High School Football is underway with Week 1 in the books.
DENMARK 30, SHAWANO 8
Shawano rushed for 190 yards, but was unable to sustain drives, falling in their season opener to Denmark 30-8.
The loss was Shawano’s 9th straight, dating back to last year. Denmark scored on their first three possessions, with quarterback Jaden Binsfield throwing for one and rushing for one.
Shawano fumbled twice, tossed an interception and turned the ball over on downs during their first half drives. The Hawks went down 18-0 before Aiden Rasmussen scored on a 6-yard-run as the Hawks only score.
Steven Kielpikowski rushed for 138 yards and scored twice for the Vikings. Marcus Brezgel led Shawano with 78 rushing yards.
WINNECONNE 14, LITTLE CHUTE 6
Brody Schaffer delivered both touchdowns for Winneconne as the Wolves held off Little Chute 14-6 in Friday’s season opener.
Schaffer scored on runs of 9 and 1 yards in the second quarter, finishing the night with 100 rushing yards on 18 carries and 77 passing yards. His second touchdown, with just over five minutes before halftime, gave the Wolves all the points they would need.
Little Chute struck first when Reece Joten broke free for a 73-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter, one play after an interception by teammate Trenton Lyon. Joten carried 16 times for 128 yards to pace the Mustangs, who had multiple chances late but couldn’t punch the ball in.
The Mustangs fumbled twice inside the red zone in the fourth quarter, and their final drive ended at the Winneconne 4-yard line when Joten was stopped short of the sticks on fourth down with 29 seconds left. Dallas Walker also came up big for the Wolves with a fumble recovery earlier in the quarter.
The Wolves (1-0) leaned on Schaffer’s versatility and a resilient defense to escape with the road victory, while Little Chute (0-1) was left to rue missed opportunities.
FOX VALLEY LUTHERAN 26, TWO RIVERS 14
Gabe Heiges did it with both his arm and his legs Friday night, leading Fox Valley Lutheran to a 26-14 victory over Two Rivers.
Heiges threw three touchdown passes and added an 11-yard rushing score in the third quarter that gave the Foxes a lead they never gave back. He threw 11 catches for 114 yards, spreading the ball around to keep the Raiders’ defense off balance.
Blessings Kapande paced the FVL ground game with 51 rushing yards, helping balance an offense that capitalized when it mattered most.
Two Rivers kept things close early, but Heiges’ touchdown run swung the momentum firmly in the Foxes’ favor. From there, Fox Valley Lutheran’s defense clamped down to secure the win and a 1-0 start to the season.
FREEDOM 28, NEW LONDON 7
Big plays through the air and on defense carried Freedom to a 28-7 win over New London in Friday’s season opener.
Quarterback Owen Henkel threw for 226 yards on 15-of-25 passing, connecting twice with Nolan Phillips for touchdowns of 10 and 38 yards. Phillips also handled kicking duties and finished with two extra points while adding 48 receiving yards.
Nixon Heinke helped seal the game in the fourth quarter, powering in for a 2-yard touchdown run before returning a fumble 26 yards for a defensive score. Heinke led the Irish ground game with 42 rushing yards on 16 carries and added a 13-yard reception.
Quinn Brennenstuhl was Henkel’s top target, hauling in seven catches for 100 yards as the Irish (1-0) rolled up steady production on offense.
New London’s lone touchdown came in the third quarter when Howie Roloff scored on a 1-yard run. Roloff also paced the Bulldogs on the ground with 33 rushing yards, while quarterback Kaden Meyer threw for 37 yards.
XAVIER 49, VALDERS 7
Matthew Potter put on a show Friday night, piling up 184 rushing yards on just 12 carries with three touchdowns to lead Xavier past Valders in a lopsided win.
The Hawks (1-0) wasted little time taking control, building a 28-0 halftime lead behind Potter’s explosive running and a 31-yard touchdown sprint from Osaze Fournillier. Potter also hauled in two receptions for 33 yards, showcasing his versatility on offense.
His impact wasn’t limited to one side of the ball. On defense, Potter forced a fumble and recorded a sack as Xavier overwhelmed Valders in every phase of the game.
By the time the second half rolled around, the outcome was no longer in doubt, with the Hawks cruising to a dominant season-opening victory.
MARINETTE 51, CLINTONVILLE 6
Mason Hofherr ran wild Friday night, rushing for 121 yards and three touchdowns as Marinette stormed past Clintonville 51-6 in a nonconference matchup.
