Marion/Tigerton Thundercatz Picked 3rd In 8-Player Preseason Poll, Rest Of List Revealed

NORTHEAST WISCONSIN – Expectations are high for the Marion/Tigerton football team heading into the 2026 season, as the Thundercatz have been ranked No. 3 in the preseason 8-player football rankings released by Bound Wisconsin.

The ranking places Marion/Tigerton behind only defending state runner-up Gilman and perennial contender Owen-Withee, making the Thundercatz the highest-ranked area team entering the season.

Marion/Tigerton enters the year after a strong 2025 campaign that saw the team recover from an opening-week loss to Rosholt and win seven consecutive games. The Thundercatz advanced to the second round of the playoffs before their season ended against Sevastopol.

A major reason for the lofty preseason ranking is the return of senior running back Braylon Mielke. Last season, Mielke led all of Wisconsin 8-player football with 2,068 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns while earning WFCA All-State honors.

With Mielke back in the backfield, Bound Wisconsin projects Marion/Tigerton as one of the top contenders for a deep postseason run and a potential state championship challenge.

Almond-Bancroft Receives Recognition

Among the teams receiving votes in the preseason rankings was Almond-Bancroft, which was listed in the “Others to Watch” category.

The Eagles continue to build their program and will look to establish themselves as a playoff contender in a competitive 8-player landscape. While not ranked in the preseason Top 15, Almond-Bancroft enters the year as one of the teams expected to challenge for a spot in the rankings with a strong start to the season.

Tri-County Looking to Make Noise

Tri-County also earned recognition in the “Others to Watch” section of the rankings.

The Penguins have steadily developed into a competitive 8-player program and will aim to turn that preseason attention into success on the field. A strong conference showing and playoff push could quickly move Tri-County into statewide conversations later this fall.

Suring Continues to Draw Attention

Suring was another area program listed among the teams to watch entering the season.

The Eagles have become a familiar name in 8-player football and will be looking to prove they belong among the state’s top teams. While not opening the season inside the Top 15, Suring enters 2026 with an opportunity to climb the rankings through strong performances against its conference schedule.

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TOP 15 AND OTHERS TO WATCH