmcmullen@wiscnews.com

Jim Bylsma knows how to get the best out of what he’s got with the Cambria-Friesland prep football team.

The veteran Hilltoppers coach has guided his small squad to a Trailways Small Conference title each of the past three years.

But a fourth straight league crown could be a challenge as the Hilltoppers are loaded with freshmen and sophomores with some expected to gain playing time.

“It means the future is pretty bright here,” Bylsma said. “It also means that some of those guys may have to play just a little bit before we normally play them. We’ve been blessed the last three years to have a lot of returning linemen.

“This year, with a school our size, eventually it catches up to you.”

The Toppers had a star-studded senior class from last year in Kaden Graham, Tyler Zacho, Grant DeJager, Damian Hernandez, Lee Dunahee and Jordan Senf.

It means this year’s senior class of Wes Bancroft, Adan Hernandez, Jake Raymond, Tanner Schaalma and Samuel Sadoski will have to take on a leadership role.

“We stress that all summer during our contact days,” Bylsma said. “Not only do they have to contribute on the field, but off the field as leaders so these guys get molded and headed

“This will be a tougher coaching job, but we’re really looking forward to it because those are the jobs that are the most fun and most satisfying when the kids do come around.”

— Jim Bylsma, Cambria-Friesland head coach

MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Cambria-Friesland’s Max Raymond performs a tackle on a dummy during a recent practice. into the right direction.”

Even with a young team, the expectations for CF haven’t changed as the No. 1 goal is to win another Trailways Small championship.

“We’re expecting to be a continually improving team,” Bylsma said. “The reason I say that is we have some very good skilled people coming back, but kind

of inexperienced in both the offensive and defensive lines. I think our improvement throughout the season will be tied to how rapidly both of our lines can progress.”

Bancroft led the Trailways Small with 1,102 rushing yards and was a first-team all-conference player on offense and defense. Raymond Visit us at www.dualgas.com

was a first-team all-conference player on special teams.

Sadoski is switching from fullback/linebacker to the offensive and defensive lines. He requested the position change after seeing the team was short on interior linemen early in practice.

“I just did what I thought

was best for the team,” Sadoski said. “We just need to stay confident and make sure the younger players are doing what they need to be doing right and correctly, following us seniors and doing work, and get through it together as a family.”

It was a proud moment for Bylsma as a head coach.

“They’re understanding it’s more about the team than it is about the me,” Bylsma said.

Bylsma is liking the way his team is forming early on.

Players like Bancroft and Joseph Pulver will be playing both ways. Bancroft will be back at running back, but could play linebacker or defensive back on the other side of the ball. Pulver moves from offensive tackle to tight end, and will also play linebacker.

“It’s the best thing for us,” Bylsma said. “Bear Bryant always said to put your best 11 guys on defense.”

Bylsma has seen enough in his 34 years as CF’s head coach to know this season could be a bumpy ride, but he’s still excited to steer the Hilltoppers through the road ahead.

“This will be a tougher coaching job, but we’re really looking forward to it because those are the jobs that are the most fun and most satisfying when the kids do come around,” he said.

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| WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2017

FALL RIVER

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Pirates seek Trailways treasure Fall River isn’t shy when setting program’s goals

for the Fall River prep football team, but the Pirates are thinking bigger this year.

“I think our team is extremely hungry to get back into the playoffs, but we’re MARK MCMULLEN really looking towards getmmcmullen@wiscnews.com ting the first conference A return to the WIAA championship in a while,” playoffs last season was nice offensive lineman Keegan

Wishing all of our local teams a healthy and successful season.

Wodill said. “We’ll be battling with Oshkosh Lourdes and Cambria-Friesland for the conference championship. We’re improving every single year and hopefully we can improve to a conference championship.”

Fall River went 6-3 in the regular season last year, a four-win turnaround from coach Joe Zander’s first season in 2015. The Pirates went 4-2 in Trailways South Conference play, finishing third behind Cambria-Friesland and Lourdes.

Several freshmen and sophomores started two years ago, when the Pirates were 1-5 in conference play, but those players are now experienced upperclassmen ready to make a run at a league crown.

“We know we’ve got a conference championship caliber team,” Zander said.

“We’ve just got to finish and put all the pieces together.”

