Week 1’s Best Offensive Performances
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription! And we are underway! We have the first week of the 2023 season in the books, and what a week it was. We saw close games, big numbers, and results that…
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And we are underway! We have the first week of the 2023 season in the books, and what a week it was. We saw close games, big numbers, and results that many would find surprising. Among the huge numbers put up across the state were athletes that have the talent to continue to make an impact at the college level. In today’s article we are going to look at the big performances, and see what these student athletes have to offer the next level. The film for each athlete will also be included.
Stats: 5 Receptions, 140 Yards, 4 TDsrnWhat a way to start the season for the Freedom WR! Owen dominated Friday night, and proved to be an athlete to watch the rest of this season. Throughout the highlights, Owen showed a knack for being able to find the soft spots in coverage. Against man coverage, Wedin was able to get in DB’s blind spots to get “lost” by the DB resulting in him being wide open. Owen also was a solid route runner, and had speed to pull away after the catch. Finally, Wedin did a good job tracking the ball on deep targets and adjusting to it to give himself the best chance at making the catch. Owen put himself in the spotlight with this effort.
Highlights
Stats: 260 Yards, 1 TD PassrnThe top 2026 QB in WI showed multiple glimpses of a very bright future Friday night. He faced a very tough matchup against D4 State Champion Columbus. Brayln was up for the challenge. Throughout the highlights you see his poise in the pocket and ability to avoid pressure without scrambling. The arm strength is developing nicely too. We saw him stretch the field vertically with his arm as well as making long throws across the field. Albritton is at a great spot with his technique also. He feet move with his eyes, he has an efficient release/throwing motion, and he looks like a decisive decision maker. Keep an eye on the 2026 this season.
Stats: 5 Receptions, 130 Yards, 1 TD, 5 TacklesrnThe long TD is a great example of how much of a problem Moore’s speed is going to be for defenses this fall. There was no tricks. Randy ate up the cushion, and ran right past the DB, made the catch, and easily won the race to the endzone. I came away very impressed with Randy’s quickness and acceleration after the catch. It made him very elusive after the catch. Randy was one of our biggest risers during our last rankings update, and if he keeps playing like this on a weekly basis we are going to see him continue to climb up the board and WR rankings. We also got a look at Randy playing safety. His elite speed made him a reliable last line of defense who had the range to chase down plays across the field. Good start for a top 2024 recruit.
Stats: 19/23, 197 Yards Passing, 135 Rushing Yards, 5 Total TDsrnWe have been impatiently waiting for Mirek’s time as varsity QB for Oconomowoc. The Prep Redzone WI Showcase veteran didn’t waste any time showing that he has the athleticism to play football beyond HS. Maybe it isn’t at QB because of his 5’10” 175 lbs frame, but his 4.65 speed changed the game on Friday night. On the ground, Andrew plays with strong, natural instincts. He sees the field very well, showed that he could set up blocks, and his speed gives him the ability to break off big chunks of yards. Andrew’s dual threat ability is such a threat because he is also an accurate passer. Teams can’t load up to stop him and the rest of the run game because he can hurt them with his arm. Check out the athlete below.
Highlights
Stats: 280 Yards, 5 TDsrnI don’t have a way to share the film on here, but what a night for the Westby junior! He scored 2 receiving TDs, 1 pick six, and returned 2 kickoffs for TDs. The 5’8″ 150 lbs athlete looks like a very explosive athlete on the field. His speed jumped off the video. Any time he got a glimpse of daylight with the ball in his hands he was able to burst to top speed and there was no catching him after that. Stakston has just as much quick twitch to his game as he does long speed. He was able to shake DBs with his change of direction while running routes. Anders was a walking highlight reel in Week One. He is proving to be one of the most explosive hidden gems in the state.
Highlights
Stats: 456 Yards, 7 TDs, also played safetyrnThe 2025 best fits at safety when it comes to his recruitment, but what a night as a passer for the Freedom junior! Drew carved up the Waupaca defense, hitting receivers at every level of the field. His play has him at #1 in passing yards and TDs after the first week of the season. He didn’t let his dominant night at QB effect his safety play either. Kortz has solid range, and awareness. He did a good job of quickly picking up WRs entering his zone or that he was assigned to in man and staying locked on them through their routes. Drew also did a good job breaking up passes. He made a lot of strong football IQ plays. What a start to the season.
