Rice Lake vs New Richmond: Recap and Top Recruits

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Week 6 had me making my way to New Richmond, WI for a HUGE showdown between 5-0 Rice Lake and 4-1 New Richmond. The winner of this game was going to find themselves, at worst, in a tie for 1st place in the Big Rivers Conference, so a lot was at stake. On top of the high stakes, these two teams featured a ton of uncommitted senior talent, rising juniors to have on your radar, and even a few sophomores that impressed me with their play and their impressive size/athleticism. So with the stakes set, a full stadium, and two teams ready to go to war Rice Lake was set to receive the opening kickoff...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Recap</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the reasons I have so much faith in this two teams making deep runs comes late October/early November is that they have the fast, swarming, physical defense needed to shut down offenses. Both spent the majority of the first quarter flexing their defensive muscles. New Richmond forced a turnover on downs to start the game, and then the Rice Lake defense held the Tigers of NR to a field goal attempt that would sail just wide of the posts. But the offenses would find their footing as the 1st quarter came to a close. With :40 left in the opening quarter QB/LB and UWEC commit [player_tooltip player_id='1801765' first='Grant' last='Pacholke'] was able to drop back and find standout senior TE [player_tooltip player_id='1801488' first='Will' last='Svendsen'] at the goal line. The mismatch weapon was able to secure the catch in traffic and put the first points on the board along with a 2 pt conversion thrown by Pacholke.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It looked like New Richmond would respond with their own TD, but the Warriors of Rice Lake proved to be stout with their backs against the wall. They stuffed the 4th &amp; goal QB sneak at the goal line forcing the turnover on downs. That failed attempt clearly didn't stay on the Tigers mind too long as they would get the ball back and drive down the field and find their first points. The points were provided by junior RB [player_tooltip player_id='1647055' first='Austyn' last='Wittek'] on a short run up the middle, and QB [player_tooltip player_id='1126287' first='Nick' last='Stellrecht'] would tie things up with a 2 pt conversion completion. That is where we went into the half. Both defenses were proving to be stout no matter the situation they faced, but both offenses were showing glimpses of figuring out what might work to their strengths best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second half started with a huge momentum swing as Rice Lake would attempt an onside kick and manage to recover it. That momentum only built as [player_tooltip player_id='1801765' first='Grant' last='Pacholke'] and the offense pounded their way down the field and into the endzone on a short sneak from Pacholke. The response from the Tigers of NR was impressive. Led by senior QB [player_tooltip player_id='1126287' first='Nick' last='Stellrecht'], the Tigers offense worked down the field quickly. It would be Stellrecht's legs that created the big play as the 225 lbs QB would keep it himself and race into the endzone from 14 yards out. Their extra point would be good and the Tigers would have their first lead at 5:55 in the 3rd qtr, 15-14. The swing in this game from dominant defense to methodical offensive success was impressive to watch. Rice Lake would waste little time getting on the field and again answering the call. [player_tooltip player_id='1801765' first='Grant' last='Pacholke'] lofted a pass up to WR/RB Aaron Hoffman who would weave through a couple DBs and then race to the endzone for the long TD connection. That would push the Warriors to a 20-15 lead as the 3rd qtr came to a close.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We saw another flash of defense as Rice Lake would force a punt from NR and give their offense a chance to really open things up. And open things up they did. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1801765' first='Grant' last='Pacholke'] would keep the ball himself, elude a handful of defenders, and then sprint to the endzone for the 50+ yard TD scamper and 26-15 lead. Things really seemed to be going Rice Lake's way as they would recover another onside kick, but this time the Tigers defense would hold strong. That stop was what the offense needed as New Richmond would come back out and quickly drive down the field. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1126287' first='Nick' last='Stellrecht'] and RB [player_tooltip player_id='1647055' first='Austyn' last='Wittek'] chipped away at yards quickly and got into RL territory. With 2:51 left to play, Stellrecht would drop back and fire a bullet over the middle to WR/TE Carter Komro for the TD, cutting the deficit to 23-26. Unfortunately, that is where their luck would run out as Rice Lake would recover the onside attempt and muscle out some yards, pick up a first down and kill the remainder of the game clock for the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a game this was. Each team answering the call, matching points and drives, as well as stepping up in big moments on defense and special teams. Being able to rely on all three facets of the game consistently will have these two teams ready for any scenario, and the talent they have will allow them to go blow for blow with basically any team in the state. Congratulations to Rice Lake, who now hold sole ownership of 1st place in the Big Rivers after a Hudson loss to River Falls. Good luck to both teams as they look to finish the regular season strong and secure top seedings for the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recruits of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1801765"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da2361c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 6/10, 154 Yards, 2 TDs, 11 Carries, 64 Yards,2 TDs, 5.5 Tackles, 2 TFLs</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What a game for the UWEC commit! Grant led his team perfectly Friday night. On offense he made great decisions on his reads running that dynamic rushing attack, and when he did keep it himself the physical athlete was able to grind out yards, wear down the defense, and showed off some elusive running break off his long TD run on the ground. Grant's big frame was able to break tackles and move the pile in short yardage situations. On defense he looked at home. Quickly reading and reacting, flowing through traffic, and sticking some hard tackles that shut down forward progression from the talented New Richmond backfield. I know UWEC is pumped to have this dawg on the way next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1801488"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da23680"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 3 Receptions, 59 Yards, 1 TD, 6.5 Tackles</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will was an impressive athlete to watch. He has an elite frame, but even more special is how effortlessly Will moves at that size. Crisp routes that quickly got him open in the passing game. He had the speed to stretch the field vertically, and a couple of his grabs highlighted outstanding ball tracking and hands. His body control to be able to run those routes as well as provide coverage on defense while playing safety allowed him to make plays all over the field and change direction quickly. The floor for this kid is D2 in my eyes. He is a talented prospect with so much more potential to develop. It was a great night from the senior TE/S.