D1 State Championship: Franklin vs Sun Prairie

It all led up to this moment! The battle for the Division 1 State Championship between the two best teams in the state Wisconsin. Franklin HS (13-0) vs Sun Prairie (13-0). Not only was it for the crown, but also the winner would cap off the perfect season. The presumed game of the year was overflowing with D1 talent and talent for every other level of competition. Sun Prairie came out with their extremely well balanced offense, and a defense with college talent at all three levels. Franklin fielded the best passing offense in the state led by QB1 in the Prep Redzone WI rankings and Badgers commit [player_tooltip player_id="31205" first="Myles" last="Burkett"]. They also fielded a defense just like Sun Prairie’s. D1 talent at every level of it and very deep. Let’s get into the showdown! <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Game Recap</strong></span> The game didn’t take long to get exciting. After a Sun Prairie punt, Franklin’s offense turned the ball over deep in their territory after a bad snap. The Franklin defense and star DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31243" first="Daniel" last="Martens"]</strong> weren’t going to give up points easily, though. Martens came up huge and picked off a pass in the endzone to take away the early Sun Prairie momentum. The Franklin offense took the field again and this time they were able to work down into the redzone before being held to a 33 yard field goal attempt for the 3-0 lead. Sun Prairie rode on the back of Iowa commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31219" first="Addison" last="Ostrenga"]</strong> on their next drive as he picked up big yards on the ground and through the air. The drive ended in a Schulz 34 yard field goal to tie the game at 3. Franklin quickly pulled away on the next drive as QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31205" first="Myles" last="Burkett"]</strong> found WR <strong>Reese Osgood</strong> for the 88 yard TD pass. Osgood’s elite speed made it an easy pitch and catch as he pulled away with ease. The defenses stepped up following the big play. Back to back punts, and then a PBU by <strong>Logan Mathews </strong>of Franklin led to a turnover on downs. Not to be outdone, sophomore Sun Prairie DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105025" first="Sam" last="Ostrenga"]</strong> stepped up and reeled in an INT off a tipped pass. SP couldn’t do anything with the turnover, and gave the ball back to Franklin late in the half. With 3:51 to play, <strong>Terrance Shelton</strong> of Franklin used his speed to get to the edge and score from 6 yards out for the 17-3 lead. Following the score <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31232" first="Keaton" last="Arendt"] </strong>of Franklin picked off a pass, but Franklin couldn’t turn it into more points, and the half came to an end with Franklin up 17-3. The second half got off to a slow start, but eventually Franklin found their groove as Burkett took off on the ground getting the ball to the SP1. From there, senior RB <strong>Tanner Rivard</strong> punched it in. Sun Prairie couldn’t get much going on offense to this point, and it stayed that way. Their biggest spark came late in the third when DB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31341" first="Michael" last="McMillan"] </strong>intercepted the Franklin QB. That’s when the offense found their rhythm. SP QB<strong> [player_tooltip player_id="31393" first="Jerry" last="Kaminski"] </strong>found <strong>Davis Hamilton</strong> for the 34 yard score! After a forced punt, Kaminski led the offense down the field again. This time he finished the drive with his legs rushing in a 4 yard score to cut the deficit to Franklin 24-17! The 4th quarter saw a lot of defense early, and multiple punts. Franklin finally lit up the scoreboard more when Burkett found WR <strong>Reese Osgood </strong>for the 30 yard TD pass. Franklin put the game away and locked u pthe perfect season and championship with a Burkett- Arendt TD pass with :40 left in the game giving us our final of Franklin 38-17! <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Players of the Game</strong></span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31205" first="Myles" last="Burkett"], ’22 QB- Franklin</strong> <em>Stat Line: 16/23, 276 Yards, 3 TDs, 7 Carries, 20 Yards</em> The 6'2" 210 lbs signal caller doesn't need much an introduction. The top QB in the state, and WI Badgers commit, proved why he holds the position of QB1 in the state with a stellar performance in the biggest game of his high school career. He stretched the field with his strong arm, put the ball exactly where he needed to, showed off the speed that will allow him to threaten defenses on the ground if they turn their backs to him, and lastly he made some very impressive throws with pressure right in his face. All traits needed to succeed at the highest level. I'm excited to follow Myles' career! <strong>Reese Osgood, ’22 WR- Franklin</strong> <em>Stat Line: 5 Receptions, 169 Yards, 2 TDs</em> The 6'1" 185 lbs WR is one of the most underrated seniors in the state. Osgood has D1 level athletic, and explosive traits. He flashed them over and over as he stretched the defense, including reeling in an 88 yard pass; the longest pass play in D1 State Championship history here in WI! If the defense doesn't have a wall of defenders to stop the big time playmaker then it's over because there is no catching the track star in the open field. Add in soft hands, and savvy route running and you get a WR that is going to be an impact player at the next level for whoever steals him. