Stratford vs Wittenberg-Birnamwood: Recap & Prospects of the Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 6 saw me make my way to Wittenberg, WI for a CWC- Large Conference battle between Wittenberg- Birnamwood and Stratford. WBHS came in with a 4-1 record, while Stratford was 3-1-1. Coming into the game it became clear that this was going to be a tough battle between two strong defenses, and dominant run games. It all built up to the 7 pm kickoff with weather that you could only identify as football weather. Overcast skies, and 50 degree temps with little to no wind. The stands were packed to the max for the showdown, and with WBHS back to receive we kicked off the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It didn't take long to understand how this game was going to play out. It was going to be an all out brawl to just gain a 5 yards on a drive. The opening drive came to an end on third down when CB <strong>Cole Tichy</strong> picked off a pass giving Stratford great field position for their opening drive. That opening drive for Stratford looked good at the start. RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405620' first='Koehler' last='Kilty']</strong> showed off his powerful running right off the bat as he rammed his way inside the 10 yard line. However, the defense on the field gain came away victorious after forcing and recovering a fumble. On the next drive, standout senior RB/LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='31384' first='David' last='Gauderman']</strong> broke off a huge run to get WBHS down inside the Stratford 10. That wasn't going to take the heart out of the Stratford defense, though. They dug in just like WBHS did on the previous drive. Stratford held WBHS to a turnover on downs after an incomplete 4th down pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After the first punt by Stratford, WBHS fumbled on their first play of the drive. Stratford recovered, and on the first play RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405620' first='Koehler' last='Kilty']</strong> ran up the middle through arm tackles for the first score of the game from 11 yards out. Just like the defenses seemed to be mirroring each other's success, the offenses started to mirror each other's success. WBHS QB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405612' first='Nathan' last='Waupekenay']</strong> completed a deep pass downfield, then scrambled for a 10+ yard gain, and on the next play found RB<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='31384' first='David' last='Gauderman']</strong> on the wheel route down the left side for a score. WBHS used that momentum and recovered an onside kickoff trying to get one more possession before the half ended. Unfortunately, the defense of Stratford returned to their lock down ways and intercepted the first play of the drive. After a Hail Mary attempt, we went into halftime with Stratford leading 7-6 due to the WBHS extra point being blocked.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second half started with the defenses continuing to overpower the offenses. WBHS forced a turnover on downs on the opening drive. WBHS' offense looked to be getting loose for big plays when WR <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='270828' first='Marshall' last='Fraaza'] </strong>reeled in a deep shot off a hitch &amp; go. The big play wasn't enough to spark a good drive, though, and an incomplete pass on 4th down turned the ball over. After back to back punts we got a big offensive play that produced points. QB <strong>Braeden Schueller</strong> dropped back and found <strong>Connor Weigel</strong> across the middle of the field for a 40 yard TD. With the score 14-6, WBHS needed to answer back. The Chargers of WBHS ended the third quarter with a huge completion to WR <strong>Keegan Benbo</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once again that wasn't enough to push the drive into the endzone. However, on the ensuing punt the Stratford returner fumbled it and WBHS jumped on it to give themselves even better field position. Gauderman and the offense worked their way deep into Stratford territory until the defense again stepped up. They stripped the ball carrier inside the 10 and jumped on the ball. That play took place around the 9:00 mark of the 4th quarter. Stratford's offense, led by RB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405620' first='Koehler' last='Kilty']</strong>, proceeded to perfectly execute the milking of the clock. They used every second of the presnap clock. They ran with success, and they picked up 4th downs. Stratford ended up killing the entire clock, giving WBHS no chance to go for the tie. It was the most impressive clock and game control I have witnessed in person. Because of it, Stratford left with the 14-6 victory and undefeated conference record at 4-0.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Prospects of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632f1d1304355","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405620"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Koehler was a force all night long, both ways. The 6' 190 lbs RB/LB stands out from the  crowd on the field. On defense, Koehler is a downhill run stuffer. He finds and get to the ball very quickly. Last night, I got to see him use his strength to power right through block attempts and bring down RBs. There were multiple occasions where a lineman was still trying to block him, but he was unphased and made the stop. The defense as a whole was amazing at getting several hats to the ball every snap, and at the front of the group seemed to always be Kilty.rnrnKoehler also carried that power over to offense. He was a one cut, power back who displayed impressive contact balance. Kilty could lower his shoulder and send defenders bouncing off him. He ripped through arm tackles with ease, and some of the angle defenders pulled him to without going down highlighted that balance and flexibility. His play in the 4th quarter to milk the clock was wild. That situation was made for him. 5 yards and a cloud of dust over and over to kill over 9:00 of the game to end it all. Definitely a junior to watch.