Hartford Union High School 71

Manitowoc Lincoln 54

Mayville 60

West Bend West 57

Ripon 56

Campbellsport 45

Kewaskum 54

Lomira 49

Monona Grove 84

Watertown 58

Lourdes Academy 55

Hustisford 41

Horicon 78

Milwaukee Lifelong Learning 73

Dodgeland 75

Wayland Academy 43

Menomonee Falls 45

Catholic Memorial 41

Slinger 50

Kewaskum 36

Wauwatosa West 72

West Bend West 31

Lake Country Lutheran 54

Delavan-Darien 37

Kettle Moraine Lutheran 97

Lakeside Lutheran 40

Mayville 58

Campbellsport 34

Laconia 83

Lomira 36

Kettle Moraine 51

Mukwonago 37

Watertown 58

Hamilton 36

Pewaukee 71

Brookfield East 64

Village of Slinger President Scott Stortz recently joined Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann, Supervisors Lois Krueger-Gundrum, Pam Konrath and John Schodron in presenting a joint commendation to the Slinger High School Girls Cross Country team, to congratulate them on their program's first girl's state title at the WIAA Girls Cross Country State Championships. 

The following commendation was presented.

Dodgeland 70

Hustisford 27

Horicon 47

Cambria 41

Kettle Moraine Thanksgiving Classic

Hartford Union High School 62

Hudson 61

Kettle Moraine 79

Fond du Lac 53

Arrowhead 92

Menomonee Falls 53

Oconomowoc 66

New Berlin West 43

Watertown 50

Divine Savior Holy Angels 42

Kettle Moraine Lutheran 82

Aquinas 58

Pewaukee 60

Notre Dame 52

Seven champions were crowned at the WIAA State Football Championships at Camp Randall Stadium, in Madison on Thursday, November 16 and Friday, November 17.   

Marquette (12-2) surged in the second half to post a 27-10 victory over previously undefeated Franklin (13-1) in the Division 1 championship game Friday evening, November 17. The Hilltoppers win their second State championship in as many State final appearances, and Franklin finishes runner-up in its fifth State experience.

Badger (14-0) won the battle of undefeated teams by escaping with a 34-33 victory over Waunakee (13-1) in the Division 2 championship game Friday afternoon, November 17.

The Warriors scored a touchdown to draw within a point at 34-33 with 40 seconds remaining in the game. Waunakee decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion, but the two-point pass attempt fell incomplete, preserving the one-point lead and victory for the Badgers.

The game featured the quick-strike capabilities of the Warriors and the ball-control running game of the Badgers. The average time of possession for the five Waunakee drives was one minute and 22 seconds. The powerful Badger ground game amassed 451 yards in the game to set a new Division 2 State championship record.

Badger wins the title in its first-ever appearance in the championship game, and Waunakee finishes runner-up in its 12th State finals experience.

In Division 3, Rice Lake (13-1) defeated Grafton (11-3) 28-20 in the championship game Friday, November 17. 

Grafton's Tommy Lutz was the game’s leading rusher with 147 yards on 30 carries and a pair of touchdowns for the Black Hawks. Brady Hilgart connected on 15-of-24 passes for 113 yards. His favorite target was Matthew Clemens with five receptions for 43 yards. Tyler Heinle led Grafton defensively with 10 tackles.

The Warriors win their third championship, participating in their eighth championship game. Grafton finishes runner-up in its fifth advance to the title game.

Lodi (14-0) capped an undefeated season with a 38-14 triumph over Luxemburg-Casco (13-1) in the Division 4 championship game Thursday evening, November 16.

Aquinas (13-1) won its third straight State championship in Division 5 with a 32-13 win over Wrightstown (11-3) in the final Thursday afternoon, November 16.

Stratford (13-1) edged Darlington (12-2) 10-7 with a 32-yard field goal on an untimed play to win the Division 6 State championship Thursday afternoon, November 16.

Edgar (13-1) rolled to the Division 7 title with a 36-6 victory over Black Hawk/Warren, Ill. (12-2) in the championship final Thursday, November 16.  