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1220667"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da236ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It was great to see Cael in live action again. He shined during the summer at padded camps with the immense power he brings that matches his 300 lbs frame. The OC showed off quick feet to be able to get to his man and also position himself to wall off his opponent. When he locked those heavy hands onto his man he was able to show off that lower body strength and bulldoze DL out of lanes. It was also great to see him take a ton of reps at IDL, showing that same power and also showing impressive conditioning to be able to control the line on both sides of the ball. This was the best OL in a game that revolved around the trench battles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"Connor Carr","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_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_weight":"295","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rice Lake","_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da2377e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another need-to-know OL is junior Connor Carr for Rice Lake. The '27 manned one of the guard positions, and his imposing frame and power paired with Gago were able to win a ton of short yardage battles. Battles that in the end would lead to the RL victory. Individually, Connor has the gifts that will grab him a lot of attention from the next level over this next year. Size, power, active hands, and leg drive that doesn't quit until the whistle blows. I'm excited to get him in the rankings to see where he stacks up in this elite 2027 OL Class. Th junior did leave the game at the very end with an injury, so hopes are he is able to recover and come back quickly. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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 Larson","_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":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"205","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rice Lake","_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da23816"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 21 Carries, 98 Yards, 1 Reception, 14 Yards, 1.5 Tackles</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Rice Lake offense heavily relies on the FB position. Jack is that go-to guy for this offense in 2025 and he is up to the challenge. Jack has that big frame with power and contact balance to consistently wear down the defense between the tackles. He has the quick feet to make the subtle lateral moves while still always looking to get north-south. As the game went on you could see he was finding more and more success, telling me that his downhill, punishing running style was doing its job. The senior is definitely an under the radar kid to get eyes on as we enter the final few weeks of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"Aaron Hoffman","_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_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rice Lake","_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da238a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Stats: 9 Carries, 13 Yards, 1 Reception, 66 Yards, 1 TD, 4 Tackles, 1 FF</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aaron created one of the highlights of the game with his long TD reception. He made a quick release out of the backfield, wheeled up the sideline, made a great adjustment to go attack the ball in the air, avoided one tackle and then won the sprint to the endzone. The speed he plays with perfectly fits the role of one of those Rice Lake wing backs. While he didn't find room on the ground this week he is a kid that you need to account for because he can change the game on any of his touches just like he did Friday. The playmaker is well worth a look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1126287"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da238f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the bigger steals remaining in the Class of 2026 is QB [player_tooltip player_id='1126287' first='Nick' last='Stellrecht']. That feels even more true following his Friday night performance. He made big plays with both his arm and his legs, not something most 225 lbs QBs are doing at the HS level. On the ground Nick was able to get the edge and proved to be tough to drag down in the open field. The arm is the big attraction, though. Nick can rip it downfield on a rope when the situation or windows call for it. He was accurate, poised, and did a great job of keeping plays alive and keeping his eyes downfield. You look for next level QBs that not only have the special physical tools but the decision making and awareness of game situation. Nick showed it all off. Dive into his tape for yourselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1647055"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da23937"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It has been a great weekend for Austyn who went to NDSU and earned his first offer following his game. It was a well earned offer based off what we saw Friday. The junior has a great frame, now standing 6' 187 lbs. He is a one cut runner, and when he finds the seam can powerfully accelerate into the second level. The athletic tools check the boxes. Speed to get the edge and beat angles is there. But what I loved most from the night is the way he plays through contact. It seemed like he never went down without half the defense on him. His lower body strength and contact balance shined all night long and were key to New Richmond staying in this game. The 2027 RB is a special athlete who will be seeing a big jump in that overall ranking number at the end of the season. Don't miss out on this kid.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"[player_tooltip player_id='1921178' first='Jameson' last='Unger']","_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_weight":"180","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"New Richmond","_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da239c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was looking forward to seeing the senior ILB in person. He recently hit my radar, and while he may be undersized, the senior has the talent to play at the WIAC level of D3 football. He is so physical, delivering tackles that instantly shut down forward progression. His instincts and vision got him through traffic so consistently and helped him to be around the ball on what seemed like every single play. The senior has the right mentality, physicality, and athletic tools for the position at the next level. Get him on your radars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1362791"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da23a0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parker has been on our radars since he won DB MVP at one of our previous PRZ WI Showcases. The senior is now up to 6'1" 170 lbs and hasn't lost any of his next level quick twitch athleticism. His feet, hips, and change of direction are effortless, making him a legitimate CB prospect. Friday night we saw him playing safety and with that came a great display of his speed/range. He easily was able to roam around the field and provide run support. His closing speed helped shut down a lot of runs right at the line of scrimmage. Coaches will love his aggressive play style, both in coverage and in run support. Don't sleep on this kid. He has continued to develop over this past year. Get on him while you can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":"Carter Komro","_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":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"205","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2407","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"New Richmond","_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68d835da23a9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I didn't have Carter on my radar coming in, but the TE/WR flashed on multiple plays throughout the night and is now firmly on my radar. The senior did well attacking over the middle, including his late 4th Qtr TD where he secured the catch between defenders and held on through contact. Carter fits the mold of a H-back TE that you can line up around the formation where he can be a mismatch for LBs or safeties. A big frame, hands, and alignment versatility make him an athlete to dive into for the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->