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-651b6a5c1936c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632f1d2104356","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Conner Weigel","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stratford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Another member of the Stratford defense that was absolutely flying around the field from start to finish was the senior LB. Conner check sin at 6'1u0022 180 lbs. His aggressive, decisive play led to him making a ton of stops between the tackles. The whole LB crew at Stratford had a nose for the ball, and Weigel was no different. The yards were impossible to come by for WBHS between the tackles, and Conner was a major reason behind it. The LB was a slippery defender that WBHS couldn't land a block on. Weigel also was the athlete who caught the 40 yard TD to give Stratford the lead. The ATH needs a peak at as a potential D3 target.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-651b6a5c193a8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632f1d7c04357","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Evan Danielson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2407","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stratford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"One of the most impressive frames belonged to Evan. The 6'4u0022 220 lbs TE sure looked the part of a next level athlete. On offense, Evan wasn't targeted in the passing game. However, he was a key to the success of the run game. His ability to act as an extra lineman allowed Stratford to find some success with their sweep plays. Evan was able to get proper position and leverage in his blocks thanks to his quick feet and overall short area quickness. The big man is well worth a D3 look, maybe higher. He was a new name for me last night, and one I'll be interested in going forward.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-651b6a5c193d8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632f1da304358","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Braeden Schueller","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2023","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stratford","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Braeden is a 6'2u0022 195 lbs senior QB. He wasn't asked to do a ton last night, but what he was needed to do he did  very well. Braeden managed the game perfectly. His control of the offense in the 4th quarter to make sure they used as much time as possible was intelligent stuff. His best play of the night came when the lefty dropped back, and ripped the ball down the middle for the field to find his crossing target. He connected with his target right in stride leading to the 40 yard score that took the lead. It was a clutch drive in the end because it ended up being their second to last drive of the game. His control of the offense and leadership will be key as Stratford looks to make a deep playoff run.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-651b6a5c1940a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632f1dd604359","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["31384"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"The top prospect of the game was David. The 6'2u0022 235 lbs LB/RB easily stood out from the crowd with his size and his play. On defense, David was impressive in how quickly he diagnosed plays and moved with the flow of the line to be able to get to the hole the same time as the RB; sometimes before leading to TFLs. Despite him being the focus of the blocking, David was able to navigate the trash between the tackles well. He closed quickly, and was a very sound tackler.rnrnOn offense, David impressed me. I do believe he is a better LB prospect, but he demonstrated his power well, and he made some impressive plays. His best was on a play that didn't count due to penalty, but he made a catch while being hit by an LB. He completed the catch, played through the hit, and picked up 20+ yards. Gauderman has that next level strength, size, and athleticism. He needs far more looks than he currently has.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-651b6a5c19430"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632f1de10435a","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Charlie Nowinsky","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Wittenberg- Birnamwood","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A prospect I wasn't aware of coming into the game is the massive junior lineman. Charlie checks in at 6'5u0022 290 lbs. He is a starter at center and at defensive tackle. The potential is high for the massive, powerful man. The reason for his potential being so high is because he is such a raw prospect. His technique as far as hand placement and knee bend needs further development. When that continues to improve you will see Nowinsky turn into a special talent in the trenches. He possesses next level natural strength that gave him the ability to move IDLs off or down the line. The biggest area of improvement will be his body control. A lot of these bigger athletes need time to understand their size and how to use it efficiently. You will have a big riser, and a steal when he gets that squared away. I'm excited for Charlie's future.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-651b6a5c1946b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_632f1e5b0435b","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='270828' first='Marshall' last='Fraaza']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Wittenberg- Birnamwood","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"WBHS looked to Marshall to be their playmaker on the outside last night. Marshall responded with some highlight worthy plays. His top play was a deep catch off a hitch u0026amp; go where he was able to make the catch through contact. Marshall was key to stretching the field horizontally and vertically. He had the speed to do that. Fraaza is also listed as an RB, so he is a true do-it-all prospect. I've been aware of Marshall since he was a sophomore during their playoff run where he was able to make several plays in the best HS playoff game I've ever attended. Keep an eye on the athlete over the next year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-651b6a5c1949d"} /-->