Hartford Union High School 84

Wisconsin Lutheran 56

Mukwonago 42

Slinger 41

Oshkosh North 87

West Bend East 15

Lake Country Lutheran 50

Racine Lutheran 21

Kiel 48

Kewaskum 45

Watertown 55

Monona Grove 46

Brookfield Academy 64

Watertown Luther Prep 56

Hamilton 65

Whitnall 46

Ripon 57

Mayville 36 

Kettle Moraine 70

New Berlin West 37

Cambria 78

Hustisford 40

Wayland Academy 59

Horicon 38

Dodgeland 67

Montello 40

Lomira 61

Winneconne 38

Wisconsin Lutheran @ Hartford Union High School

Mukwonago @ Slinger

West Bend East @ Oshkosh North

Lake Country Lutheran @ Racine Lutheran

Kewaskum @ Kiel

Columbus @ Kettle Moraine Lutheran

Watertown @ Monona Grove

Sussex Hamilton @ Whitnall

The games are scheduled to begin around 7:00, following the junior varsity.

It's a brand new season for the girls basketball team at Hartford Union High School. The Orioles host Wisconsin Lutheran Friday night, November 17 in the first game of the year. 

Vinny Daniels begins his fourth season as head coach, and told WTKM Sports that he's excited to start. 

"We are extremely young, we return six kids from last year that were in our main rotation. It includes five sohomores now and one junior. We have one senior on our roster."

Hartford has won 47 games the last three seasons.

It was an impressive season last year, in which they finished 18-8, including a 13-5 mark in the North Shore Conference - good enough for third place. They averaged 69.8 points per game, with a lot of talented players returning. Three talented girls from last year's team graduated, including Alayna Pusch, Kacy Kratz and Brooke Voss. 

"I think we can push our points per game average from last season, we have a ton of offensive talent this year, but with that our rotation is filled with juniors, sophomores and freshmen. We're excited, but I think there will be some growing pains early in the season with players that have never played high school basketball before. I think people have taken note that the talent level in our program continues to rise."

The preseason rankings have the Orioles eighth in the state in Division I, but Coach Daniels believes they have to earn it.

"We haven't been ranked in a long time and we haven't won a game yet, so I feel like we have to earn that ranking. I feel like we can compete for a conference championship, I'm not going to flat out say that we are going to win conference, but I believe we are in the conversation. Homestead is at the top of our conference, and has a group of juniors that is 35-1 in conference play the last two seasons." 

Kenzie Fink is the only senior on the team, while Makena Christian returns for her junior season, after becoming the career scoring leader in only her second year of varsity basketball at Hartford Union High School. Sophomore Bella Klages averaged 11 points per game last season, and will be counted on this year.

The Orioles are ready for another exciting season.    

The 47th annual Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Football State Championships will be held Thursday and Friday, Nov. 16-17, at Camp Randall Stadium on the campus of the University of Wisconsin, in Madison. 

Last year, Kimberly won the Division 1 championship by defeating Mukwonago, 34-30. In Division 2, Kettle Moraine downed West De Pere 27-10 in the final, and Monroe rolled past West Salem 35-14 to win the gold trophy in Division 3. Columbus won the crown in Division 4 with a 23-21 victory over Catholic Memorial, and Aquinas downed Mayville 22-14  to win the Division 5 title. Stratford defeated Mondovi 32-14 in the Division 6 championship game, and Regis won Division 7 with a 41-7 win over Shiocton in the final.

The WIAA?began sponsoring the playoff tournament series in 1976. The first two championships featured four divisions. In 1978, the field expanded to five divisions. The playoffs were again expanded to include six divisions in 1981. In 1996, the playoff field was further expanded to 192 teams qualifying for the post-season. In 2002, the tournament expanded to its current seven-divisions format with 224 teams. The championships have all been at Camp Randall Stadium since 1982. The finals were not conducted in 2020 during the COVID?pandemic. St. Mary’s Springs has won the most championships with nine. Kimberly and Stratford have the second-most number of State titles with eight. Edgar, Lancaster and Waunakee are next on the list with seven. Arrowhead, Homestead and Monroe have each won six titles. Catholic Memorial, D.C. Everest, Menomonie and Osseo-Fairchild each have won five. Edgar leads the membership in title game appearances with 14. Arrowhead, Darlington and St. Mary’s Springs are next with 13. Waunakee follows on the list with 12. Lancaster and Stratford have 11 appearances, and Kimberly has 10.

