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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.

First under Steve Jorgensen and later under Steve Jones, the Kimberly Papermakers have gone from a largely inconsequential program on the statewide stage to the state's pre-eminent high school football team.

In the last 11 seasons, Kimberly has won seven state championships to go with a runner-up finish in 2009. The Papermakers are in the midst of a 70-game overall winning streak that includes five straight state titles.

With seven undefeated state titles in the WSN Era, it was extremely difficult to peg one as the best. The 2008 group received strong consideration, but we went with the 2014 squad.

Kimberly would win its second of five straight championships, allowing just 27 first-half points all season (compared to 446 of their own). All told, Kimberly outscored opponents 587-130 on the season. A 29-12 victory over rival Appleton North, where Kimberly led 29-0 until the fourth quarter, was the closest game the team would have all year.

In the playoffs, Kimberly dominated Big Eight teams Madison West 56-20 and Madison La Follette 34-0, before a 41-15 victory over Fond du Lac in Level 3.

After a 48-16 win against Marquette in Level 4, the Papermakers faced off against two-time defending Division 1 state champion Arrowhead for the title. It was domination the whole way, as Kimberly claimed a 31-6 win, out-gaining Arrowhead 440-249. 

Offensively, the passing game put up huge numbers, as Honorable Mention All-State quarterback Austin Weyenberg threw for 1,998 yards with 28 touchdowns against just one interception. Backup Danny Vanden Boom even threw four touchdowns. As a junior, eventual All-State running back Blair Mulholland rushed for 1,589 yards and 26 touchdowns, while Evan Dux went for 1,357 yards and 14 scores. Jake Johnson caught 57 passes for 909 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The defense featured numerous playmakers, including D1 players like Sam Plucker, Logan McCormick, and Bret Verstegen. Verstegen, defensive end Connor McCormick, and offensive lineman Tyler Mercx were WFCA All-State choices. Weyenberg, Johnson, Plucker, Korey Hietpas, and Marcus Matsche were Honorable Mention All-State choices.

You couldn't go wrong picking any of the seven unbeaten Kimberly championship teams of the last decade for inclusion on the list.

#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

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