Wisconsin High School Sports | Wisconsin Sports Network | WisSports.net

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.

Prior to Mark Lusic becoming the Amherst head football coach in 2010, the Falcons program had just two playoff appearances in school history, with no postseason victories. In his eight years as head coach, the team has seven playoff appearances, 29 postseason victories, four state titles, and a runner-up finish.

It has been an incredible stretch of success, but the 2015 team was the most dominant. The Falcons were coming off a runner-up finish to Lancaster in 2014, and quickly asserted themselves. 

In Week 1, Amherst won 45-7 over Omro, who would advance to Level 4 in Division 4. The following week, the Falcons won 39-14 at defending Division 6 state champion Saint Mary's Springs, who would go on to repeat later in the year. Dominating victories over playoff teams Iola-Scandinavia and Bonduel would follow.

The domination continued into the playoffs, with wins over New Holstein and Winnebago Lutheran. in Level 3, Amherst would go up 48-0 at halftime against Southern Door before cruising home for a 48-27 win.

That set the stage for a state semi-final showdown against fellow unbeaten Arcadia. For the first time all year, Amherst would trail, as Arcadia took a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter. Amherst answered, tying it up at 14 before Arcadia went up 21-14 at halftime.

The second half was all Amherst, as they punched across four touchdowns to claim a 42-21 victory.

In the Division 5 state title game, Amherst dominating throughout, putting a running clock on Spencer/Columbus Catholic in the third quarter en route to a 42-0 win. The Falcons put up a total of 410 yards of offense, more than triple the 124 yards of Spencer/Columbus Catholic. 

Garrett Groshek had one of the best games in state finals history, throwing for 172 yards and 4 touchdowns on 11-of-14 passing, with another 161 yards and 2 scores on the ground. 

Groshek would earn WFCA Offensive Player of the Year recognition following the season after throwing for 2,398 yards and 41 touchdowns, with 1,432 yards and 16 scores on the ground. Brandon Piotrowski rushed for 1,638 and 27 touchdowns.

Senior lineman Tyler Biadasz was a repeat WFCA All-State pick on defense, adding Honorable Mention recognition on offense. He would commit to Wisconsin, where he took over as the starting center this season.

The 2015 Amherst Falcons own the highest scoring average of any team in state history, scoring averaging 52.6 points per game on the year. The team allowed just nine points per game defensively, most of it in garbage time.

#15 - 2011 Kenosha Bradford Red Devils
#14 - 2003 D.C. Everest Evergreens
#13 - 2006 Franklin Sabers
#12 - 2004 Wisconsin Lutheran Vikings
#11 - 2012 Saint Mary's Springs Ledgers
#10 - 2009 Marquette Hilltoppers
#9 - 2016 Catholic Memorial Crusaders
#8 - 2005 Stratford Tigers
#7 - 2006 Homestead Highlanders
#6 - 2013 Shiocton Chiefs
#5 - 2015 Amherst Falcons
#4 - 2009 Edgar Wildcats
#3 - 2010 Waunakee Warriors
#2 - 2012 Arrowhead Warhawks
#1 - 2014 Kimberly Papermakers

Others Considered

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.