Marquette advances to the State championship game for the second time. The only other experience in the final resulted in a State title in 2009. Prior to joining the WIAA, the Hilltoppers won eight WISAA titles (1975, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1994, 1997 and 1999). ?They finished runner-up to Hamilton in the Greater Metro Conference standings this season. They defeated perennial power and former defending champion Kimberly 14-7 at Level 4 to earn the opportunity to return to the final. In eight of their 11 wins this year, the Hilltoppers have shut out their opponent. They have outscored the opposition 490-93 through 13 games. Franklin will appear in its fifth championship final, seeking its second title in three seasons. The Sabers won the Division 1 crown in 2021 and won the Division 2 championship in 2006. Their other two experiences resulted in runner-up finishes in Division 1 in 2013 and 2016. They are the champions in the Southeast Conference this season, and they rolled past Hamilton 35-0 in the State semifinal to gain their berth in the championship game. The Sabers have outscored their four playoff opponents by a combined score of 160-20, and their average scores per game advantage this season is 39.9-8.0.

Waunakee advances to the title game for the 12th time and for the fourth time in the past six finals. The Warriors have captured the State championship seven times, including three consecutive Division 2 championships from 2009-11 and two more titles in 2017 and 2021. They also won Division 3 crowns in 1999 and 2002. Three of their four runner-up finishes came in Division 2 in 2005, 2012 and 2019, and one came in Division 3 in 2001. The Warriors finished first in the Large Division of the Badger Conference this fall. Their return to the title game comes by virtue of their 24-14 victory over Kaukauna at Level 4. The 14 points surrendered by the Warriors in the semifinal game ties for the most points yielded in a game all season, outscoring opponents by a staggering total of 621-67, an average of  47.8-5.1. It is the first time Badger has advanced to the championship game in program history. Their furthest advance in the playoffs prior to this season was to Level 4 in Division 1 in 2012 and 2016 and in Division 2 in 2015. The Badgers earned their first trip to Camp Randall with a 28-6 victory over Sun Prairie East at Level 4. They were the champions in the Southern Lakes Conference this year. Badger has outscored their opponents by a cumulative total of 476-129 for an average margin of victory of 26.7 points per game in 2023.

Rice Lake is making its eighth trip to the State final and its second in the past three seasons. The Warriors have won two State titles, including Division 3 championships in 1979 and 2017. Their five runner-up finishes occurred in 1980, 1982, 2004, 2014 and 2021. They were the champions in the Middle Border Conference this season. They advance to the title game by ousting Notre Dame in their Level 4 game, 30-15. The Warriors are averaging 41.2 points per game this season and have scored 50 or more points in five of their last seven games, including their four playoff wins. Grafton embarks on its fifth experience in the State finals and its first since 1984. The Black Hawks’ previous four appearances came during an eight-year span from 1977-84. They won back-to-back Division 2 championships in 1981 and 1982 and finished runner-up in Division 2 in 1977 and 1984. This season, the Black Hawks were co-champions with Wisconsin Lutheran in the East Division of the Woodland Conference. They downed Stoughton 17-6 in their Level 4 match-up to earn a berth in the title game. The Black Hawks averaged 40 points a game during the regular season. They have had competitive games in the last three levels of the playoffs with the average winning margin of 4.6 points over that span.

Luxemburg-Casco will make its first appearance in the football championships. The Spartans advance to the title game after a 23-21 victory over Catholic Memorial at Level 4. The game was decided by a  field goal in the final moments of the contest. They were the champions in the North Eastern Conference during the regular season. The Spartans’ margins of victory in their Level 3 and Level 4 wins were three and two points, respectively. They have outscored their opponents by a total of 436-148 this year. Lodi is making its third appearance in the title game and its first since winning the championship game in 2017. The  Blue Devils’ first title game experience came in 2015 when they finished runner-up. Their return to the championship game comes by virtue of their 49-29 shootout win over Baldwin-Woodville at Level 4. The Blue Devils were the champions of the Capitol Conference this season. They have outscored their opponents by an average of 39-9 per game this year. Their narrowest margin of victory  this season has been 13 points. The Blue Devils’ advantage in scoring per game through 13 games this season is 40.5-6.5.

