Mauston, WI
Sports
HS Football Preview –2024 Mauston Golden Eagles
8 months
Mauston Golden Eagles
2023 Record: 5-6 (5-1 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Dustin Vickerman (3rd Season 9-12 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 5-4 (5-2 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/S Tyler Link RB/LB Hayden Gyllin RB/LB Eli Rader TE/LB Bryan Kastner OL/DL Espyn Sweers
Team Preview: Mauston is another local team that got hit hard by graduation but there is still plenty of talent on this team to compete at a high level in the revamped South Central Conference. Hayden Gyllin ran for over 500yards and 4 touchdowns last year and led the team in tackles on defense with 65. Tyler Link was one of the top passers in the state last year throwing for 2183 yards and 24touchdowns. Espyn Sweers led the team in sacks last year with 5. Bryan Kastner and Eli Rader also are key returners from last year’s team that was one half away from being conference champions. The concern for Mauston as normal is size. Mauston struggled at times in its ground game last year and struggled to stop the run defensively. Link has had some monster passing seasons but must work with a new receiving corp. Cayden Walz and Tyler Hartje will have to step up their game to help this Mauston team. I believe Mauston has enough talent to finish in the upper half of the conference and keep their playoff streak alive.
Key to Success: Development of receivers. Brock Massey, Alex Suhr, Andrey Tougas, Brady Baldwin, and Kyle Dahl made a deep talented receiving group for Mauston a season ago but they all have departed due to graduation. QB Tyler Link will have to find new talent to throw to or hope Mauston can reignite their rushing attack. Cayden Walz and Tyler Hartje hope to take over some of the slack from last years talented group of pass catchers.
Game to watch: Week 8 Friday October 11th home vs Wisconsin Dells 7pm
There is never a lot of love loss in this rivalry, its two team that don’t really care for each other at least while they’re on the football field. I expect both these teams to be in the upper half of the conference and this should be a great clash.
Mauston Games on WRJC Radio: Hopefully all of them
Next Preview: Necedah Cardinals
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Brookwood Falcons
8 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Brookwood Falcons
2023 Record: 2-7 (1-5 Scenic Bluffs Conference Conference)
Head Coach: Jeremy Mack
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 2-7 (1-6 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/LB Brennan Mack QB/WR/DB Braeden Pasch RB/LB Marshall Doll FB/LB Jackson Cunitz WR/LB Carter Arbuckle WR/LB Hunter Zimmerman
Team Preview: Brookwood has struggled the last few seasons but brings back some solid talent that could help them improve. Mashall Doll, Jackson Cunitz, and Eli John should all see carries in the backfield and should have a chance to be very successful if they can get some good blocking. Brennan Mack and Braden Pasch will battle it out for the quarterback position whoever is not lining up at quarterback should still see plenty of time on offense either running or catching the football. Carter Arbuckle and Hunter Zimmerman are good receivers who should help out the falcons. I still see the Falcons struggling to take off this year but if the right players step up they could prove me wrong.
Key to Success: Blocking! I think Brookwood has the skill players to be competitive. Will they have blocking though is the question. If Brookwood can create room for Doll & John who have a lot of speed and Cunitz who has a lot of power Brookwood might improve on a 2-7 mark.
Game to watch: Week 1 Friday August 23rd home vs Cochrane-Fountain City 7pm
The game itself might not be much of one C-FC was a very strong team a year ago but Brookwood is finally back at home after playing most of last year on the road due to field renovations. It’s a brand new field long overdue for the Falcons to play on and the kids should be excited to get out there.
Brookwood Games on WRJC Radio: none at this time
Next Preview: Mauston Golden Eagles
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Cashton Eagles
8 months
Cashton Eagles
2023 Record: 11-1 (6-0- Scenic Bluffs Conference Conference)
Head Coach: Jered Hemmersbach
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 6-3 (4-3 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/LB Rory Mlsna RB/LB Ethan Schmitz RB/LB Drew Butzler K Connor Wilkinson
Team Preview: The biggest turnover from last year to this year in the conference might come from the Cashton Eagles. The Eagles took over Bangor’s reign as the dominant team in the conference the last couple of years. Cashton may struggle some early but there is a lot of familiar family names on this team that should keep Cashton in conference contention. There are still Mlsna’s Schmitz, and Butzlers playing for this team and all should contribute in a big way. Ethan Schmitz and Drew Butzler should see a lot of action out of the backfield and Rory Mlsna might be the favorite to operate the quarterback position. Schmitz is also the top returning tackler from last season for the Eagles. I believe Cashton will take a step back but will still find their way into the post season.
