Since my last post, I’ve been spending time updating the state record book. I just sent it off and you should look at some of the new updates when it's released. I was looking into a story when I realized that I hadn’t given certain records their due so I spent a lot of time digging.
Making their Mark
Moving into 5th place in the single season scoring list is Simon Bauer of Durand who of course led the state in scoring as he scored 43 touchdowns and ran for 21 2-point conversions for 300 total points in 2021. He also ran for 2,805 yards, good for 8th best all-time and totaled 5,412 in his career (21st all-time).
Another player of note is Reed Breckheimer of Hilbert. The senior didn’t come close to beating Mile Firkus’ school rushing records (3rd all-time in the state at 6707) as he only gained 2,868 yards in four seasons but he did a lot of other things as he scored 53 career touchdowns and kicked 164 extra points and 4 field goals for a total of 494 points.
I admit that I don’t know many of the rules about 8-Player football but one of the 8-Player stars I wish I had had a chance to watch was Luck’s Wyatt Jensen. The speedy halfback led the 8-Player division with 2,453 rushing yards and 47 overall touchdowns along with 22 conversion runs. Luck lost to Wausau’s Newman Catholic in the state title game as Jensen didn’t play due an injury he suffered in the semi-final game against Wabeno/Laona. Who knows what would have happened if he had played as Luck lost to Newman Catholic 49-6. By missing the game Jensen came up short in single season scoring as he finished 2nd with 326 points compared to 2015’s Chris Pouliot, also of Luck, who had 328 points. But don’t feel too sorry for Wyatt as he set career records with 86 career touchdowns and 50 2-point conversions for 616 career points. That’s 100-points ahead of Chris Pouliot who had 516 career points. Jensen’s name is all over the records lists for rushing, scoring, kicking, returns and defensive stats.
Speaking of Newman Catholic, they could be a favorite next year to win back-to-back titles as star quarterback Conner Krach will be back after leading the 8-player division in passing with 2,396 yards and 39- touchdown’s
Finally, keep an eye on Blake Schraufnagel of Mayville next season. The junior ran for 2,421 yards and scored 39 touchdowns on the ground and caught 3 scores. He has 3,126 career rushing yards and 53 career touchdowns with a 2-point run. Standing 6’1, 180-pounds he can add his name to the 5000 yard club with a good season.
Trimming the Lists
The record book has to draw the line somewhere when it comes to listing the best seasons and career in state history and as more players add their names to those lists the threshold gets raised.
Single Season Passing Totals went from 2,825 yards to 2,900 minimum and that dropped a few players. Single Season Passing Touchdown Passes went from 32 to 34 and Career Touchdown Passes went from 61-64. Sorry to those who were “cut” from the leader lists.
Some people fell from the lists like in the category of Highest Yards Per Reception, Season…Min. 40 Receptions. Jake Giordiana of Hudson in 2013 caught 44 passes for 1,123 yards, a 25.5 average. He was replaced by Quinn Miskowski of La Crosse Aquinas who pulled in 40 receptions for 1,041 yards and a 26.0 average for the new record.
These were just a few examples. But some rushing stats grew. When I did the story a while back about Elk Mounds' Jim Morris and Owen-Withee’s Nate Harms and then the story on Mike Firkus of Hilbert I saw some glaring omissions. I hope I didn’t go overboard. I added a number of players to the lists of Most 100-yard rushing games in a season and a career, the number of 200-yard rushing games in a season, a career and consecutive games. I also added stats for those who rushed for 300 and 400 yards in a single game. In doing so I decided to look into more passing and receiving stats…most 200 yards receiving and games passing in a season and a career and expand the 300 yard passing game lists.
Upcoming Stories
Back in November Antigo’s Gordy Schofield passed away at age 90 and he was one of the all-time bests. I hope to talk to some of his former players about the coach.
Evan Wick at DeSoto is a coach I want to talk to about the challenges he faces, just as many small school coaches.
I’m working on a story about the 2007 Owen-Withee team that had two 2,000-yard rushers.
I have info on the great Auburndale win streak during 1968-71.
And finally, there are a few message that were sent to this web site that I need to answer but have been to busy. Sorry for the delay everyone.
There you have it. Enjoy the holidays and I will have another blog out soon. Thanks for reading.