Wisconsin High School Football Playoff Picture: Upsets, Rematches, and the Road to State
The Wisconsin high school football playoffs are already delivering drama. After a first round that whittled down 45 teams in Northeast Wisconsin to 24, Level 2 promises even more intense competition. While five top seeds remain, the path to the state championship is proving anything but predictable, especially with a significant number of teams facing tough road matchups and a surprising number of rematches on the horizon.
Road Warriors and Local Battles
A notable trend emerging from Level 2 is the disadvantage faced by top teams in Division 1. All three remaining Division 1 contenders – Bay Port, Kimberly, and De Pere – find themselves on the road. This immediately injects an element of unpredictability, as playing away from home in the playoffs carries a distinct psychological and logistical challenge. Bay Port faces Milwaukee Reagan, while Kimberly has a rematch against Hamilton, a team that handed them a decisive defeat earlier in the season. De Pere will attempt to continue their upset run against Hudson.
Beyond the Division 1 struggles, six local-local matchups are set to ignite passions across the region. Three of these are rematches, adding an extra layer of intensity. The Pulaski at West De Pere, Bonduel at Kewaunee, and Wrightstown at Freedom games will be fiercely contested, with each team already possessing intimate knowledge of their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. These local derbies often transcend simple football, becoming community events with bragging rights on the line.
Undefeated Teams Face Their Toughest Tests
Five teams remain undefeated as they head into Level 2: West De Pere, Notre Dame, Winneconne, Manitowoc Lutheran, and Lourdes Academy. However, maintaining a perfect record in the playoffs is notoriously difficult. West De Pere, a dominant force in Division 2, will be heavily favored against Pulaski, but the pressure of expectation will undoubtedly mount. Notre Dame faces Slinger, while Winneconne will host Altoona. Manitowoc Lutheran and Lourdes Academy will look to continue their winning ways against Weyauwega-Fremont and Eleva-Strum, respectively.
The question isn’t just *can* these teams stay undefeated, but *how* will they respond to the increased pressure and scrutiny that comes with each playoff victory? The mental fortitude of these squads will be just as crucial as their on-field talent.
Divisional Dynamics and Potential Upsets
Division 3 sees Luxemburg-Casco as the lone remaining team from that bracket, facing a challenging road game against Plymouth. Their improbable run highlights the parity within the division and the potential for lower-seeded teams to make deep playoff runs. In Division 4, Winneconne’s dominant 71-0 victory in Level 1 signals their intent, but they’ll need to maintain that intensity against Altoona.
The Rise of the Run Game
Across multiple divisions, a reliance on a strong running game appears to be a key factor for success. Teams like Amherst (Division 5), Wauzeka-Stuben/Seneca (Division 7), and Brillion (Division 5) are all built around establishing the run. This strategy not only controls the clock but also wears down opposing defenses, particularly crucial in the colder November weather. Expect these teams to lean heavily on their ground attacks in Level 2.
Furthermore, the success of teams like Lourdes Academy, who have posted three consecutive shutouts, demonstrates the power of a dominant defense. Shutting down an opponent’s offense not only secures victories but also demoralizes opponents, creating a significant psychological advantage.
Looking Ahead: The Playoff Landscape is Shifting
The early stages of the Wisconsin high school football playoffs have already revealed several key trends: the challenges of road matchups, the intensity of local rivalries, and the importance of both a strong running game and a stifling defense. As the competition intensifies, expect more upsets, more dramatic finishes, and a continued evolution of strategies. The teams that can adapt, maintain composure under pressure, and execute their game plans effectively will be the ones hoisting the championship trophies. The road to state is long and arduous, but the excitement is palpable.
What matchups are you most looking forward to in Level 2? Share your predictions in the comments below!
Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association