Two-time defending champion Aquinas will be making its fourth State Championship game appearance in pursuit of its fourth State title. In addition to the last two years, the Blugolds won the Division 5 championship in 2007. As a former member of WISAA, the Blugolds won Division 2 titles in 1993 and 1995. This year, they were the champions in the Coulee Conference. They continue their quest for a third straight State championship following their 58-14 victory over Horicon/Hustisford at Level 4.  Aquinas has scored more than 40 points in a game in eight of their 12 wins this season, including three of their four playoffs. Wrightstown, like their opponent, is pursuing its fourth championship in the Tigers’ fourth State championship game appearance. They won State championships in each of its two Division 4 experiences in 2006 and 2011. The Tigers also captured the Division 5 championship in 1998. They defeated St. Croix Falls 33-12 in the semifinals to advance to the title tilt. They finished runner-up in the North Eastern  Conference this year behind Luxemburg-Casco, which is playing for the Division 4 championship this week.

Middleton captured the Division 1 team championship and one record fell at the 2023 State Girls Swimming &?Diving Championships at the Waukesha South High School Natatorium. 

The Cardinals compiled 212.5 points to win the program’s fourth championship. They made history by becoming the first program to win a team title without winning an individual or relay event in the meet. It's also the third State championship won by the school in the last eight days. The Cardinals won the boys soccer and boys volleyball State titles weekend.

Verona finished runner-up with 202 points, and former defending champion Arrowhead placed third with a score of 163.

The meet featured several multiple individual champions. Maggie Wanezek of Brookfield East swam to two individual event titles and one relay championship. She successful defended the title she won the last two seasons in the 100-yard backstroke, breaking the State record for the third straight year with a time of 50.97. She also finished runner-up in the event in 2020. Wanezek earned the gold medal in the 200 individual medal as well with a time of 1:58.43 after placing 10th a year ago. Her time is the four-fastest recorded in the history of the Division 1 State Meet.

In addition, Wanezek teamed up with her sister, Caroline, Paris Fullerton and Audrey Olen to claim the title in the 400 freestyle relay in a time of 3:25.32.

Olivia Wanner of Waukesha West/Catholic Memorial, a four-time State qualifier, also swam to two individual event titles and one relay crown. She won the 50-yard freestyle in a time of 22.82 after placing third last season, fourth in 2021 and ninth in 2020. She also won the 100 freestyle with a time of 49.43 after placing third the past two seasons and finishing sixth in 2020. Her times in those two events ranks as the sixth- and fifth-fastest time in Division 1 State Meet history, respectively.

Wanner also joined teammates Elizabeth Beam, Avelyn Brown and Karlee Marusik to gain possession of the gold medal in the 200 freestyle relay, posting a winning time of 1:34.22.

Ella Antoniewski of Waukesha South/Mukwonago repeated as champion in a pair of events. She posted a time of 1:47.14 to win the 200 freestyle for the second year in a row. Her time ranks sixth-fastest on the all-time Division 1 State Meet honor roll. Antoniewski also added another gold medal in the 500 freestyle, completing the distance race in a time of 4:47.16, which is the third-fastest Division 1 time ever recorded at the State Championships.

MacKenzie Thomas of Badger/Big Foot/Westosha Central/Williams Bay/Wilmot, another four-year qualifier, was victorious in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:02.87 after she had finished fourth in each of the past three seasons. Carly Larson of De Pere/West De Pere earned the title in the 100 butterfly with a time of 53.77 after placing ninth two seasons ago.

Fynn Langley of Germantown was the champion in the one-meter diving competition with a score of 497.00 after she placed third a year ago and 13th in 2021. Wylde Chupich of the Badger co-op finished runner-up for the third consecutive season.

The Germantown 200 medley relay, comprised of Isabelle Barger, Abby Bruss, Julia Saxman and Caden Kelly, raced to the title with a time of 1:41.55, which is the fourth-fastest time recorded in the event by a quartet in the State Meet history.

Photo by the WIAA.

Rhinelander won the Division 2 team title at the 2023 State Girls Swimming &?Diving Championships at the Waukesha South High School Natatorium. 

The Hodags cruised to the title with 268 points and were crowned champions in six of the 12 events in the meet. It's the program's second State championship. Whitefish Bay finished second with 187 points. Edgewood, the defending eight-time champion–including the alternate season in 2020-21–placed third with 178 points.

