Underdogs Poised for a Run & the Athletes to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new PRZ WI subscription!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second season is here! The dust has settled, the brackets have been filled out, and the paths to a State championship have been set. Among the matchups and seedings are several teams who may be a 5 seed or lower, but they have the roster to make a run deep into the playoffs. That is where we focus today. We are going to look at a handful of teams that I believe are in position to make a run as underdogs, and the student athletes that will be the key to the team success. Let's dive into it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">De Pere</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>De Pere enters the playoffs with a record of 4-5 overall, and a conference record of 4-3. That was enough to get them into the playoffs with an 8 seed. The path won't be easy for De Pere, but they come in battle tested. During the regular season they faced Bay Port, West De Pere, Wausau West, and Neenah. Teams that have very high expectations these playoffs. There are going to be teams in these playoffs that could make it to state without facing a row of opponents that talented. That experience is valuable in these high stakes moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The reason for De Pere and every other team on this list to be here is the players. The leaders, the seniors, the people who put the gameplan into action. Below we will list the athletes that will have to step up and lead their team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405605"],"_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 Drake commit is going to have to fly around on defense, just like he has been doing all season long. The senior has piled up 113 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 INTs through nine games. The LB/S hybrid is a high IQ player who has good athleticism, but looks even more explosive because he processes things quickly and knows where he needs to be. When he gets there the senior is going to make sure you feel his power too. Derrick will be the leader on this defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d1954f40"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["533177"],"_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 senior WR has been the go to target all season, and consistently created big plays out wide. Through nine games he sits at 42 receptions, 658 yards, and 8 TDs. That works out to 15.7 yards/rec. The offense relies on the passing game to move the ball and create the big momentum swinging plays. May has the speed, ball skills, and overall playmaking knack after the catch to break the game open starting this Friday.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d1954fb3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"Easton Arendt","_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":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"De Pere","_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":"The leader of the offense is senior QB Easton Arendt. De Pere has about 700 more yards passing than rushing, so Easton is going to be the key to moving this offense up and down the field. He has been accurate all season long, 61.7 completion percentage, and protected the ball. He has his go to target in [player_tooltip player_id='533177' first='Hayden' last='May'], but has also done a good job of getting everyone involved. Shown by 4 total pass catchers with double digit catches and 100+ receiving yards on the season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d1955065"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"Caden Schampers","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"De Pere","_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":"Caden has worked his way into a key role over the season. From Week 1 to Week 9 we have seen the sophomore get better and better. He now sits as the teams leading rusher with 75 carries, 444 yards, and 6 TDs. The 5'11u0022 200 lbs RB has been a big play back, but has also shown he can handle 12-20 carries a game. If he can keep this offense balanced it will make them that much more dangerous.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d1955100"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Arrowhead</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arrowhead comes into the playoffs with a 5 seed, and a record of 6-3. That includes a 4-3 record in the dominant Classic 8. Playing in the Classic 8 on a weekly basis is enough to get any team ready for a postseason run. Add in the talent that Arrowhead rosters this year and you have a team that is ready to battle, and win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before we dive into the individual athletes that are key to the Arrowhead postseason run we have to focus on a position group. The offensive line. This group is the best in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='270637' first='Garrett' last='Sexton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='267042' first='Derek' last='Jensen'] bookend the group at tackles. Between the two FBS commits are other rising prospects like [player_tooltip player_id='402817' first='Mitchel' last='Bilicki']. This group has been able to open up lanes for 1,641 rushing yards and give the QB time to deliver 1,100 passing yards in 9 games. Defense wins championships, but so does dominant trench play. Arrowhead has that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["383716"],"_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":"Having a field general like Vance is extremely valuable this time of year. The junior is already very experienced, both in overall games played and playing on the big stage. Vance protects the ball, can attack every level of the field with velocity and accuracy, and isn't afraid to keep it himself. Holtz has plenty of weapons at his disposal. His threat with the ball in his hands will force teams to not just load up the box to battle this run game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d195515c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["948090"],"_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":"Jacob is one of a two backs that Arrowhead leans on. Siner is one of the best at his position in the state. His instincts with the ball in his hands are elite. He has such a great feel of what is going on around him, he sees the field well, and his agility and speed are FBS quality. Jacob is a legitimate threat to take it the distance on any touch. The sophomore has the talent to take over games. I'm excited to see the impact he makes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d19551ae"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["267044"],"_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":"I mentioned how important offensive line play is above. Arrowhead furthers it odds of making a run by fielding a dominant DL as well. Leading the way is senior [player_tooltip player_id='267044' first='Jace' last='Gilbert']. The top DL in the state. Jace's combination of burst, power, and hand use are a nightmare matchup for OL at this level. Gilbert has been disruptive in the backfield all season long, and that includes 9 sacks in 7 games. If Jace can continue to throw off timing and make stops in the backfield then offenses are going to have a difficult time finding any rhythm.