By Brian KalishAugust 19, 2012
Last year featured an intense battle for the CWC-8 conference title between Shiocton and Amherst. The two teams tied at the top of the heap when all was said and done, and Shiocton earned a berth in the state finals. 2012 should provide some entertaining football for fans this year, with Iola-Scandinavia, Wittenberg-Birnamwood and Pacelli looking to challenge Amherst and Shiocton for the conference title.
2011 CWC-8 Standings
1. Shiocton (6-1, 12-2). Great performance overall from Schiocton.
1. Amherst (6-1, 10-2). Powerful offense lifted Amherst to share of conference title.
3. Bonduel (5-2, 8-3). Great effort led to positive results for Bonduel.
4. Iola-Scandinavia (4-3, 5-5). Huettner, Hardel led offense last year.
5. Wittenberg-Birnamwood (3-4, 4-5). Good overall performance.
6. Manawa (2-5, 4-5). Impressive showing in non-conference games
6. Pacelli (2-5, 3-6). Experienced team will give opposing coaches nightmares in 2012.
7. Weyauwega-Fremont (0-7, 1-8). Tough year in 2011, looking for a rebound in 2012.
Teams at a glance:
Iola-Scandinavia
Head coach: Scott Erickson
Key returning players: Brady Huettner, Andrew Bauer, Tanner Krueger
“Every year you graduate a good crop of players and they are always missed, but each year a new group has to step up and take over the leadership role,” Erickson said. “I am very excited about the entire team coming in. A lot of these kids saw a great deal of playing time last season or started. We have very good speed, strength and size. We will have good depth at all positions which should give us great competition in practice and that will help us to get better everyday.”
Wittenberg-Birnamwood
Head coach: Aaron Doll
Key returning players: Senior Cody Kasprak (FB/LB), senior QB/DB Dominik Anderson, Junior Mark Coxen (RB/DB) and junior RB/LB Andrew Van Alstine.
Said coach Doll, “Our main strength for this season would have to be our returning seniors, not only in athletic ability, but also in their strong leadership skills. We have a very talented group of underclassmen who are competing for varsity playing time as well.”
Wittenberg-Birnamwood will be without Logan Hickman, a talented and durable RB. Most notable, however, is the absence of would be senior Mitchell School, who has decided against continuing his football career.
“The CWC-8 overall is very strong,” Doll said. “Shiocton had a tremendous season last year and they are returning a great group of kids. Amherst and Iola are always strong, and Bonduel will go toe to toe with anyone. Just look at the conference games from last season and you’ll see what I’m talking about, every week was a dog fight. If you can be competitive in the CWC-8, you’re a pretty strong team. Our goal this year is to be competitive within the CWC-8. In order for this to happen our young kids are going to have to play above their grade level. We are a young team. Don’t get me wrong, but many of the underclassmen spent quite a bit of time in the weight room since last season, lifting and bonding with the seniors. If the kids learn to trust in each other and play together, there’s no reason we shouldn’t be competitive.”
Pacelli
Head coach: Bob Raczek and Steve Raczek
Key returning players: Isaac Klasinski (OL/LB), Chris Poeschel (WR), Jake Feltz (WR), Jesse Raczek (RB/S)
Pacelli looks to make some noise in the conference after a disappointing 3-6 overall record in 2011. The Cardinals lose a couple of key players to graduation, including 2011 starting quarterback Derek Kawlewski, linebacker JC Lila and offensive lineman Kyle Hopp.
Raczek said that while Shiocton and Amherst remain the teams to beat, every week will provide a significant challenge.
“The conference is probably as strong as it has been,” coach Steve Raczek said. ”It’s pretty well balanced. There aren’t any easy games for anyone this year.”
So what has to happen for Pacelli to challenge for the conference title?
“I think the biggest thing is that we have to stay healthy,” Raczek said. ”We’ve got a lot of nice athletes, but they’re going to be playing both ways (offense and defense). The tough part about that is staying healthy. If we can stay healthy, we can compete with anyone.”
While the Cardinals offense will look to run the ball, keep an eye on Pacelli’s air attack. The Cardinals have two athletic receivers in Feltz and Poeschel and a quarterback who can deliver the ball. Defensively, Pacelli has been working hard to get back to the hard-hitting style of play that has always been their hallmark.
“Last year, I don’t think we hit as well on defense,” Raczek said. ”That’s something we’re going to get back to this year.”
Weyauwega-Fremont
Head coach: Tom Chase
Key returning players: Returning players include Hunter Billington, Trevor Potratz, Dustin Hanes, Nathan Burton, Tre Blohm, Nathan Stelzner, Tyler Steinback, Tyler Schmitt.
Chase said that one of this year’s strengths is “good team chemistry. (This is the) strongest team we have had in numerous years. (We’re) quick and hungry to be successful.”
Amherst
Head coach: Mark Lusic
Key returning players: Chris Zblewski (QB), John Konkel, Brett Patroka
Amherst will be without the services of star running back Willie Doll, as well as Matt Knepfnel, Jordan McKellips and Gage Mott.
The team is returning 14 seniors– the biggest senior class coach Lusic has had in his tenure at Amherst. One key component to Amherst’s success is quarterback Chris Zblewski, who is an accurate passer and a running threat as well. Caleb Clemon, John Konkel, Brett Patroka, Max Strand, Logan Hermson and Joel Biadasz will also provide senior leadership.
Amherst had an enormously successful season last year and is regarded by CWC-8 coaches as one of the top teams once again this year.
“The conference is very tough,” Lusic said. ”Just to make the playoffs is a battle. It’s no cakewalk playing in this conference.”
Key to Amherst’s success this year– as with most teams– is avoiding the injury bug.
“We’re solid in most positions,” Lusic said. ”The thing we’ve been focusing on is getting better every day. I think the guys have responded. We’ve had a good two weeks of camp.”
Manawa:
Bonduel:
Shiocton:
CWC-8 Notes: CWS wants to remind everyone of the 8 game schedule this season. There will be a ninth game no matter what. If you make the playoffs that will be your 9th game. If not, you can schedule a game with another non-playoff team to complete your team’s nine game schedule.
CWS also reminds everyone that the athletes involved are student athletes. Always show good sportsmanship when attending any WIAA function.
