The Stratford Tigers came within a couple of plays from tying the longest winning streak in Wisconsin prep football history Friday night. But a blocked punt and subsequent 37-yard field goal with three seconds to go gave La Crescent, Minn., a 34-31 win over the Tigers in non-conference action Friday night.
Stratford had not lost since the 2002 playoffs and was looking for its 48th straight win, which would have tied the mark set by Manitowoc from 1983 to 1987. The Tigers and coach Cal Tackes deserve all the credit in the world for what they have accomplished. It's too bad they couldn't have matched the Ships' record, but their streak is still remarkable.
Friday, September 29, 2006
More blogs to come
For those loyal few who enjoy this blog, I must apologize for not updating this the four times a week I promised when I started this in August. I will, however, try to be better at it in the coming weeks.
Since I am also responsible for putting together Packers Preview each week, I may throw NFL topics out there as well. Any suggestions are welcome.
Since I am also responsible for putting together Packers Preview each week, I may throw NFL topics out there as well. Any suggestions are welcome.
Prep picks of the week
After going 4-1 last week, I am now 11-9 on the season. That's hardly anything to brag about but it does mean that the games of the week usually can go either way. Here are this week's five best games to watch:
1. Kimberly at Menasha: The Papermakers can move closer to a Fox Valley Association title with a win over the defending champion Bluejays. Menasha needs this game to move closer to a playoff berth. Kimberly 28, Menasha 14.
2. Fond du Lac at Oshkosh West: Fondy and West still have an outside shot at an FVA title and both are eyeing a playoff berth. Add in a good rivalry in the rain and this one is a can't miss game to watch. Oshkosh West 24, Fond du Lac 21.
3. Waupaca at Little Chute: Both teams are among the best programs the Valley 8 has to offer. This one should go down to the wire. Waupaca 18, Little Chute 14.
4. Oshkosh Lourdes at Randolph: The Knights can clinch a playoff berth with a win tonight. Randolph has struggled the past couple of years and are looking for the upset. Lourdes 35, Randolph 16.
5. Manawa at Weyauwega-Fremont: Injuries have hurt Weyauwega-Fremont this year but they still are among the best in the conference. Manawa also continues to improve. Weyauwega-Fremont 30, Manawa 24.
1. Kimberly at Menasha: The Papermakers can move closer to a Fox Valley Association title with a win over the defending champion Bluejays. Menasha needs this game to move closer to a playoff berth. Kimberly 28, Menasha 14.
2. Fond du Lac at Oshkosh West: Fondy and West still have an outside shot at an FVA title and both are eyeing a playoff berth. Add in a good rivalry in the rain and this one is a can't miss game to watch. Oshkosh West 24, Fond du Lac 21.
3. Waupaca at Little Chute: Both teams are among the best programs the Valley 8 has to offer. This one should go down to the wire. Waupaca 18, Little Chute 14.
4. Oshkosh Lourdes at Randolph: The Knights can clinch a playoff berth with a win tonight. Randolph has struggled the past couple of years and are looking for the upset. Lourdes 35, Randolph 16.
5. Manawa at Weyauwega-Fremont: Injuries have hurt Weyauwega-Fremont this year but they still are among the best in the conference. Manawa also continues to improve. Weyauwega-Fremont 30, Manawa 24.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Good games featured
The area conference races are shaping up as the regular season reaches its midpoint this week. So far it's been a rough go for this prognosticator, but that shows just how good football is in eastern and central Wisconsin. Here are this week's top games. My record this season stands at 7-8.
1. Little Chute at Oconto Falls: Both teams are in the thick of the Valley 8 race. Whoever loses this game won't have much of a shot at winning the conference title. Little Chute 28, Oconto Falls 14.
2. Menasha at Fond du Lac: The defending Fox Valley Association champion Bluejays are already behind Kimberly in the standings. Another loss could end hopes of any back-to-back title talk. Menasha 20, Fond du Lac 12.
3. Oshkosh West at Neenah: Neenah put itself back in the mix with an upset win over Menasha last week. The Wildcats need a victory to keep pace with Kimberly. Oshkosh West 24, Neenah 21.
4. Xavier at Fox Valley Lutheran: The Hawks are clearly favored in this one but anytime these former Fox Valley Christian Conference foes meet, anything can happen. Xavier, however, looks unstoppable in the Valley 8. Xavier 42, Fox Valley Lutheran 21.
5. Montello at Oshkosh Lourdes: The Knights came back strong last week in a 35-0 win over Markesan after losing a non-conference heartbreaker to Omro the week before. Montello is also in the thick of the Trailways-Large race and will offer a stiff test this week. Lourdes 21, Montello 16.