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 at Almond-Bancroft Aug. 25 WILD ROSE Sept. 1 at Oshkosh Lourdes, 5 p.m.

Sept. 8, 4:30 p.m. at Wayland Sept. 15 RANDOLPH Sept. 22 JOHNSON CREEK Sept. 29 at Deerfield Oct. 6 at Cambria-Friesland Oct. 13 RIO  Home games in BOLD CAPS  Games are at 7 p.m. unless

otherwise noted

You should know MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Fall River’s Luke Figol throws a pass to Parker Morton during a recent practice.

Zander said the difference between his first two seasons was the turnover margin. The Pirates were minus-10 in 2015, but engineered a dramatic improvement last year and

Good Luck Area Teams!

were plus-29.

“Look at the swing,” Zander said. “It went from two wins to six wins. That’s why we’re hoping we can do a 9-0 season this year.

“It’s how you execute and capitalize on other team’s mistakes.”

The team knows it experience will be an asset.

The last time Fall River won a Trailways Small Conference title was in 2013 when the Pirates went 10-1 overall and 6-0 in conference.

“We’re not freshmen or sophomores coming in,” said Wodill, a junior entering his third season as a starter. “We’re juniors and seniors. We’re pretty much veterans with six or seven Please see PIRATES, Page 64

Good Luck to all area teams!

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RANDOLPH

CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 61

Roster influx rejuvenates Rockets Randolph bolstered by addition of two big linemen, large freshman class

00 1

By the numbers

Coach: Randy Herpel, 2nd season (2-7)

15 Number of freshman in the program, helping the Rockets go from having only 17 players in the program last year to 31 this year. The upward trend in numbers is expected to continue for the next few years, Randolph head coach Randy Herpel said.

On offense: Run, run, run. That’s going to be the Rockets’ mindset now that they’ve added beef up front in the way of 280-pounders Levi Alsum and Matt Miller and depth across the board. They passed it more than 50 percent of the time last year out of necessity but hope to control the clock — something they couldn’t do very well last year, allowing two second-half leads to evaporate — by employing a far more effective ground game in 2017. … Senior quarterback Austin Syvertson and junior wide receiver Sawyer Westra both return after earning honorable mention All-Trailways Small Conference honors last year. … Coby Alderden and Mitchell Miller are projected to shoulder the load running the football while Nathaniel Priester is projected to be the fullback.

DAN LARSON dlarson@wiscnews.com‌

It doesn’t show in the ‌ win-loss record, but all things considered, last year was a pretty good one for Randolph. Now, the Rockets are confident they can build on a series of moral victories in 2016 and make 2017 a winning campaign.

They’re not being shy about it, either.

“We will be a playoff team this year,” head coach Randy Herpel said. “I’m making that guarantee right now.”

It’s a bold statement.

But it’s also one founded in reason and not just wishful thinking.

The biggest bullet point supporting Herpel’s case is that Randolph — which was 2-7 a season ago but lost one game on a last-second field goal and led at halftime in two other losses — has added two hulking offensive linemen in Levi Alsum and Matt Miller, who both are back after not going out for football last fall.

“Both of them are 280-pounders benching 315,” Herpel said.

They join talented center Taylor Moore, a returning starter. The three of them should give the Rockets a formidable front, which in turn has allowed Randolph to reshape its identity.

“I’ll tell you exactly what our philosophy is: We will pass the ball, when we want to,” Herpel said. “We don’t ever want to be caught in a position where we have to pass the ball. Last year was a different story — we had to

Rockets at a glance

DAN LARSON, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Randolph’s Matt Miller (right) blocks a teammate during an offensive linemen drill at practice earlier this month. Miller, who wasn’t on the team a year ago, is a big boy who along with newcomer Levi Alsum and returning starter Taylor Moore will give the Rockets a formidable front line as they look to run the ball more than they did in 2016. pass the ball because teams knew we couldn’t run.”

Case in point: The Rockets attempted 189 passes and completed 91 of them for 1,219 yards and 13 touchdowns compared with 163 rushing attempts for only 855 yards (5.2 yards per attempt) and eight TDs. They think they’ll be traveling by ground a lot more than air this time around.

“We have the ability to run the ball this year,” Herpel said, “and I think we have the ability to run the ball well this year.”