The Marines (1-0) piled up 348 yards of offense and held the Truckers to just 84. Hofherr needed only three carries to make his mark, breaking off touchdown runs of 64, 23 and 34 yards as Marinette built a commanding lead.
After falling behind 6-0 on Zach Johnson’s 1-yard touchdown run for Clintonville, Marinette exploded for 21 points in the first quarter and led 41-6 at halftime. Quarterback Chase MacGregor added a 2-yard touchdown run and connected with Braxton Polzin for a 15-yard score.
Connor Herring chipped in with 96 rushing yards and a 25-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, while Cooper Smith added a 22-yard touchdown run before the half. Kicker Brandon Rabideau was busy, hitting six extra points and a 25-yard field goal.
Johnson paced Clintonville with 39 rushing yards and also threw for 33 yards, but the Truckers couldn’t find an answer for Marinette’s balanced attack.
AMHERST 47, SAINT MARY CATHOLIC 14
The Falcons started their season with a statement Friday night, rolling past Saint Mary Catholic 47-14.
Amherst’s balanced attack kept the Zephyrs on their heels all evening, as the Falcons racked up points in every quarter on their way to the lopsided win. Saint Mary Catholic managed a pair of late scores but couldn’t slow down the home team’s offensive rhythm.
Despite the setback, the Zephyrs found some bright spots. Senior quarterback Maddox Dwyer completed 7 of 16 passes for 69 yards, while junior Jacob Ernsting provided a spark on the ground with 60 rushing yards on 10 carries. Senior receiver Mason Wagner added 27 yards on three catches.
On defense, sophomore George Voss stood tall, leading the Zephyrs with 9 tackles, including 3 for loss.
WEST DE PERE 53, HORTONVILLE 22
Senior quarterback Patrick Greisen orchestrated a record-setting night as West De Pere cruised to a 53-22 win over Hortonville Friday in the season opener.
Greisen was nearly flawless, completing 25 of 29 passes for 405 yards and six touchdowns, connecting with Judeah Kniskern for nine receptions, 201 yards, and three scores. Ryan Lutz added balance on the ground with 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, including a long of 55 yards.
The Phantoms built a 26-14 halftime lead and then exploded for 27 third-quarter points to break the game open. Senior Laliwa Delgado anchored the defense with eight tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss, helping the Phantoms force three interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Hortonville’s offense struggled to keep pace, finishing with 22 points despite West De Pere’s dominant performance.
SUSSEX HAMILTON 42, KIMBERLY 21
Hamilton jumped out to a big third-quarter lead and held on to top Kimberly 42-21 in Friday’s season opener.
The Chargers leaned on senior quarterback Jacob Osmanski, who had a stellar night completing 18 of 31 passes for 306 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding two rushing scores. Junior Brayden Schroeder contributed a rushing touchdown, and Alex Restivo caught four passes for 157 yards and a touchdown.
Kimberly kept the game close early behind senior Cam Wong, who threw for 131 yards and two touchdowns, and senior Kegan Pleau, who ran for 84 yards. Senior receiver Alex Lom added 59 yards on five catches.
Defensively, Hamilton’s Collin Storbakken led the Chargers with 7.5 tackles, while the Papermakers’ Logan Clavijo recorded 7.5 tackles of his own.
OCONOMOWOC 38, PULASKI 14
Oconomowoc opened its season with a 38-14 victory over Pulaski on Friday night, building a big lead early and holding off a late push from the Red Raiders.
The Racoon offense was paced by junior quarterback Austin Munzel, who completed 13 of 18 passes for 145 yards. Senior running back Alex Seraphine stole the show with 188 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while senior receiver Brady Kintop added 52 receiving yards. Defensively, senior Tatum Blaine led Oconomowoc with five tackles.
Pulaski scored twice late in the fourth quarter but couldn’t overcome the early deficit.
IOLA-SCANDINAVIA 28, SHIOCTON 8
Iola-Scandinavia opened its season with a 28-8 win over Shiocton on Friday night, with the Thunderbirds dominating on both sides of the ball.
Senior quarterback Jensen Rice completed 7 of 9 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown, while junior Korz Loken was a dual-threat star, rushing for 118 yards and two touchdowns and adding 63 receiving yards and another score. Defensively, senior Charlie Tappa led the team with 11.5 tackles and a tackle for loss. Iola-Scandinavia also excelled in special teams, including a punt return touchdown.
