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Kimberly's perfection continues in fifth straight state title

11/18/2017, 5:15pm CST
By Travis Wilson

Kimberly's D.J. Stewart rushed for more than 100 yards in the state title game for a second straight year

Kimberly trailed Sun Prairie 7-0 in the first quarter of the Division 1 state title game, but as has been the case all season in a number of tight ballgames, there was no panic in the Papermakers, who forged ahead for a 27-7 victory.

The win gives Kimberly a fifth straight state championship, the last four in Division 1, and 70th consecutive victory overall, extending their state record and the nation's longest active winning streak.

Sun Prairie recovered an Alec Rosner fumble at the Kimberly 19, and converted two plays later when quarterback Jack Zander hooked up with junior receiver Cooper Nelson from 18 yards out to put the Cardinals up 7-0. 

After Kimberly went three-and-out, Sun Prairie had a chance to add to the lead, but All-State kicker Alex Oakley's 40-yard attempt in the rain and cold was wide left.

Another scoring chance slipped through Sun Prairie's fingertips in the second quarter, when a wide-open Nelson couldn't haul in a Zander pass, forcing a Cardinals punt.

On the first play of the drive, WFCA Offensive Player of the Year D.J. Stewart snuck through a gap for 52 yards, and John Nett went in from 25 yards out two plays later, breaking tackles and somehow maintaining his balance after getting twirled around.

The teams went to halftime tied at seven, but momentum was clearly with Kimberly, who scored on the opening drive of the third quarter when Alec Rosner faked a jet sweep to Stewart and went around left end for a 50-yard touchdown.

It was all Kimberly from there, as Sun Prairie's next six possession went: interception, punt, punt, punt, interception, end of game.

In the meantime, Stewart would score on a 25 yard run late in the third quarter, adding a three-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to provide the final margin.

Stewart finished with 189 yards and two touchdowns, while Alec Rosner added 90 rushing yards and a score, with Nett chipping in 76 yards and a score on the ground.

Sun Prairie's Draven Peeples rushed for 127 yards, while All-State linebacker Marty Strey, who will join the Wisconsin football program as a preferred walk-on next year, had a game-high 13 tackles, including half a sack and a blocked extra point.

For the latest and most up to date football news and recruiting information, follow Travis on Twitter @travisWSN. Email story ideas, recruiting info, etc. to Travis at travis(at)wissports.net.

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