“We should be able to pound it down their throats like we have in the past,” added quarterback Austin Syvertson, a senior who was an honorable mention all-Trailways Small Conference pick last year.

All that talk of smashmouth football is music to the big boys’ ears, too.

“You get to hit more,” Moore said of run-blocking vs. pass-blocking. “I like to take out my aggression on the field.”

Adding the two O-linemen is reason enough for a team that returns most of its starters from last year (first team all-conference tight end/linebacker Xander Herpel and honorable mention all-conference O-lineman/defensive end Gage Ratacjak notwithstanding) to be optimistic.

But there’s more — there are also 15 freshmen added to the mix, rejuvenating a program that last year had only 17 players altogether and wasn’t able to field a JV team.

Herpel said that a few of

On defense: The Rockets are making the switch to the 4-3 because Herpel said they need two safeties over the top to defend against teams — like Oshkosh Lourdes — passing it more now than ever before. “That single safety just isn’t getting it done anymore,” he said. D-linemen Matt Miller and Taylor Moore and middle linebacker Westra — who has “the wheels to go sideline to sideline,” Herpel said — are the preseason picks by Herpel to be the Rockets’ impact players on D.

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 OPEN* Aug. 25 at Pardeeville Sept. 1 at Rio Sept. 8 DEERFIELD Sept. 15 at Fall River Sept. 22 OSHKOSH LOURDES Sept. 29 at Johnson Creek Oct. 6 WAYLAND Oct. 13 CAMBRIA-FRIESLAND Home games in BOLD CAPS

Games are at 7 p.m.

*Scheduled opponent North Fond du Lac canceled its Bottom line: The Rockets look like a team poised to improve season earlier this month. quite a bit from last year, but as always with teams their size, health will be a big key.

those freshmen will likely contribute in the defensive secondary, where the Rockets can take advantage of their speed while keeping them in a “low-impact” position — in other words, where they won’t be overwhelmed by the physicality of varsity football.

But even with the added bodies, the Rockets press on knowing that if they do things smartly and if they emphasize conditioning above all else, injuries likely won’t mount up and they’ll be able to compete from now until whenever the season ends in October or November.

After all, it worked last year, when they didn’t lose a single player to injury and as a result flirted with a

.500 record.

With reinforcements added and with experience to lean on, the Rockets are eying a brighter 2017.

“Expectations are always high for us — we always want to win; we always want to win conference. But I feel like we can do it this year — we can go pretty far,” said

wide receiver Sawyer Westra, a junior who had 29 catches for 406 yards and seven TDs last year and was selected as honorable mention all-conference.

“These guys are out here ready to work and we want to win football games,” he added. “And (those close losses) will hopefully give us that extra drive to win some more this year.”

Good Luck to the Randolph Rockets this season.

164 Kienow Drive Randolph, WI 53956 Phone (920) 326-5800

RIO

62 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

2017 Schedule Aug. 18 SOUTHWESTERN Aug. 25 ALMOND-BANCROFT Sept. 1 RANDOLPH Sept. 8 OSHKOSH LOURDES Sept. 15 at Johnson Creek Sept. 22 at Cambria-Friesland Sept. 29 BEAVER DAM WAYLAND Oct. 6 at Deerfield Oct. 13 at Fall River Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m.

Vikings at a glance Coach: Brian Brewer, 2nd season (3-6) On offense: The Vikings bring back a double wing attack that racked up 1,891 yards and 17 touchdowns last year, good for an average of 236.4 yards per game. Providing a nice complement to the Rio attack is sophomore Teagan Prochnow, while junior Nathan Rippl leads the way up front.

On defense: Rio struggled to stop teams last season. This year, Brewer has taken a more classroom-centered approach to teaching his team and is hoping to improve the Vikings’ gang-tackling. Sophomore Nick Larson and juniors Mason Bright and Ty Dettman are expected to be key contributors.

Bottom line: If the Vikings are able to solve their tackling issues, they will have a chance to return to the postseason.

That will be easier said than done, however, as Rio will play four of its final five games on the road, all of them against Trailways Small Conference foes.

