Mauston, WI
Sports
2026 HS Football Previews – Ithaca/Weston Bulldogs
12 hours
2026 Ithaca/Weston Bulldogs
2025 Record: 5-5 (4-3 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Head Coach: Kyle Kelley (1st Year)
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 5-4 (4-3 Scenic Bluffs Conference)
Players to Watch: WR/DB Caden Keller RB/LB Liam Rowin TE/DL Spencer Nelson WR/DB Quintis Banker TE/DL Makai Tauaalo OL/DL Ben Otto
Team Preview: Ithaca begins its first season Co-oping with Weston which should help with numbers to the program. They also welcome in new head coach Kyle Kelley. Ithaca has been a dominant team in the Scenic Bluffs since joining the conference 2 years ago. Ithaca should be poised to be a solid team once again this year. It welcomes back RB Liam Rowin (150-804 4tds) to lead the offense. WR Caden Keller (32-418 3tds) is also back but may move from WR to QB. TE’s Makai Tauaalo (2-25) and Spencer Nelson (8-175 4tds) should help on the line and in the passing game. Ben Otto is a big linemen who should anchor the interior for Ithaca. Otto, Rowin, Nelson, and Quintis Banker should be playmakers on the defensive side of the ball for the Bulldogs. Nelson had 4sacks in his freshmen season last year. Ithaca/Weston once again will compete for the upper spot in the Bluffs.
Key to Success: Melding the Schools with a new coach. Perhaps Coach Kelleys biggest challenge in his first year is to mesh the communities of Ithaca & Weston. Weston won’t bring over a ton of players but the extra bodies will definetly help the Football team.
Game to watch: Week 5 Saturday September 19th Brookwood (Home) 1pm
Brookwood pulled off a shocker over Ithaca last year and Ithaca/Weston will look to get them back on their Saturday Homecoming game.
Ithaca/Weston Bulldog games on WRJC Radio: Week 8 Friday October 9th at Royall 7pm (NOW92oneFM WRJC.com)
Next Preview: Bangor Cardinals
Thanks to Gobound.com for statistics & Player information
2026 HS Football Previews – Wisconsin Dells Chiefs
1 day
2026 Wisconsin Dells Chiefs
2025 Record: 3-6 (3-4 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Mike Janke
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 6-3 (5-2 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB Nolan Schmitz WR/DB Antonio Gomez WR/DB Bear Rettinger TE/DL Hendrix Dawson RB/LB Ethan Hoeper TE/LB Jax Gall
Team Preview When you talk about Wisconsin Dells you start by talking about highly coveted recruit Hendrix Dawson. Dawson has already received college offers from schools like Alabama and Michigan. At 6’4 280 he is a forced to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball. Dawson had 14catches for 167yards and a touchdown on offense and led the team with 4sacks defensively last season. The Dells will likely turn the offense over the Nolan Schmitz at quarterback. Schmitz threw just 4 passes last year but one went for a touchdown. He will have multiple targets to throw to in Antonio Gomez (42-768 9tds) & Bear Rettinger (25-276 2tds). The Dells toughest task may be finding a running back to take the place of 1,000yard rusher Kashon Stoddard who graduated. Jax Gall & Ethan Hoeper will help Dawson out for the Chiefs defense. The Dells should be able to compete for a South Central Conference Championship this season in my opinion.
Key to Success: Finding the next running back. The Dells have had a solid stable of running backs over the years but doesn’t have a clear cut favorite coming into the year. It will be interesting who the Dells turn to to lead their rushing attack in 2026.
Game to watch: Week 7 Friday October 2nd Berlin (Home) 7pm
Berlin has been the best team in the SCC since joining the conference. Can Wisconsin Dells win the week 7 matchup and have a chance to regain a SCC Title? We will find out early in October.
Wisconsin Dells games on WRJC Radio: Week 8 Friday October 9th at Mauston 7pm
Next Preview: Ithaca Bulldogs
Thanks to Gobound.com for statistics & Player information
2026 HS Football Previews – Adams-Friendship Green Devils
2 days
2026 Adams-Friendship Green Devils
2025 Record: 2-7 (2-5 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Richard Case (1st year)
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 2-7 (2-5 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB Cody Ratz RB Cole Pourchot RB Braden Hendricksen
Team Preview: Adams-Friendship turns the team over to new head coach Richard Case who will try to re-build the Green Devils. It will start with returning QB Cody Ratz (44-105-6-557yards 5tds 83-425 2tds). Ratz has a strong arm and has some mobility as well. Not a lot of other players return for the Green Devils but look for Cole Pourchot (35-128) and Braden Hendricksen (16touches 124yards 1td) to have expanded roles on the team.