Karis Francis of Rhinelander won a pair of individual events and was a member of two winning relays. She won the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:03.99, and she won the 100 butterfly with a time of 56.05. She didn’t compete in the breaststroke or butterfly at last year’s State Meet, but she finished ninth and 11th in those events, respectively, in 2021. Her sister, freshman Celia Francis, made an impactful first impression at State, winning the 200 individual medley in a time of 2:09.14.  

The Hodags swept the three relay events. The Francis sisters were members of both the winning 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay teams. They won gold in the 200 medley with teammates Ellyse Younker and Lily Thorsen in a time of 1:45. 63. That is the fourth-fastest Division 2 time recorded in the history of the meet. They teamed up with Vivian Lamers and Abi Winnicki to cruise to the title in the 400 freestyle in a time of 3:30.61. The Hodags also won the 200 freestyle relay with the quartet of Lamers, Millie Gruett, Younker and Winnicki with a time of 1:38.18.

Sienna Nitzke of Ashwaubenon swam to the titles in both the 100 and 200 freestyles with times of  50.68 and 1:48.98, respectively. She finished runner-up in the 100 and third in the 200 last season.

Anne Dickinson of Whitefish Bay improved on her runner-up finish in the 50 freestyle last year by winning the gold medal this season. She sprinted to title with a time of 23.82. In the distance freestyle, Erin Schuch of Ashwaubenon captured the championship. She completed the 500-yard race in 5:03.04 after placing fourth a year ago.

Savannah Acker of Sauk Prairie won the 100 backstroke with a time of 55.80 following last year’s runner-up finish and a 10th-place standing in 2021.

Rianna Dobbie of Whitnall was the champion in the diving competition after placing fourth last year and seventh in 2021. She compiled a score of 476.40.

The State Girls Swimming &?Diving Championships continue Saturday with the Division 1 competition. The preliminary round in diving begins at 9:30 a.m. with swimming events to begin at 2:30 p.m.

Photo by the WIAA.

Division I

#2 Franklin 35

#1 Hamilton 0

#2 Marquette 14

#2 Kimberly 7

Division II

#2 Badger 28

#2 Sun Prairie East 6

#1 Waunakee 24

#1 Kaukauna 14

Division III

#4 Grafton 17

#7 Stoughton 6

#1 Rice Lake 30

# Notre Dame 15

Division IV

#2 Luxemburg-Casco 23

#2 Catholic Memorial 21

#1 Lodi 49

#4 Baldwin-Woodville 29

Division V

#1 Aquinas 58

#3 Horicon-Hustisford 14

#3 Wrightstown 33

#5 St. Croix Falls 12

Division VI

#1 Darlington 34

#1 Kewaunee 28

#2 Stratford 35

#1 Grantsburg 21

High school playoff football on Friday, November 10 at 7 p.m. 

Division I

#1 Hamilton vs. #2 Franklin @ West Allis Hale High School

Division II

#2 Sun Prairie East vs. #2 Badger @ Oconomowoc High School

Division V

#3 Horicon/Hustisford vs. #1 Aquinas @ Wisconsin Dells  

Students of John Hustis Elementary School were a bit hyper during a recent morning assembly. The excitement stemmed from their expected visitors, which included members of the Husticon football team. The young fans formed a tunnel, and stuck their hands out hoping to connect when the players walked through. 

Horicon/Hustisford senior running back Alex Davis weaved his way through the tunnel, taking it all in and enjoying the moment.

"It feels great, we have a lot of support and it makes me think about how far we've come."

The Marshfalcons defeated Lake Country Lutheran, 21-7 Friday night, November 3 in a WIAA Division 5 Level 3 playoff game and earned a spot in the state semifinals for the first time in program history. 

Not bad, considering that just two years ago Husticon finished their football season with an 0-9 record, and last year they finished 3-7.

"We've gone through years where we didn't win a game, and we didn't think we'd get better...it was just, not fun," Davis admitted. "Now, to come all this way and be this good really means a lot. It's really special."  

Horicon/Hustisford will play two-time defending Division 5 state champion La Crosse Aquinas at Wisconsin Dells on Friday, November 10 at 7 p.m.

Davis leads the team with 1,146 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns and 6.3 yards per carry.

The team captain was a part of many big victories this season, including a 46-34 win over Palmyra-Eagle on September 8. Davis had 179 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Husticon finished with a total of 405 rushing yards and they didn't look back, winning their next nine games.