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31232" first="Keaton" last="Arendt"], ’22 DB/WR- Franklin</strong> <em>Stat Line: 8 Receptions, 69 Yards, 1 TD, 2 Tackles, 1 INT</em> The 6'2" 185 lbs senior is one of the few two way playmakers for the Franklin Sabers. He clearly was the heart of the team, and a leader on the field. On offense, Keaton was a reliable possession receiver who won by creating separation with his route running and bigger frame. He also demonstrated strong hands that were able to make catches in traffic. Keaton is also a strong athlete who is able to make an impact as a blocker, and is a tough tackle in the open field. On defense, Keaton flashed the awareness to be reliable in zone coverage. On his INT he did a great job of not biting on underneath routes in his zone, and seeing other receivers entering his zone allowing him to put himself in position for the INT. Arendt can definitely play at the next level. He needs more looks. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31243" first="Daniel" last="Martens"], ’22 DB- Franklin</strong> <em>Stat Line: 7 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 PBU</em> One of the fastest risers in the state has been the 5'11" 187 lbs senior DB for Franklin. It's easy to see why he has earned himself FBS PWO offers this fall once you watch him play. Martens has a very well rounded game that will allow him to be a playmaker at all three levels of the defense. His ability to quickly diagnose paired with the range to get to any spot on the field during a play makes him a serious weapon in the defensive backfield. He can fly downhill and be a stout run defender one play and on the next he can pick up a WR up the seam and grab the INT. You will be hard pressed to find a more well rounded DB. Daniel is definitely one of the state's most talented DBs, and he is still uncommitted, coaches. <strong>Tanner Rivard, ’22 RB- Franklin</strong> <em>Stat Line: 32 Carries, 147 Yards, 1 TD</em> The 5'11" 200 lbs senior had a major role in the showdown with Sun Prairie, and he delivered. I was impressed by Tanner's inside/outside versatility. He was able to play with power and balance as he broke through tackle attempts on inside carries as he piled up yards after contact. Rivard also demonstrated the vision to find holes and bounce runs to the outside where he could show off the speed. The blend of power, vision, and balance should intrigue schools. He could be a steal at the D3 level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31350" first="Carson" last="Walkowiak"], ’22 LB- Franklin</strong> <em>Stat Line: 9 Tackles</em> The 6'1'' 185 lbs senior LB repeatedly grabbed my attention during the game. I'm surprised he only finished with 9 official tackles because he seemed to be around the ball nonstop. He proved that he could avoid and shed blocks as well as maneuver through the trash at the second level allowing him to make all the tackles he did. Carson also was able to be a sideline to sideline playmaker. Definitely an under the radar senior to know! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="31393" first="Jerry" last="Kaminski"], ’23 QB- Sun Prairie</strong> <em>Stat Line: 14/32, 136 Yards, 1 TD, 16 Carries, 20 Yards, 1 TD</em> The 6'2" 190 lbs junior is firmly in the argument for QB1 in the Class of 2023. His sharp mechanics allow him to generate a surprising level of velocity on his passes when he needs it, and he also does a great job of using touch when he needs to drop the ball between defenders. Thanks to his spot on accuracy and arm strength he can do that to any spot on the field. The official stats don't show it, but Jerry is also a legitimate threat with his legs. When he takes off he has the short area quickness and long speed to really put the pressure on defenses. Jerry already has received a lot of D1 interest and been on several campuses. I'm excited for his development over the next year! <strong>Davis Hamilton, ’22 WR/LB- Sun Prairie</strong> <em>Stat Line: 8 Receptions, 83 Yards, 1 TD, 11 Tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 FR</em> The 6'1" 200 lbs two way senior always seemed to be the one who stepped up when Sun Prairie needed a play on either side of the ball. He was the go to target for Kaminski all season as he led the team in yards and receptions. Davis was able to get open in the short to intermediate ranges and then use his thick frame to power his way to extra yards after contact. On defense, Hamilton was all over the box making tackles. Franklin has a very talented OL, but he was a difficult defender for them to consistently put a hat on. Davis was able to read the play and fill his lane and blitz with success allowing him to create disruption in the backfield. An athlete to check out! <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="104585" first="Nolan" last="Olson"], ’23 DL- Sun Prairie</strong> <em>Stat Line: 6 Tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 Sacks</em> The 6'3" 230 lbs DL is an exciting prospect to know. He already has a solid frame that is ready to continue to grow and add more strength to. His high motor impressed me throughout the game as it allowed him to put himself in position to make plays that didn't seem to originally be there. Nolan demonstrated an impressive push-pull pass rush move that got him to one of his sacks. He also did a really good job of using all his length to ensure he would be able to disengage and make tackles on the edge against the run. Olson needs to be high on recruiting boards at the D2 level, and could start to grab the eyes of the FCS levels over the next year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="105025" first="Sam" last="Ostrenga"], ’24 DB- Sun Prairie</strong> <em>Stat Line: 7 Tackles, 1 INT, 1 PBU</em> The 5'10" 165 lbs sophomore made quite the jump this season. We have covered it before, but in August he was making plays on the JV team. He ended the season as the starting safety in the D1 State Championship game. The moment wasn't too much for him and neither was the level of competition. Sun Prairie trusted his skill set enough to put him back as a single high safety and allow him to read the field, and use his range to put himself in position to make plays. He also came down and played man coverage on slot receivers. Sam proved he could step down into the box and make tackles in the run game among the big boys. I'm excited to watch the development of the young playmaker over the next two seasons! Know the name!