NOTE: Each week, the sports editors of swews4u.com; A.J. Gates (Grant County Herald Independent), Jason Nihles (Platteville Journal), Tom "Gunner" Gunnell (Republican Journal) and Erik Olson (The Richland Observer) will vote on the top prep gridiron performers of the week. Our combined vote will produce a weekly list of five "Friday Night Heroes." If you don't agree with our rankings or you feel we missed a standout performance, feel free to post a comment and plead your case.
LEVEL I PLAYOFFS HERO OF THE WEEK -
A.J. Day, DB/RB (Lancsater, jr.) – had two key interceptions, a fumble recovery and a handful of tackles as Lancaster's defense shut down Westby in a 29-6 WIAA Division 5 Level II win last Friday. Tonight Day and the undefeated Arrows (11-0) will travel to top-seeded Necedah (11-0) for a D5 Level III contest.
LEVEL I’s OTHER FRIDAY NIGHT HEROES
2.John Alanis, RB/LB (Seneca, sr.) – the state's leading rusher kept at it with 205 yards and 2 more TDs in a 20-0 Level II win over Hillsboro. Alanis helped the Indians advance to Level III, where they will travel to top-seeded Highland this Saturday.
3.Blake Bodenstein, QB/DE (Highland, jr.) – for the second week in a row the dual-threat quarterback was effective both through the air and on the ground completing 3-of-6 passes for 42 yards, including 2 fourth down TD passes, and rushing for 51 yards and a third fourth-down TD in a 27-12 victory over Belmont. Highland will now host Seneca this Thursday in a Division 7 Level III playoff game.
4.Troy Baker, RB (Lancaster, jr.) – was the Arrows' offensive star against Westby rushing for 109 yards and a TD, and catching a TD pass for a second score in the 29-6 win Level II victory over the visiting Norsemen.
5.Hayden Schliem, WB/DB (Black Hawk, sr.) – caught four passes for 170 yards, including a 90-yard TD to aid Black Hawk's attempt to upset Catholic Central. The Warriors lost by a point 35-34, but might not have been close without Schliem.
HONONABLE MENTION
Jace Johnsrud, RB/DB (Black Hawk, sr.) – rushed for team-high 105 yards on 10 carries and also returned an interception 35 yards for a score in Black Hawk’s 34-35 D7 playoff loss to Burlington Catholic Central.
Tyler Kleist, RB/LB (Highland, sr.) – rushed for a game-high 88 yards and a touchdown and made 10 tackles on defense in Highland’s 27-12 victory over Belmont.
