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State Championship Game predictions and breakdown

11/15/2021, 12:15pm CST
By Travis Wilson

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Catholic Memorial is looking for its third consecutive title overall and second straight in Division 4

Last week I went 12-3 in picking the state semi-final and 8-player championship contests, giving me an overall record of 179-46, good for a 79.6% prediction rate. Here's my picks and breakdown of each of the state title contests.

DIVISION 1

Franklin (13-0) vs. Sun Prairie (13-0), Friday 4 pm

Franklin rallied from a three-score deficit to defeat Appleton North back in Week 1 of the regular season, and it was a similar story in the state semi-final, when the Sabers came back from a 19-3 deficit to win 26-19 behind future Badgers quarterback Myles Burkett. Sun Prairie has scored a couple close wins the last two weeks, including a 38-31 decision over Mukwonago last week. In what is a bit of a Last Dance situation for the Cardinals in advance of splitting into two high schools next year, Sun Prairie has played with a sense of urgency. 

My Pick: Franklin 27, Sun Prairie 24

D1 Last Week: 2-0
D1 Overall: 26-4; 86.7%

DIVISION 2

Homestead (11-2) vs. Waunakee (13-0), Friday 1 pm

Waunakee has played three straight one-score contests, including last week's 27-20 victory over Hartford when the Warriors pulled away after the game was tied at halftime. Homestead has looked stronger and stronger as the playoffs have rolled on, dispatching upstart Kettle Moraine 29-10 last week. This is a rematch of the 2012 Division 2 title game won by Homestead 14-0.

My Pick: Waunakee 27, Homestead 25

D2 Last Week: 2-0
D2 Overall: 23-7; 76.7%

DIVISION 3

Pewaukee (10-2) vs. Rice Lake (11-2), Friday 10 am

After posting three straight shutouts to open the playoffs, Pewaukee did give up points in last week's state semi-final win over Monroe, but pulled out a 28-14 victory. Rice Lake's rushing attack was too much for Menasha last week as the Warriors scored a 36-21 victory.

My Pick: Rice Lake 26, Pewaukee 21

D3 Last Week: 1-1
D3 Overall: 21-9; 70.0%

DIVISION 4

Catholic Memorial (13-0) vs. Ellsworth (12-0), Thursday 7 pm

2019 Division 4 state champion Catholic Memorial has been the favorite to repeat all season, and the Crusaders have advanced back to Madison with a dominating season. The Crusaders did get a push from Columbus last week, as it was 20-13 at halftime before pulling away for a 42-19 victory. Ellsworth sports the state's longest active winning streak at 22 games, including last week's dominating 46-7 decision over Freedom. Max Grand and Ashten Quade form a dangerous 1-2 rushing punch for the Panthers.

My Pick: Catholic Memorial 31, Ellsworth 22

D4 Last Week: 2-0
D4 Overall: 28-2; 93.3%

DIVISION 5

Aquinas (13-0) vs. Mayville (11-2), Thursday 4 pm

Aquinas used a big second half to rally for a 28-18 victory over Wittenberg-Birnamwood, as the Blugolds emergent running game put up 205 yards, while Jackson Flottmeyer added 234 yards through the air. Mayville's strong run continued behind strong runs, as the Cardinals posted 371 yards in last week's win over Belleville, including 270 yards and six touchdowns from Blake Schraufnagel. 

My Pick: Aquinas 34, Mayville 30

D5 Last Week: 2-0
D5 Overall: 23-7; 76.7%

DIVISION 6

Colby (11-1) vs. Saint Mary's Springs (12-2), Thursday 1 pm

Colby was the champion of the Marawood Conference and took down an excellent Durand squad last week in a close 28-24 ballgame. Saint Mary's Springs had some early season struggles but the Ledgers have rounded into form later in the year, especially the playoffs. They did get quite a scare last week, falling behind Darlington 24-0 before scoring 35 unanswered points in a win. I picked Colby over Springs in our state picks before the playoffs began, and I'll stick with it, but certainly not very confident.

My Pick: Colby 28, Saint Mary's Springs 27

D6 Last Week: 2-0
D6 Overall: 26-4; 86.7%

DIVISION 7

Coleman (13-0) vs. Reedsville (12-1), Thursday 10 am

Coleman has posted three straight wins over unbeaten teams in the playoffs, first dominating Pacelli before a convincing victory at Hurley. Finally, last week the Cougars scored one of the upsets of the playoffs, taking down favored Regis 28-22, despite trailing 14-0 after one quarter. Peter Kuchta's strong postseason continued with three more rushing touchdowns, as he has scored a total of nine touchdowns in the playoffs via rush, pass, and interception return. Reedsville's big play offense was too much for Cashton last week in a 47-8 victory.

My Pick: Coleman 28, Reedsville 26

D7 Last Week: 1-1
D7 Overall: 20-10; 66.7%


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.

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