Davis told WTKM Sports that their final regular season game against Waterloo, a 36-20 win, also provided the team with a spark.

"We were really feeling like we had a good team, and our defense stepped up and played really good against Waterloo. It gave our whole team confidence, stopping the other team and getting off the field so our offense could operate."

Another big highlight for the Marshfalcons, and a clear indication on how far this team has come, was beating a good team twice this season. That team is Lomira, and it included a 26-13 win in the first game of the year and then a WIAA Level 2 playoff victory of 27-26. 

It's hard to do. And it's also hard to make a key stop on defense, or create a turnover but Davis, who also plays linebacker, was able to do just that during their Level 3 game against Lake Country Lutheran.

It happened early in the fourth quarter - the Lightning drove the length of the field to the red zone and were in position to score. Davis made a quick read on a pass play and came up with his first interception of the season. He returned it 40 yards to midfield with around 8:00 left in the game.

"Our coaches talked a lot about take aways, and how important it is. That really set up a good situation for us late in the game."

The senior linebacker has provided solid leadership on the defensive side for Horicon/Hustisford, with 57 tackles and two tackles for loss.

Davis also expressed his appreciation for the coaches, including first-year head coach Jason Fiacco.

"There is some pressure, but our coaches help us with it and we've come so far. We are having fun and just trying to play our best. If we play our best, then we'll have a good outcome."

Photo by Hustisford High School.   

The 54th Annual Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Girls Swimming and Diving Championships will be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10-11, at the Waukesha South High School Natatorium.

The Division 2 championships will be held Friday, with the Division 1 championships to follow on Saturday. The Division 2 diving competition begins at 1:30 p.m., and the swimming finals are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. The Division 1 diving competition is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. Saturday with the swimming events to begin at 2:30 p.m. The swimming events will run consecutively following the first event's starting time on the respective days. Here is the order of events (all events in yards):

Order of Events:

