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WSN15: Football Top Teams #14 - 2003 D.C. Everest Evergreens

12/05/2017, 9:23am CST
By Travis Wilson

The WSN15 series will celebrate the 15th Anniversary of WisSports.net by looking back at the top players, teams, and moments of the past 15 years (2003-2017). 

For the Top 15 Teams countdown, more than one season of a program was considered for inclusion on the list, as long as the seasons featured different waves of players. For example, the 2008 and 2012 teams of the same school would be considered, but not necessarily the 2012 and 2013 teams.

The Top 15 Teams countdown is not a "Who would beat who?" list, as that would be heavily weighted towards big schools. Factors in determining the Top 15 Teams included: how dominant the team was compared to contemporaries, how impressive the team was in big games, quality of competition faced, number of high-level players, and more.

Top 15 Teams: #14 - 2003 D.C. Everest Evergreens

It was the glory days for the Wisconsin Valley Conference, which placed a team in the Division 1 state title game nine times in the ten years between 1996 and 2005. 

The 2003 version of the D.C. Everest Evergreens would roll through the playoff field, allowing 14 or fewer points in each game en route to the Division 1 state title.

Everest's title run was capped by a 42-7 running clock victory over Arrowhead in the championship game, as the team set new Division 1 state records for more points in a half (35) and largest margin of victory (35).

The Evergreens got four first half touchdowns from senior running back Mike Rohde plus a 17-yard blocked punt return score by Matt Hohelty to take a 35-0 lead into halftime, as they cruised home from there. Rohde finished with 34 carries for 221 yards, while Nohelty would add two interceptions to his blocked punt and return score.

Rohde and Nohelty would earn First Team All-State recognition that season, as they were joined on the WFCA's list by defensive back Mike Matonich.

While Marshfield, Stevens Point, and Wisconsin Rapids (twice) have made it back to Camp Randall since, it is the last championship for the Wisconsin Valley Conference teams, who now compete in the Valley Football Association. D.C. Everest has not advanced past Level 3 of the playoffs since the 2003 title.

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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