Central Wisconsin 2026 Football Preview

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be previewing every conference in the state as part of our preseason preparations.

Check out all of our Football Conference Previews for every league in the state, here.

2025 Recap: Stratford was the outright champion of the Central Wisconsin a year ago, and the Tigers made it to the state semi-finals in Division 5. Amherst was second, while Spencer/columbus Catholic, Wittenberg-Birnamwood, and Weyauwega-Fremont all won a playoff game as well.

Note: The Central Wisconsin Conference is a seven-team league paired with the Northwoods Conference for a crossover. Loyal/Greenwood moves out of the Central Wisconsin and into the Marawood.

2025 Season Information:
Standings
Stats
All-Conference

2026 PREVIEW:

Predicted Order of Finish:

1) Amherst
2) Stratford
3) Spencer/Columbus Catholic
4) Wittenberg-Birnamwood
5) Marathon
6) Weyauwega-Fremont
7) Colby

Players to Watch:

Carter Birdyshaw, QB, Weyauwega-Fremont: Birdyshaw was Second Team All-Conference last year when he threw for 1,127 yards and 14 touchdowns along with 764 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

Garrett Bracewell, WR, Marathon: Bracewell is an outstanding athlete and produces at a high level, catching 55 passes for 804 yards and 11 touchdowns. Running 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, he has an offer from Drake as well as several D2 and D3 programs.

Tyler Budtke, DL, Stratford: Budtke was the Defensive Lineman of the Year in the Central Wisconsin last season, when he had 17 tackles for loss and five sacks.

Jack Hoeper, RB, Spencer/Columbus Catholic: Hoeper was one of the top running backs in the state last year, rushing for 1,729 yards and 23 touchdowns, carrying the ball 254 times.

Ayden Nerdahl, RB/LB, Amherst: Nerdahl was the Offensive Player of the Year in the CWC and a WFCA All-State pick last season with 1,839 yards and 34 touchdowns, earning First Team All-Conference on defense as well.

2026 Team Previews

1) Amherst finished second in the CWC-Large last year behind Stratford and 10-2 overall after going out to eventual champion Mayville in a close sectional final. The CWC figures to be very competitive this year, and Amherst has every chance to be in the mix once again. Michael Glodowski moves on to graduation after multiple years as a starting quarterback. Top receiver Sully Perkins also graduates, but the team can turn to 1800-yard rusher Ayden Nerdahl to help carry the load once again.

2) Stratford dropped the first two non-conference games to Mosinee and Edgar, but rebounded with ten straight wins to claim the CWC-Large crown. They’d advance to the state semifinals in Division 5, which led to some interesting moves for this year. Stratford is the first team to be double elevated by the WIAA’s Tournament Performance Factor, as they were bumped up from D6 to D5 prior to 2024, and after continued success in the higher division are now further elevated to Division 4. It’s a tough time to make the change, with just five total starters coming back. “We graduate most of our starters on both sides of the ball, but have a great core of returning players with experience and good leadership,” said head coach Marshall Lehman. “We are excited about what the underclassmen will bring to these positions, but they have limited varsity experience, so there may be some growing pains early in the season.” The defense can turn to returning league Defensive Lineman of the Year Tyler Budtke.

3) Spencer/Columbus Catholic made it back to the postseason for the first time since 2021 and won a playoff game for the first time since 2019. They relied heavily on Jack Hoepper, who carried the ball 254 times for 1,729 yards and 23 touchdowns, and his return gives a big boost to head coach Jason Gorst and company. Ryan Bernick and Reven Zschernitz are returning standouts up front as the co-op program has four starters back on the offensive line. Gorst and company bring back six starters on both offense and defense this season.

4) Wittenberg-Birnamwood dropped several very close games during the regular season and finished just 4-5, but scored a nice win on the road in the playoffs in defeating Brookfield Academy 42-12. They’d fall to Lake Country Lutheran the following week, however. “It’s a new year, and new opportunities for everyone,” said head coach Jason Rieck. “We’re looking for a lot of people to step up and fill holes and roles from last year. Our skill group has most of our experience and will lean on them. Looking for underclassmen to step up and take over from a senior-dominated line last year.” Bo Davis was the starting quarterback last season but could be in line for a new role this season.

5) Marathon made the playoffs in 2025 for just the second time since 2017, as the Red Raiders had a nice stretch late in the year with three wins in a four-game stretch. Three of the five regular season losses came by one score. The playoff game wasn’t as close, however, as they’d go out to Kewaunee 36-6 in Level 1. Quarterback True Thurs graduates, but the top two receivers from last year are back, Sawyer Berens as well as First Team All-Conference selection Garrett Bracewell.

6) Weyauwega-Fremont was part of a crowded group in the middle of the CWC standings a year ago, but a couple wins to end the year as well as victories in the two non-conference games lifted the Warhawks to a five-seed in the postseason. They’d make the long trip to Cambridge and score a win, before falling to Manitowoc Lutheran the following week. Weyauwega-Fremont has a bit of a leg up heading into the season thanks to the return of quarterback Carter Birdyshaw, who accounted for nearly 1800 yards of offense and 20 touchdowns.

7) Colby opened the year with a solid 29-12 win over old rival Stanley-Boyd, but the Hornets couldn’t find a win after that, finishing 1-8. “Overall, we will more competitive this year,” said head coach Logan Rosemeyer. “Last year we had eight sophomores and four freshmen get at least one start on offense or defense, so we return many letterwinners.” Not surprisingly, the team brings back six starters on offense and eight on defense, including versatile junior running back Chase Heeg.