Stats: 26 Carries, 282 Yards, 5 TDs, 8 TacklesrnOne of the best two way players in the state started his year off in a huge way on Thursday night! Neenah’s 2025 Grant Dean Grant Dean 6’0″ | 180 lbs | ATH Neenah | 2025 State WI currently sits at #1 in rushing yards and TDs after a dominant Week 1. Grant averaged over 10 yards per carry, and the highlights match the numbers. It is big play after big play. Grant has the physical tools to dominate. He has the long speed, acceleration, and vision to thrive at RB in the Neenah offense. Athletic traits that are going to make him a top college prospect in WI. Dean demonstrated great decisiveness as a runner too. No dancing or wasted motion. He was always attacking up field when he had the ball. Grant is also a very rangy DB who you can count on to make the one on one tackle in the open field. This is just the start to what should be a great season of two way play for the junior.
Highlights
Stats: 20 Carries, 255 Yards, 3 TDsrnOne of the top uncommitted ball carriers in the senior class put together a dominant performance. Joseph sits at #2 for rushing yards in the state after he ran all over a Slinger defense to the tune of 12 yards per carry. Koch has an impressive blend of vision, balance, and footwork. A combination that allowed him to weave through the trenches and front seven at top speed. The 6′ 185 lbs senior demonstrated effective elusiveness with his jump cut. Finally, it is clear that Joseph sees the field very well. He quickly found holes, and would attack those openings without hesitation. Joseph holds a pair of D2 offers currently. He needs more eyes on him.
Stats: 297 Passing Yards, 6 Passing TDs, 1 Rushing TDrnAfter a year at TE we see Drew return to his original position at QB. The 6’4″ 210 lbs senior has a prototypical frame for the position. With that size comes a live arm that gives him the ability to attack a defense with velocity at all three levels of the field. Despite it being his first full time varsity action the senior was aggressive with his attempts, and decisive with where he wanted to go with the football. The big fella also brings athleticism to the position, and isn’t afraid to run over defenders when he decides to take off. You can throw that ranking out the window until we switch him back to QB.
Highlights
Stats: 16/27, 259 Yards, 3 TDsrnJoseph wasted no time bursting onto the scene in Week One, leading his team to a big victory over Catholic Memorial. Kallay did a great job facilitating the ball. He hit 5 different targets throughout the night. Kallay was also showed the clutch gene you want in your QB with his 4th quarter TD pass to take the lead for good. Joseph has made big strides as a passer this offseason. His control over where he places the ball was impressive. His accuracy and touch stand out on every throw. The arm strength definitely has taken a step forward too. Kallay made multiple tight window throws deep downfield. Finally, Kallay showed that he can be just as dangerous while throwing on the run too. This was as great of a start as you could want. Joseph is making a name for himself.
Highlights
Stats: 10 Receptions, 188 Yards, 3 TDsrnConnor started the season by showing that he can do a little bit of everything at a very high level. The senior has game changing speed to get deep and pull away after the catch. His quickness in and out of his breaks is a nightmare to try and play man against for DBs. Stauff even showed that he can win the 50/50 balls in traffic despite being 5’10”. The senior’s body control and balance allows him to run his routes without having to drastically change speed to make his breaks. The senior has a very well rounded skill set for the position.
Stats: 28 Carries, 230 Yards, 2 TDsrnI have been waiting for Gabe’s return to the field, and his first week didn’t disappoint. The 6′ 205 lbs senior reminded us of how physical he is with the ball in his hands. His contact balance allows him to easily run through arm tackles, and he can lower the shoulder and run over opponents. Klatt also showed that he does have the athletic traits as well, including the speed to be able to create the long runs after breaking through traffic. On defense, Gabe was a heat seeking missile. He played downhill, closed quickly, and delivered big hits to the RBs. Great first week for the Beaver Dam senior.
Highlights
Other Noteworthy Performances
- Nolan Hall Nolan Hall 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Kaukauna | 2024 State WI , WR- Kaukauna: 7 Receptions, 215 Yards (1st in State) , 1 TD
- Max Loomis, RB- Brookfield Academy: 28 Carries, 252 Yards (3rd in State), 5 TDs (Tied 1st)
- Ethan Cowart, ATH- Pacelli: 26 Carries, 242 Yards (4th Most in State), 4 TDs (2nd Most in State)
- Kasey Helgeson Kasey Helgeson 6'4" | 210 lbs | QB Mount Horeb/Barneveld | 2024 WI , QB- Mount Horeb: 13/15, 235 Yards, 4 Passing TDs (3rd Most in State)