Mauston, WI
Sports
2025 HS Football Previews – Wautoma Hornets
7 months
2025 Wautoma Hornets
2024 Record: 2-7 (2-5 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Andy Krueger
Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 4-5 (2-5 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/DB Peyton Pica RB/LB Skyler Royston OL/LB Jake Smiley OL/DL Alan Jimenez-Cervantes RB/DB Marshal Woyak
Team Preview: Wautoma finished just 2-7 last year but closed out their season stronger. They had a future Division 1 offensive tackle to run behind last year and that road grader is gone. Running to success last year was Skyler Royston (210-1207 12tds) is back to lead the offense. QB Peyton Pica (20-59-0-303 2tds) is also back. Jake Smiley and Alan Jimenez-Cervatnes is back on the offensive line to help path the way for Royston. Smiley and Cervantes are also two of the top returning defenders from last season. Marshal Woyak led the team with 3 interceptions last season is also back to help anchor the defense.
Key to Success: Defense! Wautoma gave up 36 or more points in 2/3 of their games last season. The defense must improve for them to be a plus .500 team this season. Woyak and Pica will have to lead the secondary while Smiley and Jimenez-Cervantes will have to take the next step up front.
Game to watch: Week 3 Friday September 5th Mauston (Home)
Wautoma has a good chance to win both their non-conference games to start the year which would make them going 2-0 into their home game vs Mauston. This game although early in the season could determine a playoff spot for both these young teams.
Wautoma Hornet games on WRJC Radio: Week 3 Friday September 5th Home vs Mauston (SmashCountry92.9FM WRJC.com)
Next Preview: Nekoosa Papermakers
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
2025 HS Football Previews – Waupun Warriors
7 months
2025 Waupun Warriors
2024 Record: 6-4 (4-3 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Adrian Harmsen
Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 7-2 (6-1 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB Chase Beahm WR/DB Grahm Gopalan WR/DB Logan Prall WR/DB Kaden Del Ponte WR/DB Emmitt Hull WR/LB Wesley Kunz TE/LB Owen Kloosterboer
Team Preview: Waupun enjoyed their first season in the South Central Conference on their way to a playoff berth. Waupun brings back experience and height at its wide receiver position. It should make things easier for quarterback Chase Beahm (127-217-9-1756 20tds) who had a strong season last year. 6-3 Logan Prall (35-717 9tds) and 6-4 Kaden Del Ponte (10-178 3tds) are two big pass catching targets for Beahm. Grahm Gopalan (14-210 0tds) and 6-2 Emmitt Hull (18-146 3tds) is also back creating a deep wide out stable. Both of last year’s leading rushers and a large chunck of the defenders graduated from last year for Waupun. Linebackers Wesley Kunz (41tackles 2sacks) and Owen Kloosterboer (28tackles 2sacks) will have to take on bigger roles this season defensively. The passing game should be strong enough for Waupun to have a strong South Central Conference season in an expected down year for the conference this season.
Key to Success: Balance. Waupun is expected to have a very strong passing game this season but in order to keep team’s off-balance they are going to also find a way to run the ball too. Grahm Gopalan a returning receiver is the leading returning rusher from last year with just 71yards. A ground game would also help keep opposing defenses from pinning their ears back to get to Beahm.
Game to watch: Week 9 Friday October 17th at Wisconsin Dells
I think Berlin is a shoe in to win a South Central Conference Championship. Waupun vs Wisconsin Dells could decide 2nd place. This game could close out the regular season with a bang and maybe give the winner a home playoff game.
Waupun Warrior games on WRJC Radio: Week 8 Friday October 10th at Mauston (SmashCountry92.9FM WRJC.com
Next Preview: Wautoma Hornets
2025 HS Football Previews – Ripon Tigers
7 months
Ripon Tigers
2024 Record: 1-8 (1-6 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Andrew Salgrad (1-8 Record at Ripon)
Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 1-8 (1-6 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/LB Nathan Hanson RB/LB Eric Cumber WR/LB Dylan Martyna WR/DB Noah Michael OL/DL Jamason Briske
Team Preview: Ripon is still under rebuild mode under the direction of 2nd year head coach Andrew Selgrad. Last year Ripon won just a game against a depleted Mauston team. Ripon lost its leading rusher, receiver and tackler from last year. They do return quarterback Nathan Hanson (36-102-16-484 8tds), with a year of experience the hope is he plays better and helps lead this Ripon team. Eric Cumber (63-522 4tds) is back after leading the team in touchdowns last season. Noah Michaels is the returning leading tackler with 41tackles last year while Jamason Briske is also back after notching a pair of sacks last season. It will be an uphill climb again for Ripon but I believe coach Selgrad will have them eventually going in the right direction in Ripon.
Key to Success: Growth. Coach Selgrad has had success at other schools and is trying to rebuild this Ripon football team. If Ripon can grow on last years’ experience they should be able to build this program and have success hopefully for their sake sooner than later.
Game to watch: Week 6 Friday September 26th at Mauston
Ripon has had just one victory in the last two years and it came last season against Mauston. This will be a battle of two rebuilding teams. Mauston will look for revenge while Ripon will try to knock off Mauston for a 2nd straight season.
