2014 Week-By-Week Best Matchups WIAA 8-Man Football

Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran, the 2013 WIAA 8-Man State Football Champions

Stiehm Stadium, the site of the 2014 WIAA 8-Man Football Jamboree on Saturday, November 1

My best week-by-week matchups of the 2014 WIAA 8-Man Football season:  

Week 1:  Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah at Bowler/Gresham (August 22) - Elkhart has one of the easiest schedules in the league this season and could run the table if they win against a Bowler team that is loaded with size and is in the hunt for the Great 8 championship this season.

Week 2:  Prairie Farm at Luck (August 28) - The best and second-best teams in the Lakeland Conference the last two years, respectively, meet in a crucial game that could determine the conference champion once again this season.

Week 3:  Valley Christian at Stockbridge (September 5) - This game could be the only win of the season for one of these teams. But it's still a football game.

Week 4:  Bowler/Gresham at Gibraltar (September 12) - Likely one of the best games of the season.  Each team is capable of handing the other team their only loss of the season, which could also cost the losing team a spot in the State Championship game come November.

Week 5:  Gibraltar at Oakfield (September 19) - The home Oaks were destroyed 90-18 at the visiting Vikings last season. That score will most likely be on the minds of the Oakfield team this time around.  Don't expect the same score this year.

Week 6:  Prairie Farm at Bruce (September 26) - Prairie Farm's win over the Raiders last season guaranteed their spot in the State Championship last year.  The Panthers could be in the same spot this season, but Bruce could be as well.

Week 7:  Siren at Prairie Farm (October 4) - On a fairly straightforward week, the Dragons visit Prairie Farm looking to get into position to be in the Jamboree for the first time.

Week 8:  Bowler/Gresham at Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran (October 11) - The Panthers visit the Blazers in a game that clashes Bowler's size against the speed of N.E.W. Lutheran.

Week 9:  Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran at Gibraltar (October 17) - The visiting Blazers defeated the host Vikings 55-44 at N.E.W. last season in a matchup of unbeatens with the winner going to the State Championship. The same could be on the line this season as both squads could be without a loss heading into the last week of the 2014 regular season. 

2014 Week-by-Week Best Matchups WIAA Football

My 2014 best matchups week-by-week for the WIAA High School Football season:  

The WIAA Football State Championships this year are held at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on November 20-21.

Week 1:  Platteville at Darlington (August 22) - The D4 runner-ups from last year visit the D6 runner-ups from last year:  Platteville lost to Winneconne 28-14, while Darlington fell to Shiocton 35-0.

Week 2:  Seymour at Menasha (August 29) - Menasha reached Level 4 a season ago and will most likely receive its biggest test in its new conference from a hungry Seymour team, led by offensive lineman and Wisconsin recruit Jon Dietzen.  

Week 3:  Pittsville at Edgar (September 5) - Pittsville advanced to Level 4 in a bit of a surprise year last season, while Edgar is trying to recapture its dominance in D6 from its former years.

Week 4:  Menomonie at Hudson (September 12) - The two heavyweights from the Big Rivers Conference clash in a game that could once again decide the conference champion. The Raiders have beaten Menomonie six years in a row.

Week 5:  Mukwonago at Arrowhead (September 19) - Two D1 powerhouses collide at the home of the two-time defending state champions.  The Indians were a win away from playing the Warhawks in the championship game last season.

Week 6:  Cedarburg at Homestead (September 26) - These teams are the cream of the crop in the North Shore Conference.  Both teams lost to Kimberly in the playoffs last season as the Cedarburg Bulldogs fell to the Papermakers in Level 2, while the Homestead Highlanders dropped a 37-7 decision to Kimberly in Level 3.  Homestead went on the road and won a 35-31 thriller over the Bulldogs last season.  

Week 7:  Ashwaubenon at Bay Port (October 3) - This game will most likely decide the FRCC champion.  Ashwaubenon is led by senior QB James Morgan, a Bowling Green recruit, while Bay Port is led by senior QB Alec Ingold, a Northern Illinois recruit.

Week 8:  Brookfield Central at Sussex Hamilton (October 10) - New coach Jed Kennedy leads the Lancers into a Greater Metro showdown with the host Chargers, who beat Central twice last year:  once on the road in the regular season, and once at home in Level 1 of the playoffs.

Week 9:  Roncalli at Kewaunee (October 17) - Both powerhouses of the Olympian-Packerland Conference advanced to Level 4 in their respective divisions last season. (Roncalli in D4, Kewaunee in D5).  This could be the most entertaining conference game this season.  Both were undefeated heading into their Week 9 matchup last season, as Roncalli shut out the Storm at home 35-0.