1. Little Chute at Oconto Falls: Both teams are in the thick of the Valley 8 race. Whoever loses this game won't have much of a shot at winning the conference title. Little Chute 28, Oconto Falls 14.
2. Menasha at Fond du Lac: The defending Fox Valley Association champion Bluejays are already behind Kimberly in the standings. Another loss could end hopes of any back-to-back title talk. Menasha 20, Fond du Lac 12.
3. Oshkosh West at Neenah: Neenah put itself back in the mix with an upset win over Menasha last week. The Wildcats need a victory to keep pace with Kimberly. Oshkosh West 24, Neenah 21.
4. Xavier at Fox Valley Lutheran: The Hawks are clearly favored in this one but anytime these former Fox Valley Christian Conference foes meet, anything can happen. Xavier, however, looks unstoppable in the Valley 8. Xavier 42, Fox Valley Lutheran 21.
5. Montello at Oshkosh Lourdes: The Knights came back strong last week in a 35-0 win over Markesan after losing a non-conference heartbreaker to Omro the week before. Montello is also in the thick of the Trailways-Large race and will offer a stiff test this week. Lourdes 21, Montello 16.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Top games featured tonight
Prep football in northeastern Wisconsin continues to be among the best in the state. Tonight will be no exception.
After two weeks of predictions, I've improved to 4-6. Here are the top five area games to watch with predictions.
1. Oshkosh North at Kimberly: At the beginning of the season, not much was expected from North. But the Spartans have started off 2-1 and face the first-place Papermakers in a key Fox Valley Association matchup. Last year North beat Kimberly to deny the Papermakers a playoff spot. Kimberly had done the same to North the year before. Look for Kimberly to get its revenge. This one will be close. Kimberly 27, Oshkosh North 21.
2. Appleton North at Oshkosh West: Both teams stumbled last week but remain in the thick of the Fox Valley Association race. A loss, however, will severely damage someone's title hopes. Oshkosh West 17, Appleton North 7.
3. Oconto Falls at Xavier: Oconto Falls is vastly improved and could give the Hawks a run tonight. Xavier, however, has too much firepower and should begin to take control of the Valley 8. Xavier 35, Oconto Falls 21.
4. Valders at Hilbert: The Wolves need a win to stay in the Olympian title chase. Valders is one of only two unbeatens in the conference. Tradition may favor Hilbert, but Valders has the horses this year. Valders 16, Hilbert 14.
5. Neenah at Menasha: The Bluejays are the defending Fox Valley Association champions and need a win desperately. Neenah is talented, but struggling. But when these two teams meet, throw out the records. But records can only go so far. Menasha is just too talented not to come away with a victory this time around. Menasha 23, Neenah 16.
These aren't the only good games this weekend, so check out the rest of the high school action. If you can't go to the game, log on to: www.postcrescent.com
After two weeks of predictions, I've improved to 4-6. Here are the top five area games to watch with predictions.
1. Oshkosh North at Kimberly: At the beginning of the season, not much was expected from North. But the Spartans have started off 2-1 and face the first-place Papermakers in a key Fox Valley Association matchup. Last year North beat Kimberly to deny the Papermakers a playoff spot. Kimberly had done the same to North the year before. Look for Kimberly to get its revenge. This one will be close. Kimberly 27, Oshkosh North 21.
2. Appleton North at Oshkosh West: Both teams stumbled last week but remain in the thick of the Fox Valley Association race. A loss, however, will severely damage someone's title hopes. Oshkosh West 17, Appleton North 7.
3. Oconto Falls at Xavier: Oconto Falls is vastly improved and could give the Hawks a run tonight. Xavier, however, has too much firepower and should begin to take control of the Valley 8. Xavier 35, Oconto Falls 21.
4. Valders at Hilbert: The Wolves need a win to stay in the Olympian title chase. Valders is one of only two unbeatens in the conference. Tradition may favor Hilbert, but Valders has the horses this year. Valders 16, Hilbert 14.
5. Neenah at Menasha: The Bluejays are the defending Fox Valley Association champions and need a win desperately. Neenah is talented, but struggling. But when these two teams meet, throw out the records. But records can only go so far. Menasha is just too talented not to come away with a victory this time around. Menasha 23, Neenah 16.
These aren't the only good games this weekend, so check out the rest of the high school action. If you can't go to the game, log on to: www.postcrescent.com
Monday, September 11, 2006
Soccer teams ranked
A pair of area soccer teams are ranked in this week's Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association state poll.
Fond du Lac (7-0) is ranked 10th in Division 1 while Xavier (4-2) is fourth in Division 2.
