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Game of the Week: Waunakee at DeForest - Vote for who you think will win!

10/16/2019, 9:00am CDT
By Travis Wilson

As part of the weekly preview I produce every Thursday showcasing the best games from around the state, I always highlight one contest as the Game of the Week. To expand on that, each week I'll post a poll where you -- the fans -- can vote for who you think will win the Game of the Week.

Waunakee (8-0, 6-0; D2 #1) at DeForest (8-0, 6-0; D2 #4) - Friday, 7 pm

These longtime rivals have been on a collision course since the season began, going relatively unchallenged to this point. The closest game for both teams came against Reedsburg, as Waunakee scored late for a 35-28 win while DeForest powered through to a 28-0 win. Waunakee keeps churning along despite significant graduation losses from last year and a number of injuries this year at the skill positions. While quarterback Caden Nelson has provided a huge boost in his first year as a starter, throwing for 24 touchdowns with just two interceptions, the Warriors are down to their fourth running back after being hit hard by the injury bug. There are some talented pass-catchers, but the team has been without dynamic receiver Caden Lewis since Week 3. Despite this, Waunakee has continued to roll through the Badger-North. The bullies in the league for nearing three decades under head coach Pat Rice, they twice beat DeForest last year, including a 23-20 comeback victory in Level 2 of the playoffs. The Norskies have been building towards this opportunity ever since, returning most of last year's production and personnel. The team is deep and talented at every position on offense, putting up more than 47 points per game. The defense is a typically stingy Norskie group, with four shutouts on the season while allowing a high of 14 points. DeForest was the last team to beat Waunakee in conference play, coming 34 games ago way back in October of 2014.

About the Author

Travis Wilson serves as the WisSports.net General Manager, Football Editor, and contributing writer for other parts of the site. Wilson was selected as part of the Sports 40 Under 40 list by Coach & AD Magazine and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association for 2019. The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) named Travis the 2015 recipient of the Dave McClain Distinguished Service Award. He currently serves on the WFCA Executive Board and is a member of the Executive Board of the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. A graduate of Richland Center High School and Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Travis was a three-sport athlete in high school (football, baseball, basketball), inducted to the Richland Center High School Hall of Fame in 2023, and currently resides in Reedsburg. You can follow him on Twitter at @travisWSN.

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