Key to Success: New talent shining. The Hemmersbach’s Ethan Klinkner, and Connor Butzler are all gone from this team due to graduation. It is now time for the young Eagles to soar. If Drew Butzler and Rory Mlsna can step up this Cashton team might be right back where they were the last 3 seasons and lead the Eagles to new heights.
Game to watch: Week 7 Friday October 4th Home vs Bangor 7pm
This won’t be a #1 vs #2 matchup like last year in the state and it won’t be a post season game like the 2nd game of the season between these two rivals last season but it’s still going to be a big time game between the two teams who have dominated the conference over the last 10 plus seasons.
Cashton Games on WRJC Radio: Friday September 13th Cashton at New Lisbon, Friday October 11th Cashton at Hillsboro, and Friday October 18th Royall at Cashton all on NOW92.1FM and WRJC.com
Next Preview: Brookwood
HS Football Preview –2024 Ithaca Bulldogs
8 months
Ithaca Bulldogs
2023 Record: 4-6 (4-2 Ridge & Valley 11-man Conference)
Head Coach: David Klang/Kyle Kelly (1st Year 0-0 Records)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 7-2 (5-2 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/RB/LB/DB Wesley Nelson QB/DB Keegan Jones WR/DB Channing Brown OL/DL Wyatt Hilby OL/DL Kayden Coleman
Team Preview: Ithaca is the newest team to the Scenic Bluffs Conference after departing from the now defunct Ridge & Valley 11-man football conference. Ithaca went through an identiy crisis last year and changed coach’s midway through the season. They went from a spread passing attack to its tradional wing-T offense. They were able to salvage their season and make the post season. Ithaca has some skill players and a lot of size to make a run this season. Wesley Nelson and Keegan Jones both saw time at quarterback last season whoever is not at quarterback should get a lot of carries out of the backfield. Channing Brown is a big time athlete who had 25 catches for 551yards and 8 touchdowns last season. Wyatt Hilby might be the conference’s top defensive player. Hilby had 17 Tackles for losses last season for the Bulldogs. Kayden Coleman is also back in the trenches for Ithaca, who brings back a lot of size and toughness. I see Ithaca having a lot of success this season in the conference and may contend for a title.
Key to Success: Finding an identity. Last season saw an offense switching styles halfway through the season. Despite have co-coaches in David Klang and Kyle Kelly I believe there will be a lot more consistency with this year’s team which might give the Scenic Bluffs Conference fits if that’s the case.
Game to watch: Week 5 Friday September 20th at Cashton 7pm
These two teams traditionally kicked off the season in a non-conference matchup now they square off as conference foes. Cashton has got the best of Ithaca lately Ithaca will try to swing the momentum to their side this year.
Ithaca Games on WRJC Radio: None Scheduled
Next Preview: Cashton & Brookwood
HS Football Preview –2024 Bangor Cardinals
8 months
Bangor Cardinals
2023 Record: 11-2 (5-1 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Head Coach: Todd Grant (4th Year 30-7 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 8-1 (7-0 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/LB Bryce Peterson RB/LB Gabriel Cropp QB/DB Hayden Massman TE/DB Landon Phillips RB/LB Eli Tucker
Team Preview: Every year on paper Bangor seems to take a step down but on the field they continue to play at a high level. Bangor loses a ton from last year including a pair of 1,000 yard running backs in Chase Horstman and Samuel Cropp. They also must replace QB Nolan Michek and a host of linemen. Bangor will try to reload and not rebuild once again. Hayden Massman is expected to take over at quarterback and is an athletic kid. Likely we will see a lot of Gabriel Cropp (21-90 2tds) Bryce Peterson (29-209 2tds) and Eli Tucker running the football. They are all 3 athletic kids with lots of potential who just not have got a chance yet in the program. TE Landon Phillips is back he led the team in receiving last year (12-234 4tds) Tucker and Gabriel Cropp will help lead the defense. Tucker had 97 tackles last year while Cropp had 76. They also lose the big leg of Sam Crenshaw do to graduation. Despite the losses I still see Bangor having a good season and winning the Scenic Bluffs Conference but the conference is much more wide open this year than in years past.