By the numbers 38 The number of total passes attempted by Rio last season. The Vikings completed 18 — and average of two per game — for 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

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Vikings eye more growth Rio hopes young team’s early experience pays off SEAN DAVIS sdavis@wiscnews.com‌

‌In its first year under new coach Brian Brewer, the Rio football team went through plenty of growing pains in 2016.

The young Vikings saw their 10year postseason streak come to an end as they finished the year 3-6 overall and 2-4 in the Trailways Small Conference.

Having only lost three players to graduation, Brewer is confident his team can continue to grow in 2017.

Rio begins the season by hosting Southwestern in a non-conference game on Friday.

“Last year we had 17 freshmen and sophomores and now it’s shifted up and they’re older,” Brewer said. “A lot of sophomores played a lot of football last year.

Now they’re older and they’re ready to go.”

Brewer, a Rio native, has a good rapport with the majority of the team, having coached this year’s junior class in eighth grade.

“That’s the majority of our team and they are just terrific kids who want to play football,” he said.

“They’ve always been there and they’ve been the first ones here.”

Along with the strong junior class, the Vikings have a pair of dedicated seniors in Ryan Bagwell and Dillon Scott. Another senior, quarterback Trajan Prochnow, will miss the season after recently undergoing elbow surgery.

Run game a priority‌

The loss of Prochow is a big one, as he was the signal-caller of the Vikings double wing attack last year. Luckily for Brewer, he has a good stable of players who can take over.

The leading candidate to fill Prochnow’s shoes is Brandon Rowe, who moves under center from tight end. Brewer said the 6-foot-2, 151-pound junior is “re-

Rio junior Brandon Rowe makes a pitch during an offensive drill at the Vikings’ practice on Aug. 2 at Rio High School.

SEAN DAVIS PHOTOS, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Rio sophomore Nick Larson sprints upfield after taking a handoff during an offensive drill at the Vikings’ practice on Aug. 2 at Rio High School. ally athletic” and provides a lot of speed.

Behind Rowe, the Vikings feature a pair of running backs who saw significant time last year.

Sophomore Nick Larson (5-7, 155) rushed for 426 yards and four touchdowns last year, while Scott (6-0, 168) added 201 yards and two scores.

Brewer knows that the Vikings need to find a fullback, where junior Mason Bright is a potential fit.

The offensive line poses another problem for the Vikings, as Rio lacks some size up front, but that doesn’t bother Brewer.

“We don’t have a lot of weight, but if we tinker with the changes

that we’re going to do, it should work out,” he said. “Although these guys aren’t heavy, they’re quicker.”

Leading the way up front are juniors Nathan Rippl (6-4, 187) and Ty Dettman (5-11, 182) and sophomore Dalton Barker (5-11, 196).

Help defense‌

While Brewer is confident the Vikings will be able to run the ball in his double wing system, the coach knows the team needs to stop the run defensively.

“We outrushed people, but they had the same amount of yards we had,” he said.

The crux of the Vikings’ issue

last year was the team’s lack of gang tackling. Despite racking up 172 solo tackles, Rio paled in comparison to opponents in assisted tackles, registering 132 fewer.

“If you look at the stats, each team had the same amount of tackles but they had 2-1 more assisted tackles, meaning that we’re not helping each other out,” Brewer said.

Brewer has put more of a focus on team tackling and taken things into the classroom this year. The coaching staff is diagramming more on a chalkboard in order for things to resonate better in the players’ minds.

“I talked to a couple players and I guess you assume that they know, so we’re actually board-working a lot, teaching and asking questions to see if they understand what we’re doing,” he said.

The duo of Scott and Rippl are Rio’s stalwarts on the defensive front. The pair combined for 77 total tackles last year, including 24 solo by Scott and 14 by Rippl.

While the Vikings hope to show improvement from last year, Brewer says he won’t judge the season on the team’s record.

“It’s always growth and how much better they can become as a human being,” he said. “We don’t really talk about wins and losses; we think that if they do what we ask and they learn every day, it will 00 take care of itself.”

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WAYLAND

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2017 Schedule Sept. 1 at Cambria-Friesland Sept. 8 FALL RIVER Sept. 15 at Oshkosh Lourdes Sept. 23, 1 p.m. DEERFIELD Sept. 29 at Rio Oct. 6 at Randolph Oct. 13 JOHNSON CREEK Home games in BOLD CAPS Games are at 7 p.m., unless

otherwise noted

Big Red at a glance Head coach: Tyler Hill, second year (0-5) On offense: Wayland has a couple of talented running backs in Gracien Jules and Oscar Sun and a returning quarterback in Abe Luedtke, plus O-lineman Ethan Krein is back after missing much of last season because of injury.