Shiocton was able to put up a late score but never threatened the Thunderbirds’ control.
OCONTO FALLS 24, OCONTO 0
Oconto Falls opened its season with a 24-0 victory over Oconto on Friday night, with the Panthers taking control early and never looking back.
The Panthers put up 16 points in the first quarter and added another 8 in the second, holding Oconto scoreless throughout the game. Oconto struggled offensively, gaining just 83 passing yards from sophomore quarterback Dane Helnore and 26 rushing yards. Helnore also led the team in total tackles with 11.
Defensively, Oconto Falls limited Oconto’s opportunities and preserved a clean sheet.
LUXEMBERG-CASCO 13, SEYMOUR 6
Luxemburg-Casco opened its season with a narrow 13-6 victory over Seymour on Friday night. The Spartans struck first with 13 points in the opening quarter, and despite a second-quarter rally from Seymour, the Thunder were unable to overcome the early deficit.
Luxemburg-Casco junior Eli Derenne threw for 140 yards and a touchdown, while senior Brayden Loritz added a rushing touchdown on 10 carries for 35 yards. Senior receiver Mason Trimberger led the team with 97 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Seymour managed just six points in the second quarter and was held scoreless the rest of the way. Both teams’ defenses played tough, but Luxemburg-Casco’s early scoring proved decisive.
RACINE LUTHERAN 33, KEWAUNEE 30
Racine Lutheran survived a late push from Kewaunee to secure a 33-30 victory in a high-scoring season opener on Friday night. The Crusaders took an early lead and never trailed, but the Storm stayed within striking distance throughout, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Junior Cohen Kraus threw for 251 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Eli Gasau contributed both on the ground and through the air, rushing for 26 yards and a touchdown and catching four passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. Junior Adriel Stanfel anchored the defense with 12 tackles and a tackle for loss.
Kewaunee mounted a strong offensive effort but came up just short. Despite the loss, the Storm put up 30 points, showcasing a balanced attack that could make them dangerous in upcoming games.
NEW HOLSTEIN 36, SOUTHERN DOOR 20
The Huskies opened their season with a 36-20 victory over Southern Door on Friday night. New Holstein jumped out early and held the lead despite a second-quarter push from the Eagles.
Senior Landon Floyd threw for 61 yards and a touchdown, while junior Conner Schaefer led the rushing attack with 114 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Junior Ely Kohlman had a big night in the passing game, hauling in three catches for 64 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Gavin Pethan paced the Huskies’ defense with 5.5 tackles.
Southern Door’s effort fell short despite scoring 20 points, showing flashes of offense but struggling to keep pace with New Holstein’s balanced attack.
WRIGHTSTOWN 35, WAUPACA 14
The Tigers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, defeating the Waupaca Comets 35-14 on Friday night. Wrightstown built a 28-7 advantage by halftime and held off a late push from the Comets.
Senior Daniel Buntin was the star for Wrightstown, accounting for 119 passing yards with a touchdown and adding 85 rushing yards and two more scores. Senior Nolan Watzka contributed 88 receiving yards, while senior Jack Nelson led the Tigers’ defense with 8.5 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack.
Waupaca managed to score in the second and fourth quarters but couldn’t keep pace with Wrightstown’s explosive offense.
OTHER SCORES
WEYAUWEGA-FREMONT 41, BERLIN 40
WITTENBERG-BIRNAMWOOD 33, BONDUEL 13
8-MAN FOOTBALL
LENA/ST. THOMAS AQUINAS 53, NIAGARA 0
The Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas co-op couldn’t have asked for a stronger start to its season, blanking Niagara 53-0 Friday night.
The Wildcats dominated all phases of the game, piling up points while holding Niagara to just 65 rushing yards and 11 passing yards. Lena/STAA’s defense never budged, pitching a shutout without allowing a single completion or explosive play.
For Niagara, senior Brayden Bartels did his best to steady the offense, rushing for 51 yards on 15 carries and completing 6 of 6 passes for 7 yards. Sophomore Connor Guardiola paced the Truckers on both sides of the ball, hauling in four receptions and leading the defense with 12 tackles.
Despite the lopsided final, Niagara’s effort on defense showed grit, collecting 38.5 total tackles on the night.
ROSHOLT 34, MARION TIGERTON 28
Rosholt’s offense exploded in the third quarter and the Hornets survived a late push to edge Marion/Tigerton 34-28 in Friday’s season opener.
