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In a battle of unbeatens, Abbotsford made an impressive debut as a member of the CWC-Small Conference, defeating D7 number two Iola-Scandinavia 13-7. The Falcons scored both of their touchdowns in the first half and held on for the win. The ground game got it done for Abbotsford, going for 274 yards as a team. Christian Fuentes led the way with 177 yards on 22 carries, while Irvin Aguilera and Jesus Reyes each ran for scores. The Abbotsford defense was outstanding, limiting Iola-Scandinavia to just 75 yards of offense and seven points.
Cedar Grove-Belgium started the season 0-2 and traveled to Division 6 number four Reedsville to open the Big East season. A recipe for disaster...for Reedsville. Cedar Grove-Belgium came out with rockets blazing and never looked back in a 48-0 win. The Rockets limited Reedsville to just 60 yards of offense, while the team racked up more than 400 yards of its own.
Fox Valley Lutheran and Xavier meet up in the Apple Bowl every year, and this season it returned as a conference matchup. The 2024 version was among the best-ever, as the teams went back-and-forth with nine lead changes and two ties before Fox Valley Lutheran secured a 48-44 victory. The teams combined for more than 1000 yards of offense, as Fox Valley Lutheran scored a victory despite allowing 488 rushing yards to the Hawks, who had a 200-yard rusher and two, 100-yard rushers. Lucas Papendorf threw for 288 yards and four touchdowns for FVL, with Nic Martin hauling in five passes for 137 yards and three touchdowns. David Schumacher ran for 119 yards and two scores. Gabe Heiges, Jack Schlueter, and Graham Feidt all had double-digit tackles.
In a showdown of undefeated teams, New Richmond got the better of Chippewa Falls 32-7 for an excellent early Big Rivers Conference victory. The Tigers dominated up front offensively, rushing for 277 yards. Joe Hoeppner did most of the damage, going for 155 yards and two touchdowns. Austyn Wittek added 80 yards and a score whiel quarterback Nick Stellrecht rushed for 40 yards to go with 180 and a touchdown through the air. The New Richmond defense picked off four Chippewa Falls passes on the day and held ChiHi to 191 yards of offense.
Wauwatosa East hasn't been to the playoffs since 2007, and there's a long ways to go before that streak ends possibly, but the Red Raiders took a big early step with a 43-27 win over New Berlin Eisenhower. In the second year under WFCA Hall of Fame coach Tom Swittel, his second stint with the team, the team is looking to make a further improvement after going from 1-8 in 2022 to 4-5 last season. Malachi Mack had a big game in the win over Eisenhower, rushing eight times for 111 yards and three scores. He also recorded 10 tackles, a sack, and an interception.
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.