The WSN15 series will celebrate the 15th Anniversary of WisSports.net by looking back at the top players, teams, and moments of the past 15 years (2003-2017).
For the Top 15 Teams countdown, more than one season of a program was considered for inclusion on the list, as long as the seasons featured different waves of players. For example, the 2008 and 2012 teams of the same school would be considered, but not necessarily the 2012 and 2013 teams.
The Top 15 Teams countdown is not a "Who would beat who?" list, as that would be heavily weighted towards big schools. Factors in determining the Top 15 Teams included: how dominant the team was compared to contemporaries, how impressive the team was in big games, quality of competition faced, number of high-level players, and more.
The Franklin Sabers have grown to be one of the top programs in the state of Wisconsin, regularly competing for conference and state championships over the last decade and a half. However, that wasn't always the case, as the program had just four playoff appearances and one postseason victory prior to 1999.
The team would put up incredible offensive numbers with quarterback Ben Hempel in the early 2000's, but went 5-5 and exited in Level 1 of the playoffs in the 2005 season.
2006 would the breakthrough season, however. With Jeff Klemp as the head coach, the team went a perfect 9-0 during the regular season against a very tough Southeast Conference schedule, including defending Division 1 state champion Racine Park and star running back John Clay.
Franklin's playoff run nearly came to a screeching halt in Level 2, as the Sabers had to make a goal-line stand against West Allis Hale to preserve a 29-27 victory. Wins over Pius XI and Monona Grove catapulted the Sabers to the Division 2 state title game against fellow unbeaten Brookfield Central.
That set the stage for an epic game featuring numerous momentum swings. We won't ruin what may or may not be, but definitely is, a game that will be included on our Top 15 Moments list, but the Sabers and the Lancers would go to overtime in a memorable championship match-up that was sealed on a huge forced fumble and recovery inside the five yard line.
Senior quarterback Robert Evans, an Honorable Mention All-State pick, threw for what at the time was a state finals all-divisions record 264 yards with four touchdowns in the 36-29 victory. He added 115 yards and a touchdown on the ground as well.
Franklin capped off a perfect 14-0 campaign with the Division 2 state title, the first and only in school history.
#15 - 2011 Kenosha Bradford Red Devils
#14 - 2003 D.C. Everest Evergreens
#13 - 2006 Franklin Sabers
#12 - 2004 Wisconsin Lutheran Vikings
#11 - 2012 Saint Mary's Springs Ledgers
#10 - 2009 Marquette Hilltoppers
#9 - 2016 Catholic Memorial Crusaders
#8 - 2005 Stratford Tigers
#7 - 2006 Homestead Highlanders
#6 - 2013 Shiocton Chiefs
#5 - 2015 Amherst Falcons
#4 - 2009 Edgar Wildcats
#3 - 2010 Waunakee Warriors
#2 - 2012 Arrowhead Warhawks
#1 - 2014 Kimberly Papermakers
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.
Tag(s): News Archive News Travis Wilson WSN15