Ripon Tiger games on WRJC Radio: Week 6 Friday September 26th at Mauston (SmashCountry92.9FM WRJC.com
Next Preview: Waupun Warriors
2025 HS Football Preview: Wonewoc-Center/Weston 8-Man Football Team
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Wonewoc-Center/Weston SilverWolves 8-Man Football Team
2024 Record: 1-7 (1-6 Ridge & Valley 8-Man Conference)
Head Coach: Jake McGlynn
Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 3-5 (2-5 Ridge & Valley 8-Man Conference)
Players to Watch: QB Jack Byrdy RB/LB Brady Westphal WR/LB Gavin Olson WR/DL Cam Thellefsen OL/DL Trevor Westphal
Team Preview: This will be the final run for the Wonewoc-Center/Weston Co-Op before Weston joins Ithaca in a co-op. The Silverwolves have a chance to be a .500 football team in my opinion this season. They have some talented skill players that could make a difference. Jack Byrdy (35-94-10-372 3tds) is back at quarterback with a season of experience. Brady Westphal (103-579 5tds rushing) is back at running back along with Gavin Olson (55-199 1TD Rushing) who could lead to a dynamic backfield. Cam Thellefsen (8-159 2tds receiving) adds size and athleticism to the receiving core. Trevor Westphal is a big kid on the interior for Wonewoc-Center/Weston co-op. Olson led the team in tackles a season ago while Thellefsen led the team in TFL’s. The Wolves will have to block for their talented skill players. If the blocking arrives this team could have a .500 or better season.
Key to Success: Blocking. In 8-man football you don’t need to find as many bodies up front but you still need a few to get the job done. The Silver-Wolves lost Logan Peterson and Reid Byrdy to graduation they were two of their stalwarts up front last year. If they can have some blockers up front their skill players have a chance to have a lot of success.
Game to watch: Week 5 Friday September 19th at Belmont
I have WC/W finishing at 3-5 on their season. Belmont is a winnable game and could put the Silver-Wolves at the .500 mark or better. This will be a pivotal game in the middle of their season.
Wonewoc-Center/Weston Silver-Wolves games on WRJC Radio: Week 1 Thursday August 21st North Crawford at Weston HS (NOW92.1FM & WRJC.com)
Next Preview: Ripon Tigers
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
2025 HS Football Team Preview: Berlin Indians
7 months
Berlin Indians
2024 Record: 9-2 (7-0 South Central Conference)
Head Coach: Joe Stellmacher
Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 9-0 (7-0 South Central Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/DE Jakob Martin RB/DB Carter Hess TE/DE Hayden Reddington TE/LB Ben Green OL/DL Trent Tetting
Team Preview: The Berlin Indians enjoyed their first year in the South Central Conference rolling to a Conference Championship in its first year. Expect much of the same this year from Berlin who brings back a backfield tandem then combined to run for over 2,000yards in Jakob Martin (147-1096 20tds) & Carter Hess (122-980 8tds). They will have to find a quarterback after the graduation of Aaron Bartol. Hess was the only other player to throw a pass last season. at 6’5 Hayden Reddington (26-478 9tds receiving) is a big pass caching and blocking tight end. Trent Tetting is back to lead the offensive line. They must replace bigtime linebacker Max Sonnentag on defense but Martin led the team in sacks with 5 last year and Hess had 5interception to lead the team last year. Ben Green is also back after notching 4sacks and 46tackles last year. Berlin should roll through the South Central again and if they can find a quarterback to manage the offense they could make a deep post season push as well.
Key to Success: Finding the next QB. Berlin returns a lot but needs to find a QB to lead the offense. Hess was 1/7 passing last year and is most likely to stay at the running back position. They will have to used their last years JV quarterback or find another player to fill that spot.
Game to watch: Week 2 Friday August 29th Kiel (Home)
It’s a non-conference game but Kiel handed Berlin their lone regular season loss a season ago. Berlin will look for redemption on its home field.
Berlin Indian games on WRJC Radio: Week 4 September 12th at Mauston (SmashCountry92.9FM WRJC.com)
Next Preview: Wonewoc-Center/Weston 8-man Football Team
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
2025 HS Football Previews -Reedsburg Beavers
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Reedsburg Beavers
2024 Record: 6-3 (5-2 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Head Coach: Calvin Senz (5th Year 16-21 Record)
Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 8-1 (6-1 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Players to Watch: QB/DB Will Mikownowicz RB/LB Landon Purifoy WR/DB Ian McClure RB/DB Jaxon Hess RB/LB Colin Wolf TE/LB Grant Wolf OL/DL Landen Knuth RB/DB Gavin Budnik
Team Preview: Last year’s surprise team in our area was the Reedsburg Beavers. The Beavers came off a sluggish 2023 and some early season off-field issues to win a share of the MVC conference and make it to level 2 of the post-season. Reedsburg brings back plenty from last year’s team including running back Landon Purifoy (122-1174 19tds rushing) and quarterback Will Mikonowicz (18-39-3-256 3tds) who had 761yard and 10tds rushing. Reedsburg also has a lot back on the offensive and defensive line including Landen Knuth who had 2sacks last year. The top 4 tacklers are also are returning for Reedsburg defensively Jaxon Hess (62tkls), Colin Wolf (61tkls), Grant Weber (61tkls), and Gavin Budnik (47tkls). Reedsburg has the experience and a dominating rushing attack to content for another Mississippi Valley Conference Championship and a potential deep post season run.