And the Big Red run the classic double-wing so those four will be counted on a ton.

On defense: Cole Abel is a returning four-year starter at defensive end, Sun returns at middle linebacker, and Krein gives Wayland a house to get in the way up front. If Can Emden decides to go out for football instead of soccer, that will add another piece to the puzzle.

Bottom line: The Big Red struggled mightily to score as well as stop other teams from scoring a year ago, so progress might better be measured in margin of defeat rather than win-loss record. But with that said, they have talented players and a year of experience under their belt, so dramatic improvement isn’t out of the question.

By the numbers

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4 Number of players who graduated, meaning there are a lot of returning players this year. That experience should help the Big Red as they try and take steps toward being more competitive.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017 | 63

Big Red ready for calmer waters Coach expects team to show further strides DAN LARSON dlarson@wiscnews.com‌

‌Navigating uncharted waters is not for the faint of heart.

Wayland learned that the hard way in 2016, losing all five of its games in lopsided fashion during its maiden voyage in 11-man football after previously competing in eight-man football.

Stormy as the seas were, however, the good news is this: There’s now a map to follow.

“We can build on that,” said Big Red second-year head coach Tyler Hill, a 2009 Wayland graduate.

“It’s a known quantity; they don’t have to worry about (the transition); they can just worry about playing the game.”

Hill also figures not having to deal with a coaching change and new playbook on top of switching from eight-man to 11-man, like was the case last year, will make things easier.

So the only major change this year is that Wayland — which also had an 11man program prior to 2012 — will be competing as a member of the Trailways Small Conference.

But Hill figures that won’t present a challenge at all seeing as 80 percent of the Big Red’s schedule last year was made up of Trailways Small teams. And in fact, he thinks playing in a conference — and not as an independent — will be a motivating factor for kids to strive to make the all-conference list.

The horse pulling the Big Red will likely be Gracien Jules, a big-bodied

WAYLAND ACADEMY, CONTRIBUTED‌

Wayland’s Gracien Jules (left) tries to break a tackle in a game against Randolph last season. running back.

“He’s a great player. His off-the-field drive is just as integral to the team’s performance as his onthe-field drive,” Hill said of Jules, who also will play linebacker. “I anticipate some great things from him this fall. He’s an explosive athlete, and as he gets more and more familiar with the position and he can absorb those finer coaching points, I think we’ll see even greater things from him.”

Joining Jules in the backfield will be Oscar Sun, a returning running back who Hill said is “very good at finding space in the line.”

Facing three extra defenders on the field for the first time last year was particularly challenging for Sun, considering they were three more players he had to navigate away from and around.

“So I think we’ll get a little bit more of an edge there now that (he’s) tuned

to the 11-man frequency,” Hill said.

Handing the ball off to those two runners will be junior quarterback Abe Luedtke, a returning starter.

And blocking for them will be offensive lineman Ethan Krein, who missed much of last year because of an injury but has been putting in extra work since getting healthy — including attending a USA Football camp in the spring.

“He anchors our offensive line and he’s also passionate on the defensive side as well,” Hill said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him play a full year and get in there and get after things.”

Also back is Cole Abel, a four-year starter at defensive end.

The Big Red are now in year two running the classic double-wing offense, a run-heavy scheme that Hill likes because one of the biggest adjustments in switching to 11-man

was having to grind for every yard rather than count on the kind of big plays that are common in eight-man.

“Hopefully three yards and a cloud of dust,” Hill said. “Do that four times and we’re going to march it down the field.”

Likewise, the Big Red’s base defense is the 4-4 as they want eight players in the box to try and stop other teams from marching it down the field on them.

Because Wayland is a boarding school and most kids aren’t local, practice didn’t get underway until

today (10 or so kids were expected) and some will trickle in here and there until school registration takes place Monday. Hill said he expects upwards of 35 kids on the team.