Key to Success: Winning the trenches. Sure Bangor has to replace a lot of skill players but they also have to replace a lot of players that man the front line. Jacob Warsing and Willie Reed will have to step up their roles in the trenches to help Bangor succeed this season.
Game to watch: Week 4 Friday September 13th at Ithaca
I see Ithaca and Bangor possibly being the best two teams in the Scenic Bluffs Conference this year so although an earlier season game this one might be for the conference. Bangor blew out Ithaca in a crossover game last season.
Bangor Cardinal Games on WRJC Radio: Week 6 Friday September 27th Bangor at Royall 92.1FM
Next Preview: Ithaca Bulldogs
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Wisconsin Dells Chiefs
8 months
Wisconsin Dells Chiefs
2023 Record: 7-4 (5-2 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Michael Janke (5th Season 31-10 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 7-2 (6-1 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/LB Lex Rettinger RB/LB Sam Ersland OL/LB Logan Goodrich WR/S Raphael Berje
Team Preview: The Wisconsin Dells Chiefs were extremely young last year and still managed to finish 7-4 on their season, creating big expectations for this year. Lex Rettinger had a tremendous sophomore campaign at quarterback throwing for nearly 1400 yards and 17 touchdown passes. He loses favorite target Deagen Jensen but brings back Raphael Berje (18-522 5tds). Once again taking a lot of pressure of Rettinger will be running back Sam Ersland who scampered for 1540 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. The defense should be solid as well as they welcome back Logan Goodrich who led the team in sacks and tackles last year. Payne Carroll is also back who led the Dells in tackles for losses last year. The Chiefs have a good combination of speed and size on this years team and should be able to compete for a conference championship.
Key to Success: Complimentary players! The Dells has a very good big 3 in Rettinger, Ersland and Berje on offense but can they get the role players to step up around them. If there is an injury to that core group who will step up for the Dells? If they can develop the role players it will take the Dells up another notch and maybe even to a conference championship.
Game to watch: Week 7 Friday Friday October 4th home vs Berlin 7pm
This game might decide the conference championship. The two teams met in the playoffs in 2021 with the Dells routing Berlin in a level 2 matchup. It should be a good battle on the gridiron in early October!
Wisconsin Dells games on WRJC Radio: Week 8 Friday October 11th at Mauston 7pm 92.9FM
Next Preview: Bangor/Ithaca
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Nekoosa Papermakers
8 months
Nekoosa Papermakers
2023 Record: 3-6 (2-5 Central Wisconsin Large)
Head Coach: Derek Baker (2nd Season 3-6 Record)
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 3-6 (1-6 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/DB Nash Krcmar RB/LB Francisco Vega RB/DB Jacob Bertling WR/DB Branden Winteland
Team Preview: The Nekoosa Papermakers are back in the South Central Conference after a brief absence. The Papermakers have not had a lot of success over recent years but have some young talent on this years team. Nash Krcmar led the team in passing and rushing last season and is back to lead the offense. Krcmar ran for nearly 600yards and threw for 497 yards and accounted for 15 offensive touchdowns for the papermakers. Francisco Vega (95-522 5tds) and Jacob Bertling (103-466 4tds) are back to lead a heavy rushing attack for Nekoosa. The Papermakers have talent to compete in the conference but I still see them struggling a bit this season finishing just 3-6 overall.
Key to Success: Defense. Nekoosa gave up a lot of points last year. They gave up 29 or more points in 6/9 games last year. The offense should be there for them if the defense can step up they should be much better then I predict them to be.
Game to watch: Week 5 Friday September 20th at Wautoma 7pm
Nekoosa and Wautoma will once again square off on the football field. I have both these teams struggling in the conference this season. This game might be about who wants it more.