Key to Success: Defensive improvements. Reedsburg relied on their offense last year in a big way because the defense struggled. The Beavers gave up 24 or more points in half of their games and gave up nearly 900 passing yards in just two post season games. If the Beavers can sure up on defense they could be the best team in our area.
Game to watch: Week 4 Friday September 12th at Onalaska
It’s an early conference showdown but might go a long way in deciding the MVC championship. Last year both team tied for the championship with 3 other teams both teams would like to do a little less sharing this year.
Reedsburg Beavers games on WRJC Radio: None
Next Preview: Berlin Indians
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
2025 HS Football Preview – Tomah Timberwolves
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
Tomah Timberwolves
2024 Record: 1-8 (1-6 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Head Coach: Joe Protz (6th Year 12-32 Record)
Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 0-9 (0-7 Mississippi Valley Conference)
Players to Watch: RB/LB Aiden Brieske WR/DL Silas Cram QB/RB/LB Tim Budde RB/LB Shon Abbas WR/DL Michael Zastoupil OL/DL Bo Rewey
Team Preview: I have to do it again; I have to pick Tomah to go 0-9. Two years ago I picked them to go 0-9 and they surprised everyone into a post season berth. I hope this will motivate them again as they finished just 1-8 last season including 1-6 in the MVC conference. The schedule is brutal for Tomah including a tough non-conference schedule against Baldwin-Woodville & West Salem. Tomah has some playmakers on the offensive side. Tim Budde (140-737 5tds rushing) may replace Jackson Steffel at quarterback and has speed to burn; Silas Cram (9-103 3tds receiving) and Michael Zastoupil (1-4 0tds receiving) are two tall wide receivers that could help Budde (14-23-4-181 0tds passing) out and Aiden Brieske (14-122 0tds receiving 64tkls) is a strong tight end and will be a force on the defensive side as well. Shon Abbas (48-306 3tds rushing) had some strong games at running back last season for Tomah. The interior on both sides of the ball is a major concern but should be anchored by Bo Rewey (16tkls).
Key to Success: Figuring out the interior. Tomah has playmakers and has some speed with Budde but needs the big men to play big and block to open up holes for their offensive playmakers and give the quarterback time to throw to his big receivers. Defensively Tomah has to win in the trenches to give themselves a chance. If Tomah can surprise in the trenches they will surprise overall.
Game to watch: Week 5 Friday September 19th at Sparta
Tomah vs Sparta is a good rivalry game regardless of records and Sparta reclaimed the Golden Ball travelling trophy last season. Tomah will try to bounce back and win for a 2nd straight time on Sparta’s remodeled field like they did in 2023.
Tomah Timberwolves games on WRJC Radio: None
Next Preview: Reedsburg Beavers
Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.
Mike’s Prep Football Football Preview Schedule
7 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
These Preview will air during our 6am, 7am, 8am, noon, 4pm & 5pm Sports segments
July 29th Tomah
July 30th Reedsburg
July 31st Berlin
Aug 1st Wonewoc-Center/Weston 8-man Football
August 4th Ripon
August 5th Waupun
August 6th Wautoma
August 7th Nekoosa
August 8th Mauston
August 11th Wisconsin Dells
August 12th Adams-Friendship
August 13th Ithaca
August 14th Bangor
August 15th Hillsboro
August 18th Cashton
August 19th Brookwood
August 20th Necedah
August 21st New Lisbon
August 22nd Royall
Necedah’s Hedden Earns High School All-American Medal
8 months
Congratulations to Delilah Hedden who became Necedah’s first High School All American last fall! She recently received her High School All American medal for her outstanding performance during the 2024 XC season. To qualify for this award a female athlete needs to run sub 19:00 in a 5K. This needs to be accomplished within the regular season. Delilah accomplished this during her run in Arcadia with a time of 18:35, at Conference with a time of 18:58, and at State with a time of 18:39! Great Job Delilah!
Local Players Have Success at Football All-Star Game
8 months
by WRJC WebMaster
in Sports
A couple of local athletes competed in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (Small Schools) all-star game this past Saturday. Mauston’s Hayden Gyllin played for the Northern squad while Royall’s Jackson Bender played for the Southern team. Gyllins North team defeated Benders South squad 19-12. Gyllin had 3 tackles including 1 for a loss. Bender led the south in rushing with 93yards on just 3 carries including a 50yard burst. Wisconsin Dells was represented by Sam Ersland who had 9carries for 68yards and a touchdown. Jack Tubbs completed 2 of 4 passes for just 4yards. Tubbs dad Jason was the head coach of the northern team. Tubbs is the retiring coach at Stratford but is a Tomah native.
