By Dwayne Corry and Brian Kalish
August 19, 2012
Wisconsin Rapids– Can Wisconsin Rapids repeat as conference champions in the Valley Conference Association South? Can SPASH regain its swagger with Pete McAdams back at the helm after a down year? Will Marshfield be able to challenge for the title?
Let’s get right into it…
2011 Standings
1. Wisconsin Rapids 7-0 (8-1). Lost its first game to Hudson and never looked back until Madison.
2. Marshfield 6-1 (8-1). Only loss was to Rapids. Held big lead until late in the third.
3. Menahsa 4-3 (5-4). Well-balanced on offense last season.
4. Stevens Point 3-4 (4-5). Did not have the feel of a Pointer-coached team.
5. Neenah 3-4 (4-5). Very good defense last season.
6. Oshkosh West 3-4 (3-6). West sure could pass the ball last season.
7. Oshkosh North 1-6 (2-7). Almost upset Rapids on the road last season.
8. Fond Du Lac 1-6 (1-8). Were in a lot of games last year.
2011 Leaders
Team Rushing: Wisconsin Rapids 2397 yards.
Team Passing: Oshkosh West 1572 yards.
Team Offense: Marshfield 388 yards per game.
Rushing TDs: Wisconsin Rapids 28.
Passing TDs: Oshkosh West 14.
Team Defense: Marshfield 185 yards per game.
Interceptions: Wisconsin Rapids 10.
Fumble Recovories: Marshfield 12.
Teams at a glance
Fond Du Lac
The Cardinals had a tough season last year finishing with just one win. But 2012 looks encouraging. Coach Michael Gnewuch’s team goal is “team first” this season.
“For the season we are obviously trying to improve from 2011. Our goal is TEAM first. We have been constantly stressing the importance of accountability on and off the field. If you do not execute your assignment, the team will suffer in some way shape or form, regardless of your role on the team…starter, backup, demonstration player, etc. The staff really wants to make this a special experience for the senior class. I wouldn’t say that we have any standout players, but we are going to need certain individuals to step up at different times. As we continue practicing, we are starting to develop an identity. I hope our identity is that we are a scrappy and gritty team that never surrenders,” said coach Gnewuch.
Marshfield
The Tigers had an awesome season. 368 points scored, only 101 points given up, an 8-1 regular season record, and in the top two of nearly every single offensive category there was. Their only blemish was losing to Rapids in Marshfield. Gone is all star QB Elliot Ashbeck, but halfback Riley Gebelein is returning. Look for the Tigers to be right there at the end.
“We are going to rely on our all conference back from last season to handle the Lion’s share of the offense this year. We again have talent at the perimeter on offense. The line will have to come together quickly to help Riley, but should be a decent group. Our defense will be lead by Ross Zillman at linebacker, and our secondary will be Senior loaded. We hope to compete with the conference powers to be, in the hunt for a chance at a top finish,” said head coach Dennis Goettl.
Oshkosh West
One thing you can count on from Coach Kenneth Levine squad every season, and it’s his teams ability to move the ball in the air. Look for the WIldcats to improve on last years 3-6 record dramitcally this season. They are a dark horse candidate to win the conference.
“I want to see everyone on the team have big seasons!! Our most likely candidates to have a big year are Joel Hinke, Ethan Nelson, Quincy Stokes, and Ricky Bluhm.” said coach Levine.
Menasha
The Bluejays led the conference at one point last season. The Bluejays averaged just over 330 yards on offense per game last season. They are returning a lot of players, and are ready to make life tough on the VFA South.
“I look for Tyler Korth to have a great year for us as a three year starter that has proven to be one of the best passers in the area. He has the ability to change games with his excellent athleticism and passing accuracy. Zeek Hooyman is a kid that will be playing both offensive and some defensive lines. He is a tough player. Tevor Rhodes and Emanuel Jenkins are excellent threats on the outside, and DYlan Szews and Josh Mennen will make an formidable one-two punch in the backfield. Defensively Pat Schultz, Andrew Schiessl, and Brandon Smith are all coming back as starting LB’s and look extremely fast. Nate Schmidt returns as an all conference cornerback. We look to get back to the playoff’s and barring any major injuries, challenge for the top of the conference.” said coach Jeramie Korth.
Wisconsin Rapids
Conference champions. Check. Trip to State title game. Check. It was a good season for the Lincoln Red Raiders, head coach Tony Biolo and 1st year defensive coordinator Steve Hepp. But that was 2011 and this is 2012. The Red Raiders have many starters to replace including the defensive player of the year in Vince Biegel. Can they get it done?
“Every year you face the task of replacing your senior class. This year is no exception. I like where we are as a team. We are ahead of schedule in many area’s, but have a lot of work left to get done before the season opener,” said coach Tony Biolo.
Stevens Point
The Panthers were 3-4 in conference and 4-5 overall. The 2011 edition of the Panthers did not look like a typical SPASH team. Departed head coach Scott Rice liked to utilize a lot of motion and misdirection in the passing game and seemed to prefer to air the ball out whenever possible. However, SPASH turned over almost its entire offensive roster from the previous year, so the lack of experience was definitely an obstacle.
SPASH returns running back Zach Pozorski, who has a great blend of size and speed and is sure to be a force in the conference in 2012. SPASH’s defense also figures to improve and return to the punishing, hard-hitting unit of seasons past. Kudos to Stevens Point’s athletic director for getting it right and bringing back head coach Pete McAdams. Look for SPASH to be right back in the mix for a conference title. The VFA South just got a little tougher.
Neenah
The Rockets were 3-4 in conference last year, and the biggest issue was scoring points. Their defense was fast and tough, and CWS looks for more of the same from Neenah. Coach Kert Dietrich and his players will be ready to play any given Friday night.
Oshkosh North
The Spartans were a tough team to figure out last year. After barely losing to conference champion Rapids, in Rapids they got blown out by 48 points the following week in Menasha. Head coach Chris Kujawa is intense and will have the Spartans ready to win.
CWS Conference Predictions
1. Marshfield 7-1. The Tigers are always tough, what’s in the water over there?
2. Menasha 6-2. Korth is a three year starter, and their defense has experience.
3. Stevens Point 5-3. SPASH alumni hold a special day for coach McAdams.
4. Oshkosh West 4-4. What is not to like about the Wildcats?
5. Wisconsin Rapids 4-4. The Red Raiders will run the ball, then run it some more, right behind future Badger Hayden Biegel.
6. Neenah 3-5. Will be tough on defense, again.
7. Fond Du Lac 2-6. The Cardinals are doing things the right way.
8. Oshkosh North 1-7. The most dangerous 1-7 team in the state.
VFA 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.