Key to Success: Building the defense. The defense struggled especially in the Green Devils losses last year. New head coach Richard Case will have to try and revamp that side of the football.
Game to watch: Week 4 Thursday September 10th Wisconsin Dells (Home) 7pm
It’s a Thursday night games between a pair of rivals with the Green Devils looking for a big upset.
Adams-Friendship games on WRJC Radio: Week 6 Friday September 25th Mauston (Home) 7pm
Next Preview: Wisconsin Dells Chiefs
Thanks to Gobound.com for statistics & Player information
2026 HS Football Previews – Nekoosa Papermakers
3 days
2026 Nekoosa Papermakers
2025 Record: 3-6 (3-4 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Derek Baker
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 2-7 (1-6 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/DB Fin Krcmar TE/LB Aiden White Eagle RB/LB Owen Hoogesteger TE/LB Caleb Burch OL/LB Connor Capek
Team Preview: Nekoosa just missed out on a playoff spot last year finishing 3-4 in the South Central Conference and 3-6 overall. The Papermakers must replace a lot of skill positions to have a chance this year. There is no true quarterback returning to its roster although running back Fin Krcmar did complete 4-8 passes for 136yards and 2touchdowns last year. Krcmar also carried the ball 56times for 200yards and led the team in receiving with 27catches for 537yards and 10touchdowns. The goal for the Nekoosa coaching staff is to find the position that Krcmar will help the team out at the most. Owen Hoggesteger had 27touches for 190yards last season and should see and expanded roll with the team this year. Caleb Burk is back on defense where he led the team in sacks with 4.5 last year. Fin Krcmar and his brother Dell (who also returns) combined to notch 3 of the teams 5interceptions last year. Nekoosa might struggle this year but Fin Krcmar will give them a chance in a lot of games.
Key to Success: Finding the right spot for Fin. Fin Krmar is a playmaker at many positions. It is imperative to find out which spot will serve the team the best. That will widely be put on his teammates as well. If someone else can step up at QB it will allow Krcmar to make plays in the backfield and on the edge.
Game to watch: Week 3 Friday September 4th Mauston (home) 7pm
It’s the first conference game of the year with Mauston likely hungry for their first win in a while. Can Nekoosa win their conference home opener in an early season must win game for them? We will find out September 4th.
Nekoosa Papermakers games on WRJC Radio: Week 3 Friday September 4th Mauston (Home) 7pm
Next Preview: Adams-Friendship Green Devils
Thanks to Gobound.com for statistics & Player information
2026 HS Football Previews – Mauston Golden Eagles
6 days
2026 Mauston Golden Eagles
2025 Record: 0-9 (0-7 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Nick Whalen (2nd year 0-9 Record)
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 0-9 (0-7 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB Jacob Bouchette RB/LB Brian Kastner WR/DB Andrew Dillin WR Logan Harrison WR Tyler Hartje WR/DB Landyn Miller OL/DL Austin Hunter
Team Preview: Mauston struggled to gain any traction in an 0-9 campaign last year under first year head coach Nick Whalen. The Golden Eagles do bring back some experience in hopes of picking up at least one win this season. Jacob Bouchette (30-61-7-367yards 2tds) got an opportunity to play QB and had success at times last year. Brian Kastner (48-104 1td) is a strong kid who could be a difference maker in the backfield and on defense. Mauston returns its top 2 receiving threats from last year in Andrew Dillin (31-413 3tds) and Logan Harrison (15-225 2tds). Landyn Miller 49tkls and Kastner 39tkls both led Mauston in that category last season. Mauston will lean on senior Austin Hunter to anchor its interior. Mauston struggled last year and unfortunately I don’t see a giant turnaround this year. I am hoping Mauston will be able to sneak out a couple of wins this year.
Key to Success: Finding a running game. Mauston had more rushing attempts (167) then rushing yards (120) last year. If Mauston wants to avoid a winless season for a second straight year they must find a rushing attack. A healthy Brian Kastner would help Mauston in a big way.
Game to watch: Week 6 Friday September 25th Adams-Friendship (Home) 7pm
Mauston’s best chance at a win last year was vs Adams-Friendship. It once again might be the Golden Eagles best chance for a victory in 2026.