1. Diving         

2. 200 Medley Relay 

3. 200 Freestyle        

4. 200 Individual Medley                  

5. 50 Freestyle          

6. 100 Butterfly         

7. 100 Freestyle

8. 500 Freestyle

9. 200 Freestyle Relay

10. 100 Backstroke

11. 100 Breaststroke

12. 400 Freestyle Relay

INDIVIDUAL NOTES-DIVISION 1:  Three individual events and all three relays feature former champions returning to the State Meet. Among the returning champions is sophomore Ella Antoniewski of Waukesha South/Mukwonago, who is the defending  champion in a pair of events. She is seeking her second consecutive title in the 200-yard freestyle and the 500 freestyle. She should be considered the favorite to win both those events again based on her qualifying times. Her seed time of 1:49.08 in the 200 freestyle and her 4:50.33 in the 500 freestyle are the best in those events entering the State Meet. Senior Audrey Olen of Brookfield East finished fifth in the 200 freestyle and should again compete for a medal with the second swiftest time to Antoniewski at 1:51.85.   There are a number of challengers to Antoniewski in the 500 freestyle, including senior Kennedy Rainwater of Brookfield Central, who is a four-time qualifier. She placed fourth last season, fifth in 2021 and ninth in 2020. Senior Tait Haag of Middleton and sophomore Bridget Corro of Muskego are also in position to medal after placing fifth and sixth a year ago, respectively. The other individual returning champion is senior Maggie Wanezak of Brookfield East, who is back to defend the crowns she won the past two years in the 100 backstroke after finishing runner-up in 2020. Her seed time of 52.21 is more than three seconds faster than the next best qualifying performance. Other experienced swimmers are that placed in the top 10 last season are seeking to contend for a medal in the event. Among those are senior Elizabeth Beam of Waukesha West/Catholic Memorial, who was runner-up last year, fourth in 2021 and ninth in 2020; sophomore Emmy Meyer of  Muskego, who was third in 2022; senior Karlee Marusik of Waukesha West/Catholic Memorial, who was fourth last year, 16th in 2021 and seventh in 2020; senior Isabelle Barger of Germantown who was fifth last year and 12th in 2021; and sophomore Klare Pilger of Stevens Point, who was sixth. Wanezak is also the fastest qualifier in the 200 individual medley with a seed time of 2:01.33, which is nearly two seconds quicker than the next-fastest qualifier. Others challenging for medal finishes are a number of competitors placing in the top 10 in 2022. Among them are sophomore Haley Johnson of Arrowhead, who finished third; senior Allison Greeneway of Appleton North, who was fourth; and senior Gabi Augustyn of Eau Claire Memorial, who placed sixth. The 50 freestyle should be hotly contested with five swimmers returning from top-seven finishes in last year’s meet. Senior Olivia Wanner of Waukesha West/Catholic Memorial is the top returner after placing third last year, fourth in 2021 and ninth in 2020. Senior MacKenzie Thomas of the Badger/Big Foot/Westosha Central/Williams Bay/Wilmot co-op is another four-time qualifier in the event, placing seventh last year and in 2021, and third in 2020. Other experienced swimmers competing for a title are sophomore Alyse Block of Oregon, who placed fourth last year; senior Averi Larsen of the Burlington co-op, who was fifth; and junior Jillian Holler of Madison Memorial, who was sixth the past two seasons. Wanner also possesses the quickest sectional time in the 100 freestyle at 49.82. She was third the past two seasons and sixth in 2020. To win the gold, she will need to fend off four returning swimmers that placed in the top 10, including Olen, who was sixth in the event the past two seasons. In the 100 butterfly, junior Sophia Brueggeman of Brookfield Central is the top returning qualifier after a runner-up finish last season after placing 10th in 2021. Junior Carley Larson of De Pere/West De Pere has the fastest qualifying time at 54.96 after she placed ninth two years ago. Three other returning competitors in the event looking  to return to the awards stand this week are senior Isabella Gnewuch of Verona, who placed fourth in 2022; junior Julia Saxman of Germantown, who was fifth; and senior Dani Stemper of Arrowhead, who was sixth. It’s a crowded field of medal and title contenders in the 100 breaststroke as seven participants who finished in the top 10 last year have qualified again this season. Augustyn enters the meet with the fastest qualifying time of 1:03.76. Sophomore Haley Johnson of Arrowhead is the highest finisher returning after placing third last year. Among the other experienced contenders are Thomas, who placed fourth the past three seasons, and sophomore Annika Curran of Verona, who was sixth last year. In the diving competition, senior Wylde Chupich of the Badger/Big Foot/Westosha Central/Williams Bay/Wilmot co-op has finished runner-up the past two years. She enters competition with the best sectional qualifying score of 555.30. Junior Fynn Langley of Germantown is another strong contender for the championship, entering the meet with the second-best qualifying performance of 536.20 after placing third last year. Senior Clara Newman of Brookfield East also has her sights on another medal after placing fourth last season. Brookfield East is the returning champion in the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relays. The Spartans have won the past four titles in the 200 medley relay and the past three championships in the 400 freestyle relay.  They have the top qualifying time in the 200 medley relay at 1:44.27 and the third-fastest 400 freestyle relay time at 3:30.10. The Waukesha West/Catholic Memorial co-op has the fastest time in the 400 freestyle relay, turning in a sectional time of 3:28.35. Arrowhead is the returning champion in the 200 freestyle relay, but it is the Waukesha West/Catholic Memorial relay that owns the best seed time at 1:35.44.

Division I

Championship - Saturday, Nov. 4 - 7:30 p.m.
Oconomowoc (41-3) vs. Divine Savior Holy Angels (46-1) - 25-14, 20-25, 27-25, 22-25, 15-8

Division II

Championship - Saturday, Nov. 4 - 2:30 p.m.
Xavier (45-3) def. McFarland (36-11) - 25-17, 25-13, 25-10

Division III

Championship - Saturday, Nov. 4 - 11:30 a.m.
St. Croix Falls (35-3) def. Howards Grove (30-5) - 17-25, 25-23, 25-18, 24-26, 15-13

Division IV

Championship - Saturday, Nov. 4 - 9 a.m.
Wonewoc-Center (30-2) def. Newman Catholic (31-13) - 21-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-17, 15-8

Final scores from Friday, November 3

Sun Prairie East 35

Slinger 6

Horicon-Hustisford 21

Lake Country Lutheran 7

Kaukauna 42

Cedarburg 13

Badger 28

Kettle Moraine 7

Sussex Hamilton 26

Verona 16 

WIAA State High School Playoff Football:

Division I

#2 Verona @ #1 Sussex Hamilton  

Division II

#4 Slinger @ #2 Sun Prairie East

#2 Badger @ #1 Kettle Moraine

#3 Cedarburg @ #1 Kaukauna

Division V

#4 Lake Country Lutheran @ #3 Horicon-Hustisford

All of the Level 3 high school football playoff games are scheduled for 7 p.m. 

