Level 1 Games were completed on Saturday, results below:
#1 Flambeau 46, #8 Bruce 0 – Bruce Eliminated
#4 Frederic 65, #5 Newman Catholic 0 – Newman Catholic Eliminated
#3 Clayton 38, #6 Northwood/Solon Springs 12 – Northwood/Solon Springs Eliminated
#2 McDonell Central Catholic 62, #7 New Auburn 13 – New Auburn Eliminated
#1 Lena/Saint Thomas Aquinas 51, #8 Princeton/Green Lake 6 – Princeton/Green Lake Eliminated
#4 Athens 46, #5 Niagara 0 – Niagara Eliminated
The Athens Fighting Bluejays opened the WIAA 8-Player Playoffs in dominant fashion Saturday afternoon, rolling to a 46–0 shutout win over Niagara to advance to Level 2. Athens wasted no time setting the tone, scoring 16 points in the first quarter and building a commanding 40–0 lead by halftime.
Senior quarterback Kamden Zarnke led the way for the Bluejays with a stellar all-around performance, completing 3 of 4 passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 85 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. Senior running back Evin Passehl was equally impressive, rushing for 177 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries and adding another score through the air. Junior Brock Beaty hauled in two passes for 82 yards and a touchdown to fuel the explosive Athens offense.
Defensively, Athens dominated the trenches, holding Niagara scoreless and limiting them to just 65 passing yards. Daxton Diethelm led the Bluejays’ defense with seven tackles, while the unit forced an interception and constantly disrupted the Badgers’ rhythm.
For Niagara (6–5), senior quarterback Brayden Bartels worked hard under pressure, throwing for 65 yards and rushing for 120, but the Badgers couldn’t find the end zone against a relentless Athens defense. Wyatt Dunkes added five tackles and two tackles for loss to lead the Niagara defense.
With the victory, Athens (7–2) advances to the next round of the playoffs,
#3 Valley Christian (Oshkosh) 40, #6 Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah 12 – Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah Eliminated
#2 Wabeno/Laona 42, #7 Three Lakes Phelps 0 – Three Lakes/Phelps Eliminated
The Wabeno/Laona Rebels stayed perfect and advanced to Level 2 of the WIAA 8-Player Playoffs with a commanding 42–0 shutout win over Three Lakes/Phelps on Saturday afternoon. The Rebels, now 11–0, showcased the balance, depth, and physicality that have defined their unbeaten season.
Senior running back Walker Winkelman led the offensive charge, rushing for 202 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries, setting the tone early and never allowing the Bluejays’ defense to settle in. Junior quarterback Cooper Albrecht added 90 passing yards on 10 of 16 completions, while also rushing for 59 yards and three scores, proving equally dangerous through the air and on the ground. Carson Lemorande chipped in with 29 receiving yards as the Rebels controlled time of possession from start to finish.
Defensively, Wabeno/Laona dominated the line of scrimmage, racking up 15 tackles for loss and three sacks. Ryder Cronauer led the way with 10 tackles, three for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery, anchoring a Rebel defense that held the Bluejays to just 11 total rushing yards and 68 passing yards.
For Three Lakes/Phelps (6–5), sophomore quarterback Sam Koshuta completed 7 of 14 passes for 68 yards, while Owen Liebscher caught six passes for 65 yards. Senior Sawyer Szews turned in a gritty effort on defense, recording 18 tackles in his final game.
With the win, Wabeno/Laona continues its undefeated run and advances deeper into the postseason, while Three Lakes/Phelps closes its year with pride after a strong late-season surge that carried them into playoff contention.
#1 Gilman 66, #8 Siren 0 – Siren Eliminated
#4 Owen-Withee 38, #5 Almond-Bancroft 0 – Almond-Bancroft Eliminated
#6 Hurley 22, #3 Tri-County 0 – Tri-County Eliminated
#2 North Crawford 46, #7 Highland 0 – Highland Eliminated
#1 Oakfield 55, #8 Williams Bay 0 – Williams Bay Eliminated
#4 Belmont 44, #5 De Soto 32 – De Soto Eliminated
#3 Sevastopol 40, #6 Suring 14 – Suring Eliminated
#2 Marion/Tigerton 20, #7 Alma Center Lincoln 16 – Alma Center Lincoln Eliminated
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Round 2 Matchups on Friday 10/24 @ 7pm:
#4 Frederic @ #1 Flambeau
#3 Clayton @ #2 McDonell Central Catholic
#4 Athens @ #1 Lena/Saint Thomas Aquinas
#3 Valley Christian (Oshkosh) @ #2 Wabeno/Laona
#4 Owen-Withee @ #1 Gilman
#6 Hurley @ #2 North Crawford
#4 Belmont @ #1 Oakfield
#3 Sevastopol @ #2 Marion/Tigerton
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