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.
Homestead has been one of the most consistent programs during the WSN Era, winning at least a share of the North Shore Conference every season, qualifying for the playoffs each year, and winning at least one postseason game every time. Along the way, the team has four state championships and a runner-up finish, with 43 playoff victories.
With so much success, there are a number of outstanding teams to choose from for the countdown. None were as dominant as head coach Dave Keel's 2006 squad however.
The Highlanders had some tight games in the first half of the season, but down the stretch, it was complete dominance en route to an undefeated season and Division 1 championship.
After a hard-fought 18-17 win over Germantown in Week 7, the team allowed just 24 points in the final seven games, including 14 in the entire playoffs.
It culminated in a championship showdown against fellow state heavyweight Arrowhead. In what proved to be the first of three straight title game showdowns between the teams, Homestead went up 21-0 in the first quarter and ended the game with a running clock following a fumble return score in the final two minutes.
In the 35-0 victory, Homestead outgained the Warhawks 350-132 and forced four turnovers. A balanced rushing attack racked up 276 yards, though no single player had more than 81 yards.
It was a complete team effort for the Highlanders, which was a reflection of how the team operated all season. Despite going undefeated and winning a Division 1 title, the Highlanders did not have any First Team All-State selections. Only defensive back Mike Feierstein was an Honorable Mention choice.
It certainly wasn't a team without talent. The following year, when Homestead was the state runner-up, they had three First Team All-State picks, including 2007 Defensive Player of the Year Shelby Harris, who had a breakout performance in the 2006 title game, recording 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a sack as just a sophomore.
After outscoring postseason opponents 194-14 during five playoff games, it was clear that the 2006 Homestead Highlanders were a special team amongst many outstanding groups the program has produced in its illustrious 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