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As scores came in Friday night, I was struck by the large number of close games, including many that came down to the final play. Ten of the 28 Level 3 contests were decided by seven points or less, including seven by three points or fewer.

A number of games came down to the final moments. None were more suspenseful than the 43-42 overtime win for Monona Grove over Waukesha West. The teams went back and forth all game putting up huge offensive numbers. In overtime, West scored first and converted the extra point. MG got a score of its own, but Waukesha West was called for a penalty as the team's lined up for the extra point, putting the ball at the one and a half yard line. The Silver Eagle players talked head coach Brandon Beckwith into going for two and the win, which they did, converting for a dramatic win.

Elsewhere, Regis converted a two-point attempt with under two minutes left to top Grantsburg 21-20. Homestead's Bradley Woldt scored a three-yard touchdown with under a minute left as the Highlanders rallied to beat Whitefish Bay 27-24. Stevens Point's Joey Dorgan kicked a game-winning 37-yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining to lift the Panthers to a 37-34 victory. Even three-time defending champion Kimberly had to withstand a late Fond du Lac drive to win 32-29 after trailing much of the game.

It was amazing weather for Level 3 and November 4th, with temperatures in the 60's during the day and very balmy in the 50's for most of the games.

The good weather allowed pass-heavy teams to be able to throw the ball with great success. We saw some pretty big scores around the state, as teams averaged 25 points per game. 

Cedar Grove-Belgium's Josh Weiss (440 yards), Franklin's Max Alba (432 yards), and Monona Grove's Alec Ogden (379 yards) took full advantage of the weather to post huge nights throwing the ball.

More than any year since the WIAA went to true 1-8 regional seeding in 2012, home teams have dominated so far in the postseason. In Level 1, higher-seeded host teams went 96-12 (85.7%), the best winning percentage during that time. That dominance continued in Level 2, despite tougher and tougher match-ups for those hosts schools. Home teams were 47-9 in Level 2, good for an 83.9% winning percentage.

Home teams were very successful once again in Level 3, going 20-8 overall. Five of the home team losses were by a touchdown or less.

State champ results:

Six of the seven defending champions are still alive heading to Level 4.

D1: Kimberly beat Fond du Lac 32-29
D2: Homestead beat Whitefish Bay 27-24
D3: Notre Dame beat Luxemburg-Casco 21-10
D4: Osceola lost in Level 2
D5: Amherst beat Winnebago Lutheran 44-27
D6: Saint Mary's Springs beat Ozaukee 37-14
D7: Bangor beat Pepin/Alma 54-21

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