Game Presented by: Forward Bank
– View and Download High Resolution Game Photos
Stanley, WI (OnFocus)– In a game filled with excitement and grit, the Owen-Withee Blackhawks punched their ticket to the WIAA 8-Man State Championship with a dramatic 23-21 win over the Highland Cardinals on Friday night. The Blackhawks, known for their powerful rushing attack, showcased their resilience and determination, coming from behind to secure the victory.
Game Highlights from the Live Stream
The game, broadcasted live on Sports OnFocus, provided fans with plenty of edge-of-the-seat moments. The live commentary captured the intensity from the start:
Explosive Start: Owen-Withee received the opening kickoff and made an immediate impact with a strong return, setting the tone early. However, a penalty brought back their big gain, putting them in a tough spot to start the drive.
Highland’s Balanced Offense: Early in the game, Highland demonstrated their offensive versatility. As highlighted in the broadcast, they came into the game with over 2,000 yards rushing and 1,700 yards passing on the season. The Cardinals were able to strike first with two quick scores, showcasing their high-octane offense. Quarterback Bennett Smith connected with Michael Esser and Landis Newberry on critical plays to build an early 14-0 lead.
Blackhawks’ Resilience: Owen-Withee found themselves down early, but they stayed composed. According to quarterback Dominic Sherwood, “We just kept telling each other, ‘We’re good, we can come back.’ We’ve been in close games before.” And come back they did.
Turning Points
Brandon Geldernick’s Explosive Runs: Running back Brandon Geldernick was a game-changer for the Blackhawks, scoring all three of their touchdowns. His second touchdown run, where he weaved through Highland’s defense, was described by Sherwood as the turning point. “That score lifted our spirits, and we could see the shift in momentum,” Sherwood added.
Nine-Minute Game-Sealing Drive: The most impressive moment came in the fourth quarter when Owen-Withee held onto the ball for a nine-minute drive, effectively draining the clock. With tough, methodical running from Geldernick and Winston Paylor, the Blackhawks kept Highland’s defense on the field, wearing them down. On a crucial fourth-and-one, Geldernick burst through the line, securing a first down that allowed Owen-Withee to run out the clock.
Key Stats
– Rushing Yards Per Game: 300.5 (Owen-Withee)
– Total Yards Per Game: 313.8
– Tackles Per Game: 50.2
Geldernick, who averaged 138.6 rushing yards per game this season, once again demonstrated his dominance with multiple explosive runs. Linebacker Colin Fritz, although quieter than usual, still made impactful plays to stifle Highland’s attempts at a comeback.
Postgame Reactions
After the game, Dominic Sherwood shared his thoughts on advancing to state: “It’s every kid’s dream to play in a state championship game, and to do it as a senior makes it even more special.” When asked about the team’s focus during the game, he emphasized the importance of preparation and consistency.
Sherwood also delighted fans with a light-hearted confession that his postgame snack of choice is a jar of pickles, followed by leftover pizza.
What’s Next?
With the victory, Owen-Withee (now averaging 52.6 points per game this season) will head to the state championship in Wisconsin Rapids on **November 16th**, where they will face Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas in what promises to be another thrilling matchup.
**Congratulations to the Owen-Withee Blackhawks on their well-deserved victory, and hats off to the Highland Cardinals for an exceptional season.** Stay tuned to Sports OnFocus for live coverage of the championship game!
—
For more updates, interviews, and highlights, follow Sports OnFocus on YouTube and social media channels.