Mauston Golden Eagles games on WRJC Radio: Hopefully all of them with Jack Hammer on SmashCountry92.9FM and WRJC.com
Next Preview: Nekoosa Papermakers/Adams-Friendship Green Devils
Thanks to Gobound.com for statistics & Player information
2026 HS Football Previews – Wautoma Hornets
1 week
2026 Wautoma Hornets
2025 Record: 2-8 (2-5 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Chris Hinz
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 4-5 (2-5 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/DB Peyton Pica RB/LB Mason Dobrecevich WR/DB Mashel Woyak OL/DL Jake Smiley TE/LB Grant Kulibert RB/LB Vinnie Iacobazzi
Team Preview: Wautoma brings back a wide array of talent from last years team. Peyton Pica (62-141-5-833 7tds) is back to lead the offense at quarterback as does his favorite receiver Marshel Woyak (24-431 6tds). Mason Dobrecevich (66-219 1TD) will hope to lead the rushing attack this year for the Hornets. Last years 2nd leading tackler Grant Kulibert (70tkls) is back to anchor the defense with last years Leading sacker Jake Smiley (47tkls 3sacks). There is definitely some talents on this Wautoma team will it be enough to compete in the conference? We will find out over the next few months.
Key to Success: Consistent QB play. Pica completed less than 50% of his passes last year. If Pica can up that percentage and make some plays in the passing game it could soar the Hornets to new heights.
Game to watch: Week 8 Friday October 9th Adams-Friendship (Home) 7pm
These are two classics within the conference and will be competing in a late season game for a playoff opportunity.
Wautoma Hornet games on WRJC Radio: Week 4 Friday September 11th at Mauston 7pm (SmashCountry92.9FM WRJC.com)
Next Preview: Nekoosa Papermakers
Thanks to Gobound.com for statistics & Player information
2026 HS Football Previews – Waupun Warriors
1 week
2026 Waupun Warriors
2025 Record: 8-2 (6-1 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Adrian Harmsen
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 4-5 (4-3 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: WR/LB Liam Hopp WR/LB Brennen Redeker WR/DL Owen Kloosterboer OL/DL Jack Toutant OL/DL Maddox Kast WR/DB Tymon Aalsma QB/DB Elijah Ewerdt
Team Preview: Waupun like many other teams was hit hard by graduation. Waupun must replace nearly every skilled position player from last year’s 8-2 team. Waupun must replace 3,000yard passer Chase Beahm, 1,000 yard rusher Grahm Gopalan, and 1,300 yard receiver Logan Prell. Elijah Ewerdt might be the favorite to start at quarterback but threw just 1 incomplete pass last year. Owen Kloosterboer (25-562 4tds) is a big target at wide receiver who should help the quarterback out. Kloosterboer also was 2nd in sacks last year with 5. Jack Toutant should also help the team as he returns after notching 36tackles and 3sacks last season. Tymon Aalsma had a pair of interceptions last year for Waupun. Waupun might struggle early but I believe they will still be a post season team in 2026.
Key to Success: Finding the next QB! At 6’2 Elijah Ewerdt has the frame to be a quarterback whether its him or another player a lot will be expected of the QB position for Waupun in their pass happy offense especially with little experience coming back to the running back spot as well.
Game to watch: Week 6 Friday September 25th at Nekoosa 7pm
Waupun and Nekoosa might both be fighting to make the post season this year making this a crucial Week 6 matchup in the South Central Conference.
Waupun Warrior games on WRJC Radio: Week 9 Friday October 16th Mauston (Home) 7pm (SmashCountry92.9FM WRJC.com)
Next Preview: Wautoma Hornets
Thanks to Gobound.com for statistics & Player information
High School Prep Football Preview: 2026 Ripon Tigers
1 week
High School Prep Football Preview: 2026 Ripon Tigers
2025 Record: 6-4 (5-2 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Andrew Salgrad 3rd Year(7-12 Record at Ripon)
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 4-5 (4-3 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB Jackson Nelson RB Vincent Monk WR Noah Michael OL/DL John Moreno-Valdez OL/DL Logan Stewart WR/DB Will Dragolovich RB/LB Travis Cumber
Team Preview: Ripon struggled its first two seasons in the South Central Conference but took-off last year to a 5-2 record in the conference and made the post-season. They must replace Eric Cumber who produced nearly 3,000 yards offensively for the Tigers. They must also replace QB Nathan Hanson who managed the offense around Cumber. Jack Nelson (17-38-5 174yards 0tds) is the only returning player who tossed a pass last season. Vincent Monk is back after having 13 touches for 211 yards and 2 touchdowns last season. Noah Michael who was 2nd in receiving (4-127 1td) is also back. Defensively the Tigers return a little bit more including leading sacker John Moreno-Valdez (62tackles 5.5sacks, and Logan Stewart (48tackles, 3sacks). Will Dragolovich is also back after recording 3interceptions last season. Replacing Eric Cumber will be tough but in a weak conference I see Ripon being just good enough to make the post season. Coach Selgrad has them on the right track.