The Hornets built a 14-6 halftime lead before erupting for 20 points in the third quarter, stretching their advantage to 34-22. Marion/Tigerton kept battling, tacking on a fourth-quarter score, but Rosholt’s defense held firm in the closing minutes to secure the victory.
The Thundercatz leaned on junior Braylon Mielke, who pounded out 190 rushing yards on 30 carries and scored once. Senior quarterback Shane Blum added 20 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, while sophomore Anthony Pagan led the receiving corps with 12 yards. On defense, senior Sam Anhueser turned in a strong effort with 9.5 tackles.
Marion/Tigerton finished with 218 rushing yards as a team but couldn’t quite overcome Rosholt’s decisive third-quarter surge.
ALMOND-BANCROFT 43, ABUNDANT LIFE 8
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THURSDAY SCOREBOARD
NOTRE DAME 27, KAUKAUNA 20
Defending Division 3 state champion Notre Dame leaned on star running back Kingston Allen to rally past Kaukauna 27-20 in Friday’s season opener.
Allen carried the ball 28 times for 242 yards and scored all four of the Tritons’ touchdowns. His final score, a 15-yard burst in the fourth quarter, broke a 20-20 tie and sealed the victory.
After a scoreless first quarter, the game swung into chaos in the second. Allen gave Notre Dame a 14-0 lead with a pair of short runs, but Kaukauna stormed back. Muhammad Jobe powered in from the 1-yard line, and minutes later, Luke Tetzlaff blocked a punt and pounced on it in the end zone to tie the game. A 22-yard field goal from Kavanaugh Weyenberg sent the Ghosts into halftime ahead 17-14.
The momentum didn’t last long. Allen opened the third quarter with an explosive 85-yard sprint to the end zone, putting the Tritons back on top. Kaukauna answered with Weyenberg’s 38-yard kick in the fourth, but Allen’s final touchdown proved too much.
Notre Dame moves to 1-0 as it begins its state title defense, while Kaukauna fell to 0-1 despite a strong defensive effort and big plays on special teams.
COLEMAN 34, PESHTIGO 6
Kolton Peters could not be stopped Friday night. The senior running back rushed for 184 yards and four touchdowns to power Coleman past Peshtigo 34-6 in the season opener.
The Cougars (1-0) controlled the game from the start, piling up 316 rushing yards and outgaining the Bulldogs 385-192 overall. Peters provided the spark early with a 71-yard touchdown dash in the first quarter, then added scoring runs of 6, 9 and 16 yards as Coleman steadily pulled away.
Quarterback Cole Bert chipped in with 39 rushing yards, 69 passing yards and a late 3-yard touchdown run. Zach Ziemer and Michael Nowak also contributed solid runs to keep the Cougars’ offense moving.
Peshtigo’s lone highlight came in the opening quarter when Lincoln Nemec connected with Brady Robison for a 10-yard touchdown. Zach Sherman gave the Bulldogs a boost on the ground with 74 rushing yards, while Nemec threw for 89 yards, including completions to Robison and Cody Newberg.
Coleman’s defense, however, kept Peshtigo off the scoreboard for the final three quarters, setting the tone for a dominant win.
APPLETON EAST 35, GREEN BAY SOUTHWEST 14
Behind a dominant performance from running back Ayden Kruse, Appleton East opened the season with a 35-14 win over Green Bay Southwest on Friday night.
Kruse powered the Patriots’ ground game with 209 yards on 31 carries and three touchdowns. The victory also marked a successful debut for first-year head coach Jarrius James.
East (1-0) jumped out quickly with two first-quarter touchdowns, including Kruse’s short scoring run and a 23-yard strike from quarterback Alex Thompson. Kruse added two more rushing touchdowns before halftime, giving the Patriots a commanding 28-14 lead at the break.
Thompson nearly added a highlight-reel score in the third quarter, breaking loose for an 84-yard run, but the play was called back due to a penalty. Still, the Patriots tacked on another touchdown to seal the win.
Southwest’s points came in the second quarter, when Daniel Stevens connected with Carson Zeuske on a 25-yard touchdown pass and the Trojans recovered a fumbled punt in the end zone. But the visitors couldn’t muster anything after halftime as East’s defense clamped down.
DE PERE 38, MANITOWOC LINCOLN 0
The Redbirds wasted no time setting the tone Thursday night, using a dominant second quarter to roll past Manitowoc Lincoln 38-0 in the season opener.