Nekoosa games on WRJC Radio: Week 3 Friday September 6th home vs Mauston 7pm 92.9FM
Next Preview: Wisconsin Dells
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Adams-Friendship Green Devils
9 months
Adams-Friendship Green Devils
2023 Record: 7-4 (6-1 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Nick Stormoen
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 3-6 (2-5 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/DB Eli Cole RB/LB Robert Irey RB/LB Cody Henricksen WR/DB Tyler Erickson WR/DB Robert Weaver RB/LB Crispin Landon
Team Preview: The Green Devils are the defending South Central Conference champions but things will be more difficult this season. The conference is better and QB Lincoln Smith, RB Johnny Drankiewicz, Linemen Jake Long are all gone. Those 3 were huge factors in their conference title run. There is some valuable pieces to build around for the Green Devils. Robert Irey (60tackles) led the team in tackles a season ago is back along with last years leading sacker Robert Weaver (5sacks). Irey should also see a majority of the carries on the offensive side of the ball behind Drankiewicz he ran the ball 57 times for 423 yards and 3 touchdowns last year. Tyler Erickson is also back at WR for the Green Devils Erickson had 5 receiving touchdowns last year. Replacing the big 3 won’t be easy for Adams-Friendship and I see them taking a step back this season and failing to make the post season.
Key to Success: QB play! Adams-Friendship must develop a new quarterback after the graduation departure of Lincoln Smith. Eli Cole might get that opportunity; he completed 2-4 passes for 10yards and an interception last season. The quarterback decision might determine the success or lack thereof for this team.
Game to watch: Week 6 Friday September 27th at Mauston 7pm
This matchup last year decided the South Central Conference Championship. This game might not decide the championship but it’s still a big game between two rivals.
Green Devils games on WRJC Radio: Week 6 Friday September 27th at Mauston 7pm 92.9FM
Next Preview: Nekoosa
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Wautoma Hornets
9 months
Wautoma Hornets
2023 Record: 3-7 (2-5 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Andy Krueger
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 1-8 (0-7 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/LB Skyler Royston OL/DL Michael Roeske QB/DB Peyton Pica
Team Preview: Wautoma might have the biggest name and biggest player in the conference in 6’8 linemen and Badger recruit Michael Roeske outside of that Wautoma does not return a whole lot from a team that finished just 3-8. Skyler Royston is back to lead the ground game. Royston racked up 756yards and 6 touchdowns on 168 carries last year. Peyton Pica might play the quarterback position after the graduation of Carson Armstrong. Roeske led the team in sacks with a pair last year. Wautoma was once a powerhouse in the conference but now there in the thick of hard times and I see that continuing all the way to a winless conference season this year.
Key to Success: Roeske playing big. The Wisconsin Badgers see something in Roeske as did other major college football programs. If Roeske can make big plays on defense and be a road grader on the o-line Skyler Royston might have some open daylight to keep Wautoma in games and give them a chance to win.
Game to watch: Week 1 Friday August 23rd at Westfield 7pm
A former conference matchup turned into a non-conference matchup as Wautoma will try to start its season with a victory.
Wautoma Hornet games on WRJC Radio: Week 4 Friday September 13th at Mauston 7pm 92.9FM
Next Preview: Adams-Friendship
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
HS Football Preview –2024 Waupun Warriors
9 months
Waupun Warriors
2023 Record: 2-8 (1-6 East Central Conference)
Head Coach: Adrian Harmsen
Mike’s 2024 Projected Record 3-6 (3-4 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/DL/LB Chase Beahm RB/LB Haiden Rieder WR/DB Braydin Torres WR/DB Logan Prell OL/DL Landen Degroff RB/DB Kanye Bessman
Team Preview: Waupun is another team that should be helped out by playing in the new conference. Waupun was young last season and struggled to a 2-8 record but return most of their playmakers. Chase Beahm threw for over 1500 yards and 14tds but also tossed 15interceptions. He also has his top two targets back in Brayden Torres (35-518 7tds) & Logan Prall (19-374 4tds). Haiden Reider is also back, Reider led the team in rushing last year with 456yards. Landen Degroff led the team in sacks with 3 last year is back to help lead the defense. I have Waupun going 3-6 but have a feeling they might do better than that prediction.
Key to Success: Cutting down the interceptions. Beahm threw for a lot of yards and touchdowns a season ago if he can cut down on the interception Waupun should be able to improve tremendously on last years 2 wins.
Game to watch: Week 9 Friday October 18th home versus Mauston 7pm
This game could determine who makes the playoffs and who misses the playoffs.
Waupun Warrior games on WRJC Radio: Week 9 Friday October 18th home vs Mauston 7pm
Next Preview: Wautoma
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