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d1955202"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Germantown</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Germantown enters the playoffs at 4-5 and with an 8 seed. They are on a two game winning streak and seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect time. Not only are they getting hot at the right time, Germantown also comes in battle tested and ready to fight. They have faced Brookfield Central, Menomonee Falls, Sussex Hamilton, Homestead, Marquette University, and Hartford. The way the bracket fell, I don't see them having to face a team of those magnitudes until at least Level 3. So the path is manageable, if the talent on the field is ready.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["262063"],"_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":"Cooper is smack dab in the middle of the race for the best LB in the state. He has been all over the field this season piling up 105 tackles, 14 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR, 2 INTs, and 1 pick six. Catalano is a game wrecker. He is strong, rangy, hard hitting, and very instinctual. The junior fits the position perfectly and is a great chess piece when facing dangerous offenses. The junior has also been an impact in the run game on offense, finishing as the team's leading rusher with 338 yards. Cooper can take over games on defense. I'm excited to see him do it starting Friday.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d1955256"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505898"],"_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 athlete that I look to to keep the defense spread out is senior WR [player_tooltip player_id='505898' first='Ryan' last='Ferguson']. Ryan has proven to be a big play threat on a week to week basis. He has put together a season with 28 receptions, 682 yards, and 6 TDs. What stands out most is his 24.4 yds/rec. Ryan is a bigger receiver, but he excels at stretching the field, and then using that size to go and get the ball at the highest point. If he can get behind defenses Germantown is going to be in good position on offense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d19552a9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268948"],"_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":"Germantown is a team that wins with physicality. They will grind out games, and play with grit. To do that you need to win in the trenches. On offense, the leader of the OL group is senior [player_tooltip player_id='268948' first='Lance' last='Walters']. Lance is a big athlete, and he has solid strength to match the size. Together he uses that to overpower DL in the run game. He is able to get positive movement off the line or laterally and open up running lanes. We will need to see more of that for Germantown to continue their hot streak.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d19552fa"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Appleton North</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I covered Appleton North live this season, and I am very confident they have the pieces to put together a run this postseason. It won't be easy as they start the journey against Kimberly who they just faced last week. They lost that battle 14-0, but that doesn't matter at all. The scoreboard is back to 0-0. Whoever wants it more will get to keep playing in Level Two. Appleton North comes in as a 7 seed with a 6-3 record. They are a super well balanced team on offense, putting up just over 1400 passing and rushing yards. Their defense has also been dominant, allowing double digits only three times this season. There are a lot of talented athletes who will impact the North run, but some of the top ones to know are:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["675680"],"_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":"Luke is the type of kid you want at QB when trying to make a run. He is the first QB that comes to my mind when I think of a gamer. Someone you can look to to step up in the big moments and do what it takes to win. Luke is very experienced, and will hurt a defense with his arm or legs. He has faced a lot of different scenarios, so I expect him to be ready to lead the offense Friday night.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d195534b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"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":"Jack Robinson","_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":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Appleton North","_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":"Jack impressed me when I watched Appleton north live. He is a 5'10u0022 200 lbs force with the ball in his hands. He is physical, runs behind his pads with forward lean. The senior falls forward and moves the pile. Jack is one of those big backs that will force a defense to gang tackle him. You need to have 7 guys in the box to ensure you can stop this OL and the big back. That opens up the rest of the field. Jack is going to be key to either forcing the defense's hand or punishing them for giving him alight box to face.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d19553dd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405591"],"_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":"On defense, the leader of the pack is senior LB [player_tooltip player_id='405591' first='Brock' last='Arndt']. He is a dominant athlete who fits the mold of an FBS level LB. He is big, strong, rangy, will smack you every chance he gets. Plus he has the mental side of the game down. He processes plays so quickly. Pair that with the athleticism and strength to get off blocks and you get a force in the middle of the defense that is a nightmare to gameplan for because it is hard to just get a guy on him. Arndt is going to be key in shutting down offenses this postseason.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d1955434"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["937973"],"_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 u0022otheru0022 ILB on this dominant Appleton North defense is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='937973' first='Ben' last='Wenzel']. Wenzel has quickly developed into a high end LB prospect, and a game wrecker on Friday nights. Ben has the psychical tools. He has a big frame that is filling out, strength to do the dirty work in the trash between the tackles, and the athleticism to chase sideline to sideline or drop into coverage. Wenzel is aggressive and decisive. Not something you see from a lot of sophomore LBs. It seems like North always has two studs in the middle of their defense. This year's duo is a great one.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d1955488"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["270652"],"_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":"This OL is going to be in for a battle, but they have the pieces to win a lot of those battles. Leading the way is senior center [player_tooltip player_id='270652' first='Jackson' last='Modder']. Jackson fits the center position very well. He has a strong anchor in pass protection, and is powerful in the run game. Modder can drive DTs out of lanes. He isn't just a big, strong body. The senior can move laterally while giving help to his OGs, and can get up field. This OL placed as a unit when I watched them live. If they can continue that they will be sitting good.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65307d19554db"} /-->