Louisville vs. Vanderbilt CWS Game Preview

Tomorrow night at 7pm, the Louisville Cardinals (50-15, 19-5 AAC) take on the Vanderbilt Commodores (46-19, 17-13 SEC) in an opening round game at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.  Louisville is making their its second consecutive trip to Omaha after sweeping the Super Regional best-of-three series 2-0 against Kennesaw State last weekend.  The Cardinals won games one and two 5-3 and 7-4, respectively.  Sophomore Kyle Funkhouser will be getting the start for the Cards'.  He has a team best ERA of 1.73 on the season.  Funkhouser also leads the team in wins with 13.  Cole Sturgeon has a batting average of .331, a team high.  Jeff Gardner leads the team with 9 homeruns and 68 RBI.  Vanderbilt is making a trip to the CWS after winning its Super Regional series 2-1 at home against Stanford last weekend.  The Commodores won games one and three to clinch the series.  Sophomore Carson Fullmer will be the starting pitcher tomorrow night.  He leads Vandy starters with an ERA of 1.78.  Walker Buehler leads the 'Dores with 11 wins on the season.  Bryan Reynolds has a .343 batting average that leads the team.  Wiel Zander has a team best 5 dingers on the year, while Reynolds has 52 RBI to lead the squad.  These teams met earlier in the season, with Louisville getting the 11-7 win at Vandy.  I think this will also be a high scoring affair, as the young starting pitchers may have some nerves early in this contest.  After it's all said and done, I think Louisville's bats will carry them to another win, this one in the opening round of the College World Series.

UC Irvine vs. Texas CWS Game Preview

Tomorrow afternoon at 2pm CST, the UC Irvine Anteaters (40-23, 15-9 Big West) take on the Texas Longhorns (43-19, 13-11 Big 12) in the opening game of the 2014 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.  The Anteaters earned a trip to Omaha by besting Oklahoma State two games to none in the best-of-three series in the Super Regionals last weekend.  Strong pitching has carried Irvine this season, as they have a team ERA of 2.76.  Andrew Morales is the ace of the staff and he will get the start tomorrow afternoon for the 'Eaters.  He pitched a complete game shutout in the series-clinching game in Stillwater last weekend.  Morales has a team-best ERA of 1.53 among starting pitchers.  He also has a team high 11 wins.  Connor Spencer leads UC Irvine in batting average with a .370 mark.  Taylor Sparks and Kris Paulino are tied for the team lead in homeruns with 5, and Spencer leads the team with 44 RBI on the season.  Texas was rewarded with another trip to the CWS after sweeping Houston 2-0 in its Super Regional series last weekend.  The Longhorns also have a strong pitching staff that has been their bread and butter this year.  Senior Nathan Thornhill has an ERA of 1.57 to lead pitchers with a minimum of 10 starts, and he will get the start tomorrow on the hill for the 'Horns.  He also has a team-best 8 wins on the season for legendary coach Augie Garrido.  Madison Carter has a batting average of .347, tops for the team.  Ben Johnson leads the team with 6 homeruns, and Mark Payton has a team best 38 RBI.  This should be a great game, and I think runs will be at a premium with two great starting pitchers taking the hill.  I think Morales will continue his hot streak on the mound for the Anteaters, and I look for UC Irvine to manufacture some runs and come out with an opening round win.

Newman Catholic vs. Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran WIAA Division 5 Sectional Final Game Preview

Tomorrow afternoon at 2pm at Pulaski High School, the Newman Catholic Cardinals (20-6, 10-4 Marawood - South) take on the Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran Blazers (25-1, 14-0 Packerland) in a WIAA Division 5 Sectional Final. The Cardinals earned the trip to Pulaski by coming from behind to beat Columbus Catholic on Thursday night 39-34. Newman came back from a 22-9 halftime deficit to capture the win. Senior Marcus Gabriel had a game-high 15 points (all in the second half) for the Cardinals, who outscored the Dons 13-0 in the third quarter. Gabriel, a St. Cloud State Football recruit, leads the team with 11.9 points per game this season. N.E.W. clinched a spot in the sectional championship by finding a way past Wausaukee 63-58. The Blazers held a four point halftime lead and outscored the Rangers by one in the second half on their way to the victory. Senior Dakota Zinser, a UW-Whitewater Basketball recruit, led the team with 13 points. Zinser also leads the team in points per game this season, averaging 19.2. I think this will be a battle of the guards in Gabriel and Zinser. I also think the Blazers' speed and size will give them the sectional championship and their fourth trip to the State Tournament in Madison in five years.

WBY Shootout All-Tourney Team

I watched some or all of 14 out a possible 18 games throughout two days at the WBY Shootout held at Concordia University in Mequon over December 26-27. I have compiled an all-tournament team made up of five first-team players with five honorable mention players. Here they are:

First-Team

1. (MVP) Henry Ellenson - 6-9, Rice Lake

Ellenson went up against the best junior in the country, Diamond Stone, and handled him easily as the Warriors beat Dominican by double digits.  Ellenson, who has offers from both Wisconsin and Marquette, impressed me so much by his ball-handling skills for a big man and his ability to rebound and shoot a terrific jumpshot, especially from beyond the three-point arc.