Key to Success: Offensive Game. Ripon put up some big rushing numbers last season behind Eric Cumber. The question is was it the game plan or Cumber. I think Ripon will find a new athlete that takes on that role and give them a chance to roll on the ground once again.
Game to watch: Week 1 Thursday August 20th Laconia (Home) 7pm
Laconia ended Ripons season in the playoffs last year but opening up at home vs Laconia Ripon will have some sweet revenge on their minds.
Ripon Tiger games on WRJC Radio: Week 7 Friday October 2nd Mauston (Home) 7pm (SmashCountry92.9FM WRJC.com)
Next Preview: Waupun Warriors
Thanks to GoBound.Com for Statistics & Player information
2026 HS Football Preview: Reedsburg Beavers
2 weeks
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Reedsburg Beavers
2025 Record: 10-4 (4-3 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Head Coach: Calvin Zenz
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 5-4 (4-3 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/DB Sawyer Mittelstaedt RB/LB Ian McClure RB/LB Carter Seep RB/LB Grant Webber OL/LB Trenton Lauterbach RB/LB Colin Wolf TE/DL Teighan Schmidt
Team Preview: Reedsburg had a so-so regular season but got hot in the post season and was just seconds away from a State Championship before Grafton hit a game winning field goal. Will Mikonowicz nearly willed the Beavers to that state title and his production will be hugely missed but Reedsburg does return a lot from last year’s state runners-up team. Sawyer Mittelstaedt (5-22-3-103 1TD 31-189 3tds) got a lot of playing time at QB as a freshman and could be the Beavers next big playmaker. RB Ian McClure (45-559 6tds) will help lead the ground game along with Carter Seep (27-201 1TD). Reedsburg returns a ton defensivly including leading sackers Teighan Schmidt (46tkls 5sacks) & Grant Webber (83tkls 4sacks 1INT). Trent Lauterbach, Colin Wolf, & Rylan Knuth are also top tacklers returning from last season. Replacing Minkonwicz is an impossible task and will not be filled by just one person but Reedsburg has enough talent to compete for a Mississippi Valley Conference Championship and another post season appearance and possible deep playoff run.
Key to Success: Replacing Mikonowicz. Will MiKonowicz ran for over 2,600 yards and 42 touchdowns last year for Reedsburg, oh and he threw for another touchdown. That is tough to replace. Look for Sawyer Mittelstaedt, and Ian McClure to have bigger roles for Reedsburg.
Game to watch: Week 4 Friday September 11th Onalaska 7pm (Home)
This game features two of the best teams in the MVC over the last few years and should be a strong battle on the field. That night also features a corn feast and steak challenge at Millennium Field in Reedsburg.
Reedsburg Beaver games on WRJC Radio: None at this time
Next Preview: Ripon Tigers
Thanks to GoBound.com for statistics and player information.
2026 HS Football Preview: Berlin Indians
2 weeks
2026 HS Football Preview: Berlin Indians
Berlin Indians
2025 Record: 8-2 (7-0 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Joe Stellmacher
Mike’s 2026 Projected Record 5-4 (5-2 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/LB Zander Beck QB/DB Tannyon Klawitter OL/DL Derek Tetting TE/LB Ben Green OL/DL Asher Rhodes
Team Preview: Berlin has been the team to beat in the South Central Conference since coming over but heavy graduation loss might bring them down this season. Berlin must replace at least 2/3’s of last year’s team including a large portion of the lines quarterback, running back, and receivers on offense. Tannyon Klawitter is the only returning player who completed as pass last season for Berlin. He was 2-2 for 18yards. Zander Beck (25-179 2tds) is the leading returning rusher. Ben Green (29-179 1td) will also be back to help lead the ground game. Berlin lost both their top receiving threats as well from a year ago. Ben Green, Asher Rhodes, and Hunter Bellman are all back defensively for the Indians. The defense might be forced to win games early for Berlin.
Key to Success: Finding the next playmakers. Carter Hess both passed and ran for over 1,000 yards for Berlin last season and will be tough to replace. Jakob Martin who ran for over 1,200 yards is also gone to graduation. Berlin is hoping to reload not rebuild and will look to its youth to lead the charge.
Game to watch: Week 1 Friday August 21st Weyauwega-Freemont 7pm (Home)
Weyauwega-Freemont handed Berlin its only regular season loss last season and it should be another battle to open the season this year.
Berlin Indian games on WRJC Radio: Week 5 Friday September 18th vs Mauston 7pm (Home)
Next Preview: Reedsburg Beavers
Thanks to GoBound.com for statistics and player information.
