Football Sectional Final Preview: Division 1

Division 1 Schedule
Division 1 Stats Leaders

Toughest Road So Far

Muskego certainly had no troubles with Milwaukee Hamilton in Level 1, as the Warriors posted an easy 63-0 win. That setup a highly-anticipated showdown with old playoff rival Franklin, who moved into the Classic Eight with the Warriors this year. After beating the Sabers 31-6 during the regular season, Muskego won 43-21 last week behind a 325 rushing performance.

Cinderella

It is all 1’s and 2’s in Division 1 with the exception of third-seeded Hudson. The Raiders got past Big Rivers Conference rival Chippewa Falls in the opening postseason game then made the trip down to second-seeded Verona, the champion of the Big Eight. A big middle part of the game helped the Raiders pull away for a 38-13 win, helped by forcing five Verona turnovers.

Most Impressive

Racine Case has faced the weakest playoff schedule of any D1 team so far, but the Eagles have taken care of business in a big way with back-to-back running clock shutout wins. Case beat Milwaukee Riverside 63-0 then took down Southeast Conference foe Kenosha Indian Trail 49-0 last week.

The Match-Ups

#3 Hudson (10-1) at #1 West De Pere (11-0)

Hudson is into the third level of the playoffs for the first time since 2013, as the Raiders are still trying to break through to the state finals for the first time ever. The only loss on their ledger was against New Richmond, though they’ve played just one game this year, last week against Verona, outside the Big Rivers/Wisconsin Valley group. West De Pere won a state title in D2 last year, and despite a coaching change and the loss of record-setting quarterback Patrick Greisen, the Phantoms are undefeated, including a win over Bay Port, and looking very good in moving up to Division 1.

My Pick: West De Pere

#2 Racine Case (10-1) at #1 Muskego (10-1)

Case dominated the Southeast Conference this year, and while it was technically a non-conference game, the Eagles finally slayed the dragon that has been Franklin. They’ve posted six shutouts this year, including both playoff games, as they didn’t get many challenges behind a slew of talented athletes on both sides of the ball. Taking on a Muskego team that has been among the best in the state over the last 15 years or so will require the Racine Case program to go to a different level. Already, they’re making their deepest playoff run in program history. Muskego enters extremely well tested in the Classic Eight, handing defending champion Arrowhead its only loss of the year. First year head coach Ryan Lucchesi has the Warriors remaining a powerhouse in Division 1.

My Pick: Muskego

#2 Arrowhead (10-1) at #1 Hamilton (11-0)

What a titanic matchup in this one, as undefeated Hamilton will welcome in defending state champion Arrowhead. There is so much going on in this one, with a state semifinal trip on the line, conference bragging rights (Greater Metro vs Classic Eight), dynamic athletes all over the field, and communities that have invested in their football programs as much as any in the state. Oh yeah, and some revenge on the minds of Hamilton, who lost to Arrowhead twice last year, including in the sectional finals.

My Pick: Arrowhead

#2 Waunakee (10-1) at #1 Bay Port (10-1)

Yet another great ballgame in Division 1, where heavy hitters abound. That is certainly the case here, as Waunakee has 91 playoff wins all-time with seven state titles. Bay Port has really come on in the last 25 years, as the Pirates have made it to Madison three times in the last seven years, including a championship in 2024 and runner-up finish last season. Both have suffered losses this year to top-seeded D1 teams; Waunakee against Muskego and Bay Port against West De Pere. Interestingly, Bay Port continues to have success rotating two talented quarterbacks in every game, juniors Braydon Maney and Bray Babich.

My Pick: Bay Port

My Picks:
(8-0 last week; 24-0, 100% overall in Division 1)