Ross Crist (#62) and the Darlington Redbirds scored an impressive shutout over Platteville in Week 1
There is one game to be played later today, but otherwise all of the action from Week 1 of the 2024 high school football season in Wisconsin is in the books. Below we will take a look at some of the storylines and notes this week.
For the full Week 1 results, please click here.
As a reminder, we'll have loads of additional content coming in the next few days to wrap up Week 1, including:
We'll also have the Kwik Trip & Wisconsin Dairy Game of the Week nominees on Sunday evening, 8-Player Spotlight on Wednesday, and the Week 2 Preview on Thursday.
Every year there are a number of noteworthy coaching changes, and keeping track of how those transitions go is a compelling storyline.
2024 is no different, and some of the new coaches made impressive debuts this week.
The Chris Graverson era opened in Waunakee in a big way, as the Warriors shutout La Crosse Central 38-0 on Thursday night. The defense was dominating, though Central was without returning All-Conference quarterback Jude Alvarado, and the offense looked good in spurts, though with a few typical opening game miscues, as the team plays its first game since Pat Rice's retirement.
Also on Thursday, Bay Port rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Middleton 37-28 to give Steven Jorgensen his first win as the Pirates coach after replacing longtime head man Gary Westerman.
A couple of new coaches squared off Friday in what turned out to be a nail-biter, as Lodi downed Monroe 7-6. The Blue Devils won a state title in Division 4 last year but Dave Puls retired and every starter graduated. It was a nice start to Kyle Mack's coaching career. On the other side, following the tragic off-season passing of Toby Golembiewski, the Cheesemakers should rebound and be a threat in the Rock Valley under interim coach Tom Witt.
West Salem transitioned from Justin Jehn to Ryan Olson, and opened the year with a 27-7 road win over rival Onalaska. Dan Prahl took over for Rodney Wedig at Milton, and the Red Hawks posted a dominating 45-7 win over Watertown, who has a new coach of its own with Alex Crogan replacing Benji Kamrath. Janesville Craig saw Joe Brannan replace Adam Bunderson as head coach, and the Cougars dominated Sun Prairie West 42-8.
Jim Bylsma stepped down at Cambria-Friesland after more than 200 career victories, and the Hilltoppers didn't miss a beat in Week 1, beating Fall River/Rio 60-8.
Of last season's 14 state finalists, three suffered defeat to open the season.
That includes defending Division 1 state champion Marquette, as the Hilltoppers opened this year the same as they did 2023 - with a loss to Arrowhead. It was a 21-14 game last season, but Arrowhead was more dominant this year, winning 47-28 behind an explosive offensive unit.
Grafton had high hopes coming into 2024 after a run to the Division 3 championship game last year and returning 17 starters, but opened this season with a 21-20 loss to Cedarburg.
Black Hawk/Warren (IL) was the Division 7 runner-up in 2023, but in a Week 1 game against former Six Rivers foe Southwestern/East Dubuque (IL), the Warriors saw S/ED return the opening kickoff for a touchdown and then score the game-winner on a 52-yard touchdown pass from Aidan Colin to Brody Culbertson with just 10 seconds remaining, as Southwestern/East Dubuque (IL) scored a 28-20 victory.
In additional Thursday night action, Mukwonago went on the road and knocked off Appleton North 20-10. Verona was an impressive winner, going to Sun Prairie East and winning 27-7 behind a huge performance from senior Tre Poteat, who ran for 179 yards and a touchdown, caught three passes, and had an interception on defense. Marshfield missed two field goals and botched an extra point, resulting in a 7-6 loss to New Richmond.
In the Kwik Trip & Wisconsin Dairy Game of the Week, Franklin outlasted Catholic Memorial 34-24, rallying with three, fourth-quarter touchdowns after trailing by ten heading into the final period. With more depth and fewer two-way players, the Sabers dominated the latter portion of the game as the Crusaders had several players cramp up. Joey Kallay threw for three touchdowns while Robert Beglinger ran for 192 yards and two scores.
Muskego trailed Neenah 21-3 at halftime, as Rockets senior Grant Dean scored a couple first-half touchdowns. However, Muskego rallied with 28 unanswered points in the second half to secure a 31-21 win in a matchup of preseason top 15 teams.
Darlington threw back the clock with an afternoon game, and the Redbirds showed they're ready to be a threat once again with an impressive 28-0 win over a Platteville squad that returned a lot of talent and experience from last season.
Three-time defending Division 5 state champion Aquinas squeaked out a 14-12 win over Prairie du Chien, the only team to defeat the Blugolds last season.
Stanley-Boyd posted an impressive 44-12 win over Colby, as Carter Isenberger threw for 225 yards and three touchdowns in the showdown between former Cloverbelt rivals.
Green Bay East ended a 12-game losing streak with a 14-13 victory over Appleton West last night.
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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