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Newman Cathoolic dominated throughout to claim a second consecutive 8-player football state championship, taking down Belmont 54-0.

Newman Catholic was certainly the better team, but Belmont shot itself in the foot over and over, especially in the first half. Belmont fumbled seven times in the game, losing four, including two lost fumbles in the first half, two successful onside kicks by Newman Catholic, and interception, and the Braves saw a punt snap sail over their punter's head.

Belmont fumbled on the first play of the game, with Newman Catholic quarterback Conner Krach taking a keeper up the middle a couple plays later for a 31-yard touchdown. The ensuing kick hit a Belmont up-man and was recovered by Newman, with Krach going up the middle for a touchdown again.

Newman Catholic would race out to a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and was up 47-0 at halftime.

Newman's defense dominated early and often, limiting Belmont to just 13 total yards of offense, two first downs, and forcing five turnovers.

Krach finished with 101 rushing yards and three touchdowns, adding 86 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air. Thomas Bates closed out his career with 108 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, also catching three passes for 81 yards and two scores.

It is the second straight 8-player state title for Newman Catholic, who defeated Luck 49-6 last year. The Cardinals have won 29-straight games, with the last loss a defeat against Luck in 2019 championship game.

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.