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The Tim Krumrie Award is given annually to the state's top senior defensive lineman as part of the WSN Senior Football Awards. The award is named after Tim Krumrie, a former Mondovi and University of Wisconsin athlete who would go on to star in the NFL for 12 seasons, including two Pro Bowl appearances.
 
The pre-season watch list was trimmed down to 16 semi-finalists, and six finalists for the award have now been selected. Winners are announced the week of the state finals.

Tim Krumrie Award Finalists:

Ben Barten, Stratford - Barten is a two-way star and key part of a Stratford defense that did not allow a point until the state semi-finals. Despite sitting out the second half of most games as a result of blowouts, he has recorded 58 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and three sacks for the Tigers. A Badgers commit who earned First Team All-State on both offense and defense as a junior, he has more hardware headed his way this season. "He has been a three-year starter for us and in that time has been named Marawood Lineman of the Year the past two seasons," said head coach Jason Tubbs. "He continues to dominate on both sides of the ball this year. Teams run away from him on defense and he still has 58 tackles and 13 tackles for loss."

Cade McDonald, Hudson - Despite facing constant double teams and teams running away from him, McDonald was a very productive team captain for the Raiders, earning First Team All-Conference recognition. The 6'7", 250-pound University of Wisconsin commit recorded 30 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and a sack for head coach Adam Kowles, who raves about his leadership abilities and work ethic.

Max Meeuwsen, Bay Port - Meeuwsen was a repeat choice as the Defensive Player of the Year recipient in the FRCC this year. Headed to the Naval Academy next year, he has put up big numbers in his senior campaign for the unbeaten Pirates with 66 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, and 12.5 sacks through 13 games. "Max is one of the toughest, hardest-working kids I have coached in 20 years," said Bay Port coach Gary Westerman.

Gavin Meyer, Franklin - Meyer was a WFCA Large School All-State choice in his junior season when he recorded 61 tackles with 29 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. Somehow he's managed to become an even more impactful player as a senior. He posted an amazing 52 tackles for loss with 22 sacks to go with 85 total tackles, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries as a senior. "In my 28 years at Franklin he is the most dominating defensive player we have ever had," said head coach Louis Brown. "He has scored two defensive touchdowns and he simply can't be blocked."

Justus Ojo, Hartford - An excellent player as a junior, Ojo has become one of the state's best as a senior. In helping the Orioles claim an unbeaten league championship, he had 94 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks through the team's first ten games. Despite facing frequent double teams, he broke the school's sack record previously held by Adam Hahn, who went on to play at Northwestern.

Raishein Thomas, Racine Park - Thomas is an exceptional athlete who has dominated in the Southeast Conference the past three seasons. As a senior, he recorded 93 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks for the Panthers in the regular season. "He consistently played in opponents backfields," Park coach Daniel Hernandez said. "It was absolutely amazing to watch him chase ball carriers and quarterbacks down when they would attack the wide side of the field."

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.

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