The Northwestern High School football team has a chance to close the abbreviated prep playoff schedule on a winning note when the Tigers play at Ellsworth at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19.
A look at the matchup:
NORTHWESTERN (6-1) AT ELLSWORTH (7-0)
What: Wisconsin Division 3 second-round game
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19
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Outlook: Northwestern is coming off a 14-0 victory over St. Croix Central in their playoff opener last week. Senior fullback Brennen Werner (62-394, 10 TDs) had a career-high 20 carries for 122 yards and scored both TDs. No wonder the 5-foot-8, 230-pound Werner earned the nickname “Bull.”
“Brennen is a powerful, hard-nosed football player,” Tigers coach Jovin Kroll said. “He has a low center of gravity that he combines with a tremendous knowledge of the game to create great results. It was a real fight on the line of scrimmage and the best way to get the ball across the line was to get it there as quickly as possible … a great night to be a powerful fullback.”
Northwestern outrushed its foe 221-75 and held QB Taden Holzer to 3-for-10 passing for 11 yards. Colin Trautt (125-737, 8 TDs) leads the Tigers in rushing, while the defense has been impenetrable in posting three consecutive shutouts.
The Panthers have blanked two of their last three opponents, including Somerset 44-0 in the first round of the playoffs. Max Grand (64-918, 14.3 ypc, 13 TDs) ran for 294 yards on 24 carries and scored four times, while adding a 39-yard touchdown reception in that game. QB Mason Anderson (55-for-85, 1,170 yards, 14 TDs) has a top receiving threat in John Janke (32-695, 21.7 yards per catch, 10 TDs).
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Prep football: Werner, Tigers get over ‘the hump,’ beat St. Croix Central Bulldozing senior running back finishes with 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns as Tigers finally top Panthers.
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