2. Chandler Diekvoss - 6-6, West De Pere

Diekvoss had two impressive games against D1 teams, as the Phantoms beat Racine Case on Day 1 and Milwaukee Washington on Day 2. Diekvoss had 18 points against Washington and can bring the ball up the court if needed with his impressive ball-handling skills. The Richmond recruit and wing impressed me by his smooth three-point shot as well as his underrated passes into tight spaces for assists.

3. Matt Heldt - 6-10, Neenah

Heldt transferred to the Rockets his sophomore year after playing at Appleton West as a freshman. This junior is such a sleeper in the state because of his ability to run the floor as a 6-10 big man in the post, and that ability leads to layups and dunks on the other end.  His rebounding and blocking ability are his strengths, but Heldt must get stronger and bigger if he wants to be an elite player in the future.  

4. Lamonte Bearden - 6-2, Germantown

The catalyst of the undefeated Warhawks is clearly Bearden.  I loved watching his defensive pressure as he was a defender who moved his feet, had his arms out wide, and followed his assignment in the Warhawks' press. Bearden's size as a point guard can't be overlooked, and the Buffalo recruit's ability to get to the basket impressed me as he had two dunks in the first quarter. His athleticism is his best asset.

5. Nathan Toenjes - 6-7, Green Bay N.E.W. Lutheran

Toenjes had an impressive one-handed follow-up dunk on Day 1. He runs the floor well for a big man and can easily grab offensive rebounds and put them back up for easy points. Also a great defender who can block shots and grab boards with no trouble.  The Concordia Nebraska recruit leads the Blazers, who have not lost a Packerland Conference game since January 27, 2012.

Honorable Mention

Diamond Stone - 6-9, Dominican

The enormous junior had eye-popping dunks in this shootout. Outplayed by Ellenson on Day 1, Stone has a sweet-looking mid-range jumpshot and can grab rebounds from anybody with ease.  

Nathan Neveau - 5-10, Oshkosh North

Not only is Neveau an outstanding quarterback on the football field, he is also a floor general on the basketball court. Though he is rather small, Neveau makes up for it with his determination and ability. The Hillsdale recruit could make just about every pass imaginable and is deadly from behind the arc. His exceptional man-to-man defense wreaked havoc on opponents and his quickness allowed him to get to the rim for an easy layup with ease.

C.J. Polk - 6-0, Wisconsin Lutheran

The Minnesota State-Moorhead recruit is a fast and electric guard who drives hard to the basket and finishes easy shots. A great defender on the Vikings' press as he comes up with steals because of his quickness. Also, he has a pretty-looking three-point shot that is highly accurate.  

Joe Sherburne - 6-6, Whitefish Bay

A long, athletic wing who could deflect passes on defense because of his length. Could also handle the ball for a tall athlete and could stroke the three-ball at will.  

Ethan Bublitz - 6-1, Kettle Moraine Lutheran

This underrated prospect positively surprised me by his passing abilities and his shooting. Had multiple assists to wide open teammates and also shot the mid-range jumper and three-pointer extremely well. Went off for 25 points in the Chargers' Day 1 victory over Brookfield Academy.

Bears at Eagles Game Preview

Tonight at 7:30PM CST on NBC, the Chicago Bears (8-6) visit Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles (8-6). Chicago comes into this pivotal Sunday Night Contest after defeating the Cleveland Browns on the road last week in come-from-behind fashion 38-31. They outscored the Browns 21-7 in the final period to secure a crucial win. Matt Forte rushed for 127 yards to lead the Bears. He also leads the team in rushing this season with 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns. Jay Cutler has thrown for 2,173 yards this season and 16 touchdowns for Chicago. Their leading receiver is Alshon Jeffery, who has 1,265 yards this season to go along with 7 touchdowns. Brandon Marshall is the team leader for receivers with touchdowns, as he has 10 on the year. Philadelphia can clinch the NFC East with a win and a Dallas loss today. That is possible because Dallas lost at home to Green Bay last week. The Eagles lost 48-30 in Minnesota, but Green Bay's win kept Philly at the top of the East division. Quarterback Nick Foles threw for 428 yards and 3 touchdowns in a losing cause. Foles also leads the team with 2,398 passing yards on the season and 23 touchdowns. He filled in at starting QB halfway through the year due to Michael Vick's injury, shutting him down for the remainder of the season. LeSean McCoy leads the Eagles' rushing attack with 1,343 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is the only player with over 1,000 rushing yards this season. DeSean Jackson has 1,275 receiving this yards and 9 touchdowns, as he is the only receiver over the 1,000 yard barrier this year. This should be a great game as both teams need this win to stay in contention for their respective division titles and a home playoff game. I think the Eagles, being at home, will win this game with their passing attack and move one step closer to a playoff berth.