Slinger High School senior Braydon Hayes is not looking for any attention or recognition. 

The middle linebacker leads the team in tackles, and also provides something special.

"Leadership, on and off the field," says Slinger head football coach Bill Jacklin. "He is all about the team...a very talented player and it is a special thing when you talk about leadership. Braydon leads by example, he brings that to our team."

Hayes is credited with 101 tackles, 12 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss and two and a half sacks on the season. But it's not about him.

"We have been playing well together, and that's what it's all about," according to Hayes. "These guys are like brothers to me, I'll know them forever. We have been able to bond, and come together and I feel like it's paying off on the field as we try and keep it going."

Hayes was a big part of the Owls' 52-25 Level 2 win over Germantown, where the defense held the Warhawks to only 33 yards rushing.

"It was a good defensive win for us, our run defense was good and our offense really kept rolling. We'll need that same type of intensity in our next game. It will be a big test for us."

Slinger travels to Sun Prairie East Friday, November 3 in a Level 3 playoff game. The Cardinals have been where the Owls want to go...Madison. Their season ended at Camp Randall Stadium with a 38-17 loss to Franklin in the Division I State Championship game just two years ago.

"We are just looking at one game at a time, just getting the win and moving on," says Hayes. "We're trying to get to Level 4, it's big, our senior year...gotta make it."

There have been many highlights this season for the talented middle linebacker, including his 19-tackle outing against Homestead, and one sack. The senior finished with 18 tackles against West Bend East in the final regular season game.

But it's not about him, it's all about the team. Let's hope they continue winning, together.     

It's on to Level 3 with the high school football playoffs.  

#4 Slinger (8-3) travels to #2 Sun Prairie East (9-2) Friday, November 3. It's the third straight playoff home game for the Cardinals.

Bill Jacklin took over as the Owls' head football coach 13 years ago, and has certainly established a positive culture within the program, which includes an expectation of making the playoffs.

"When I took over, I told our coaches on the first day that it has to be an expectation every season to make the playoffs. We had made it once in six years, and that had to change. It's what we strive for and what we train for. I feel we're in a good spot with that, and it's our culture with the football program."

Jacklin's teams have earned two Level 3 appearances since he stepped in as head coach. Slinger lost to Waunakee, 17-10 in 2014 and in 2018, Homestead beat the Owls, 42-12.

Two years ago, the Cardinals' season ended with a 38-17 loss in Madison. They played in the Division I State Championship game at Camp Randall Stadium against Franklin. Kettle Moraine defeated Sun Prairie East last season, 27-6 in Level 3.

Senior quarterback Drew Kavanaugh leads Sun Prairie with 2,185 yards passing with 33 touchdowns. He can also run with the ball, and has six rushing touchdowns.

"Drew played tight end for us last season," said Cardinals' head coach Brian Kaminski. "He continues to get better, and has had a phenomenal season. He is doing a great job."

Sophomore running back Brady Kaufman leads the team with 1,095 yards rushing and nine touchdowns.

Slinger's impressive 52-25 Level 2 win over Germantown says a lot about how far they've come offensively, according to Jacklin.

"We have to run the ball. We struggled toward the end of the season with our running game, but we're getting much better...we're showing a lot of toughness and consistency with running the ball."

The Owls finished with 209 rushing yards as a team, with three touchdowns against the Warhawks. They also produced 157 yards passing with two touchdowns.

"Sun Prairie East has an explosive offense, they are talented," according to Jacklin. "Our offense has to keep the ball, and put together drives of 10 to 12 plays. The way we run the ball will be key for us Friday night."

Slinger's junior quarterback Michael Thiede is completing 58 percent of his passes, for 1,628 yards and 20 touchdowns. Two running backs have been solid for the Owls, including senior Jack Klippel. He has rushed for 695 yards and six touchdowns, while junior Kaleb Burkel has 603 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Senior Mark Leidel has been a sure-handed receiver, with 52 receptions for 812 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Slinger's talented middle linebacker Braydon Hayes leads the team with 101 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and two and a half sacks.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00.