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For a second straight season, Aquinas was matched up in the playoffs with a defending D4 state champion from the Capitol Conference, and just like last year's win over Columbus, the Blugolds took care of Lodi in Level 2, shutting out the Blue Devils 29-0. The defense intercepted Lodi twice and limited the Blue Devils to just 156 total yards, including 43 rushing yards on 20 attempts. Offensively, Aquinas quarterback Jacob Thornton was very efficient, completing 10-of-13 passes for 109 yards and two scores. Kyle White ran for 141 yards and a touchdown.
Johnson Creek has won a playoff game four times in the last eight years, but for the first time since 1997, the Bluejays are on to Level 3 of the postseason thanks to a 31-21 win over previously undefeated Ithaca. Johnson Creek put up 31 points despite just 254 yards of offense, as the defense came up with three turnovers and limited the Bulldogs to just 3.1 yards per rush.
Muskego has been a different team since fullback Jack Labisch returned from injury in the final regular season game. They lost three out of four games without him, and narrowly snuck into the playoffs. Things have looked much different the last few weeks, with included a shocking 42-12 running clock win over previously undefeated and top-ranked Franklin on Friday night. The Warriors dominated from the get-go, rolling up 408 yards on the ground, including 178 by Labisch with another 117 by Jackson Niemiec.
Northwestern held off a strong Stanley-Boyd team in a tough two versus three matchup in Division 5, scoring a 26-21 victory on Friday night. The Tigers were significantly out-gained in the game, 374-201, but came up with big plays when they needed them. That included an 86-yard kickoff return touchdown by Jarrod Fossum. Northwestern moves on to play Heart O'North Conference rival Saint Croix Falls on Friday.
Stratford has won the last two state titles in Division 6, but the Tigers are elevated to Division 5 this year, where they've continued to look good. In Level 2, they hosted Amherst in a regular season rematch. Like the first time, Stratford came out on top, pulling away in the second half for a 28-7 victory. Jack Tubbs was outstanding once again, throwing for 111 yards with another 139 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Alec Chapel led the team with 19 tackles, while Jett Schoenherr added four tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and half a sack.
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.