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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.

Waunakee has four state titles and a pair of runner-up finishes during the WSN Era, as head coach Pat Rice has turned the Warriors into one of the top programs in the entire state. Several of those teams of the last decade and a half received consideration for the list, and all would have been excellent choices. It was very close, but we went with the 2010 squad.

Coming off a state championship in 2009, Waunakee was a heavy favorite to repeat, despite the loss of three First Team All-State selections.

The Warriors rolled through the regular season unchallenged, as a 28-0 shutout of rival DeForest was the closest game through the first nine weeks.

The team opened the playoffs with dominating victories over Beaver Dam and Milton, but got a strong push from Monona Grove in Level 3 before posting a 24-14 victory. In a defensive showdown, the Warriors' defense was just a bit better in the state semi-finals, as Waunakee defeated Franklin 23-7.

Waiting in the state title game was Cedarburg, a consistently strong program making its first championship game appearance. Waunakee got on the board first when Hunter Darger connected with Austin Maly from 21 yards out, but Cedarburg answered to tie the game midway through the second quarter. It was all Waunakee the rest of the way, as the Warriors scored 41 unanswered points the rest of the way in a 48-7 victory. The Warriors out-gained Cedarburg 394-196, picking off four of the Bulldogs' eight passes.

It was a relatively young Waunakee team that would go on to repeat in 2011 before seeing its state record-tying 48-game winning streak come to an end in the 2012 state championship game. 

Eight players were named First Team All-Conference on offense, with six on defense. Defensive back Ross Maly, tight end Austin Maly, and running back Leo Musso were WFCA First Team All-State choices. Outside linebacker Derek Strauss, inside linebacker Zak Hougland, and offensive lineman Eric Alfson were Honorable Mention All-State picks.

Musso, Strauss, and Austin Maly would go on to play at Wisconsin, while sophomore offensive lineman Jacob Ohnesorge just wrapped up a highly successful career at South Dakota State.

Against strong competition in the Badger-North and the Division 2 playoffs, Waunakee averaged more than 43 points per game, while allowing just eight per contest.

#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

Others Considered

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