After a 3-0 edge through the first quarter, De Pere erupted for 28 points in the second to take full control. Quarterback Holden Woodfill led the way through the air, completing 14 of 21 passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns.
On the ground, senior Caden Schampers added balance to the offense, rushing 13 times for 74 yards and two scores. Sam Robb was the top target in the passing game, hauling in eight receptions for 67 yards.
The Redbirds’ defense was equally sharp, holding the Ships without a first down in the game and limiting them to zero offensive yards. Cayden Cavanaugh paced the defense with 5.5 tackles, while De Pere racked up four tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery.
PACELLI 14, MANAWA 0
Pacelli opened its season on the right foot Thursday night, blanking Manawa 14-0 behind a strong defensive effort and a balanced rushing attack.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Cardinals broke through in the second on a touchdown run by Eric Reincke, who finished with 49 rushing yards and added 23 more through the air. Pacelli tacked on eight points in the fourth quarter to put the game away.
Quarterback Jake Williams led the offense with 87 rushing yards on nine carries, while also completing 4 of 8 passes for 24 yards.
Defensively, the Cardinals were stout, recording seven tackles for loss and holding the Wolves scoreless despite Manawa gaining 138 yards on the ground. Max Nelson anchored the unit with six tackles and one stop behind the line.
For Manawa, Carson Stroud threw for 50 yards on 6-of-15 passing, while Jack Jaeckle added 25 rushing yards and Logan Zirbel caught two passes for 20 yards. Matthew Lobianco paced the Wolves’ defense with 6.5 tackles and a tackle for loss.
PLYMOUTH 38, MENASHA 12
8-MAN
THREE LAKES 20, GILLETT 6
Three Lakes/Phelps leaned on a strong ground game and a relentless defensive effort to top Gillett 20-6 in Thursday night’s season opener.
After a scoreless first three quarters, the Bluejays broke through in the fourth, piling up all 20 of their points down the stretch. Sawyer Szews was at the heart of the attack, rushing for 77 yards on eight carries with a touchdown, adding 35 receiving yards, and leading the defense with 13 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Quarterback Sam Koshuta contributed through the air and on the ground, throwing for 68 yards on 7-of-16 passing and rushing for a score.
SIREN 44, PORT EDWARDS 6
The Dragons wasted no time flexing their firepower Thursday night, racing out to a big first-quarter lead and never looking back in a 46-6 win over Port Edwards.
Siren struck for 20 points in the opening quarter and piled up 329 rushing yards on just 26 carries for the game. Joe D’Jock powered the ground attack with 179 yards and three touchdowns on only 10 attempts, including a 70-yard score.
Quarterback Parker Fingerson showed balance, throwing for 172 yards and two touchdowns on 18 completions while also rushing for 77 yards and another score. His top target was Josh Taylor, who caught seven passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.
The Dragons’ defense was equally sharp, holding Port Edwards without a completion or rushing yard until late and finishing with three sacks, eight tackles for loss, and an interception by Nick Swanson, who also recorded 8.5 tackles.
Port Edwards avoided the shutout with a late touchdown in the fourth quarter.
SURING 69, WAUSAUKEE 12
The Eagles started their season in commanding fashion Thursday night, rolling past Wausaukee 69-12 in a game dominated from the opening kickoff.
Suring exploded for 32 first-quarter points to seize control, then added 24 more before halftime to build a 56-12 lead at the break. The Eagles never let up, tacking on scores in each of the final two quarters to close out the rout.
Wausaukee managed a pair of touchdowns in the first half but was unable to slow down Suring’s high-powered offense.
SEVASTOPOL 66, WILD ROSE 8
Sevastopol wasted no time making a statement Thursday night, exploding for 38 first-quarter points on the way to a 66-8 rout of Wild Rose in the season opener.
Quarterback Logan Schuh did it all for the Pioneers, throwing for 93 yards and three touchdowns while adding 94 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground. Roman LeClair chipped in with 105 rushing yards and a touchdown on just seven carries, and Cash Kuehn delivered the biggest play through the air, hauling in a 52-yard touchdown reception.
The Pioneers piled up 318 rushing yards and 411 total yards of offense, averaging over 10 yards per carry. Defensively, Ray Johnson led the charge with eight tackles, including a sack and a tackle for loss, while Sevastopol forced two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
Wild Rose’s lone score came in the second quarter, but the Wildcats were otherwise bottled up offensively, finishing without a completion or rushing yard.
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