Opening night across the state is this Friday, but the Big Red won’t see game action until Sept. 1 against Cambria-Friesland. Wayland will play a seven-game schedule, forgoing two potential non-conference games because they did not have enough players at the school to begin practice on Aug. 1.

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64 | Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Cardinals From Page 40

air,” middle linebacker Alex Nadolski said. “There’s more aggression and emphasis on working harder.

You can feel it all around.”

Having success isn’t going to come overnight. Noennig and his Cardinals, who were 2-7 overall last year and 2-4 in the Flyway Conference, know it’s going to take time, but that isn’t stopping them from setting high goals.

“I want to get this team to the playoffs,” Noennig said. “We were close last year and in a few plays we would’ve made playoffs. I truly believe that and this team should make the playoffs. I believe they’re talented enough and if they believe they can do it, we’ll make the playoffs. That’s our first goal in every season we have. Once we make the playoffs, we want to get into the hunt for a conference championship.

“After that when you get into the playoffs, you see how far you can extend your season.”

A postseason berth would be Mayville’s first since 2009.

“I feel like we definitely have a great shot to accomplish that goal this year,” running back Darren

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Feucht said. “We have the coaches that know what they’re doing.

They’ve changed stuff to fit more of our style.

“I think we can be a great competitor in conference this year.”

With the outlook the players are seeing, there’s a sense of optimism among the Cardinals.

“There is and primarily it’s because these kids aren’t feeling me out right now,” Noennig said.

“They know who I am. They’ve seen me for a whole year in the school. They’ve seen me in practice. They knew when they got here in August they knew how I coach and how we do things.

“That getting to know each other doesn’t have to happen. Now it’s like they know what to expect.

It’s time to get business-like. That leads to a little bit more optimism from them.”

There’s finally a voice for the Cardinals to lead the way for success.

“I think having him last year really gave us some confidence going into this year,” quarterback Wes Weiglein said. “We changed the offense, but even with that there’s still confidence.

“We trust him that it’s going to MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌ work and everything will play out Mayville’s Darren Feucht catches a pass during a drill at practice earlier this month. and have a great year.”

Pirates From Page 60

MARK MCMULLEN, CAPITAL NEWSPAPERS‌

Fall River receiver Parker Morton jokes around with a teammate after catching a deep pass from quarterback Luke Figol at a practice early this month.

junior guys that have been playing varsity since they were freshmen. We didn’t really know what we were getting ourselves into until now.

“Now we’re starting to get the hang of it.”

Zander felt his team had opportunities to win the Trailways Small last, but the Pirates’ inexperience hurt them in games against Lourdes and the Toppers. Fall River lost to Lourdes 28-0 in Week 3 and was blanked 20-0 by the Toppers in Week 8.

“We were in that game (against CF), but it was the little things that they were able to do that we couldn’t do,” Zander said. “Lourdes was tough for us, though, because

it was Week 3 and had some key starters out. I’m not saying that’s the reason why, but they obviously outplayed us.

“When we’re in situations like that, we’ve got to capitalize on those mistakes. We were always the ones coughing up the ball and making those mistakes. It’s what separates someone from third place and first place is the team that can make the plays.”

Quarterback Luke Figol, a returning starter, wants to take the Pirates further into the postseason than they’ve ever gone.

“Hopefully get at least to the third playoff game,” Figol said. “That’s my goal because that’s kind of our school record. No one has ever made it there. We want to make a big impact for our school and our football program.”

Pirates at a glance Coach: Joe Zander, third season (8-11).

On offense: The Pirates have a strong offensive line group led by Keegan Wodill at right guard.

He will be teamed up with left tackle Skyler Byrne, left guard Chandler Firary, center Jack Gould and right tackle Devin Talg. The line will be blocking for quarterback Luke Figol and running backs Sam Nelson, Davyn Braker and Tanner Liebenthal in the third year of the veer offense under Zander.

On defense: The Pirates will be led by Nelson in the middle and newcomer Bo Meier from Columbus in the 4-4 base defensive scheme. Zander said Fall River is hoping to lover the average points allowed to the single digits.

Bottom line: If the Pirates want to keep improving under Zander, the experience they gained should’ve taught them they have to take advantages of other teams’ mistakes. If they can do that against top competition, they’ll have a chance to leapfrog Cambria-Friesland and Lourdes.

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