Fond du Lac (7-0) is ranked 10th in Division 1 while Xavier (4-2) is fourth in Division 2.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Area cross country runners among state's best
Four area high school cross country runners made the first Wisconsin High School Cross Country Honor Roll compiled by Eric Lehmann and Shawn Busteed of Waukesha.
Kelly Bogard of Kimberly tops the girls list with a time of 14:25 at the season-opening Appleton West Terror Invite.
Marie Hoffman of Appleton East is 10th with a time of 15:14.1 at the West Allis Hale Invitation on Sept. 1
Kimberly's Tyler Morey leads area boys at No. 4 in a time of 16:02 at the Appleton West Terror Invite, while Neenah's Christianson (no first name listed) is seventh in 16:09 at the Neenah Invite.
Kelly Bogard of Kimberly tops the girls list with a time of 14:25 at the season-opening Appleton West Terror Invite.
Marie Hoffman of Appleton East is 10th with a time of 15:14.1 at the West Allis Hale Invitation on Sept. 1
Kimberly's Tyler Morey leads area boys at No. 4 in a time of 16:02 at the Appleton West Terror Invite, while Neenah's Christianson (no first name listed) is seventh in 16:09 at the Neenah Invite.
Another solid night of football ahead
Week 3 of the prep football season is once again filled with intriguing matchups. Here are my top five games of the week with predictions.
1. Oshkosh North at Oshkosh West: West just has too many weapons. Prediction: Oshkosh West 23, Oshkosh North 14.
2. Fond du Lac Springs at Winnebago Lutheran Academy: WLA has dominated the series in recent years but the Ledgers won't start the season 0-3. Prediction: Springs 28, WLA 21.
3. Kimberly at Appleton North: In a battle of FVA unbeatens, the Papermakers get the slight edge although they are on the road. Prediction: Kimberly 28, Appleton North 27.
4. Little Chute at Xavier: Xavier still is the top team to be in the Valley 8. Prediction: Xavier 27, Little Chute 7.
5. Waupaca at Hortonville: The Comets have history behind them but the Polar Bears are much improved. This one could go down to the wire. Prediction: Waupaca 17, Hortonville 14.
Last week: 1-4. Not a good start to a great season.
1. Oshkosh North at Oshkosh West: West just has too many weapons. Prediction: Oshkosh West 23, Oshkosh North 14.
2. Fond du Lac Springs at Winnebago Lutheran Academy: WLA has dominated the series in recent years but the Ledgers won't start the season 0-3. Prediction: Springs 28, WLA 21.
3. Kimberly at Appleton North: In a battle of FVA unbeatens, the Papermakers get the slight edge although they are on the road. Prediction: Kimberly 28, Appleton North 27.
4. Little Chute at Xavier: Xavier still is the top team to be in the Valley 8. Prediction: Xavier 27, Little Chute 7.
5. Waupaca at Hortonville: The Comets have history behind them but the Polar Bears are much improved. This one could go down to the wire. Prediction: Waupaca 17, Hortonville 14.
Last week: 1-4. Not a good start to a great season.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Behm out indefinitely
Dion Behm, the standout quarterback and defensive back for Weyauwega-Fremont, could miss the rest of the football season. Behm broke his collarbone this past weekend in the Indians' 27-7 loss to Xavier.
Weyauwega-Fremont, the defending CWC-Large champions, open conference play Friday when it hosts Tri-County.
Weyauwega-Fremont, the defending CWC-Large champions, open conference play Friday when it hosts Tri-County.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Busy day ahead
It's a shame the NFL ends it's preseason tonight. Years past, teams would be allowed to play up until Sunday during the final week of the exhibition season.
Sadly, now all teams must complete play by Friday. By scheduling the Packers on Monday night, the NFL did not allow Green Bay to play its final preseason game Thursday like most teams were able to do.
Even though the Packers game was moved to 3 p.m. to avoid a conflict with high school football, it wasn't enough to prevent conflicts. Many parents are forced to make a choice between watching the Packers or watching their sons or daughters compete. Not only is there high school football tonight but there are also cross country meets and soccer and volleyball matches.
The NFL should rethink it's policy, especially when its preseason overlaps with the start of the high school fall sports season.
Sadly, now all teams must complete play by Friday. By scheduling the Packers on Monday night, the NFL did not allow Green Bay to play its final preseason game Thursday like most teams were able to do.
Even though the Packers game was moved to 3 p.m. to avoid a conflict with high school football, it wasn't enough to prevent conflicts. Many parents are forced to make a choice between watching the Packers or watching their sons or daughters compete. Not only is there high school football tonight but there are also cross country meets and soccer and volleyball matches.
The NFL should rethink it's policy, especially when its preseason overlaps with the start of the high school fall sports season.
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