State Semi-Final Football Predictions - Division 5 through 8-Player

I was 24-5 in picking Sectional Final games last week, an improvement from last year when I was 18-12 at the same level. Overall this postseason I am at 7.39% (194-28). Below are my predictions for state semi-final games in Divisions 5 through 8-player. Divisions 1 through 4 will be posted soon.

Northwestern (12-0) vs. Stratford (10-2), Friday 7 pm at Chippewa Falls HS

Stratford is looking to become the third winner of at least four consecutive titles, joining Kimberly’s five-peat (2013-2017) and….themselves, as the Tigers claimed six consecutive championships from 2003 to 2008. Stratford won it all in Division 6 in 2022 and 2023 before being elevated to D5 last season and claiming the title. After a couple early losses, Stratford has won ten straight games. Northwestern has been one of the best programs in the state for an extended period, with 18 playoff victories in the last 11 years, but the Tigers have not been able to get over the hump to Madison since a runner-up finish in 1993.

My Pick: Northwestern 22, Stratford 18

Lake Country Lutheran (11-1) vs. Mayville (12-0), Friday 7 pm at Slinger HS

This is the third playoff matchup in the last five years between these teams, as Mayville took down Lake Country Lutheran in 2021 while LCL turned the tables in 2023. Being another odd-numbered year, it’s time for the teams to square off again. Mayville has been dominant this year behind a ground game that averages more than 330 yards per game. The Cardinals won the Flyway Conference and are undefeated heading into the state semi-finals. Lake Country Lutheran shared the Metro Classic Conference title this year, with the only loss coming against Racine St. Catherine’s. Quarterback Connor Lubbers took on a larger role in the rushing game last week, going for 166 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

My Pick: Mayville 24, Lake Country Lutheran 21

D5 Last Week: 4-0

D5 Overall: 26-2; 92.86%

Edgar (12-0) vs. Mondovi (11-1) at Stanley-Boyd HS

Mondovi lost a heartbreaker on a Hail Mary to Regis earlier this year, but the Buffaloes exacted some revenge, taking down the Ramblers 35-28 in another outstanding ballgame. The Buffaloes are led by dynamic sophomore quarterback Bode Falkner, who has 1,930 passing yards and 1,211 rushing yards this season, accounting for 39 offensive touchdowns. Edgar is going for a third straight state title after winning it all in D7 the last two years, but things haven’t been easy for the Wildcats despite a perfect record in 2025. They had to sneak past eighth-seeded Loyal/Greenwood 21-14 in the first playoff game, then sweated out an 8-7 victory against Bonduel last week. While there have been some offensive challenges at times, the defense continues to come up big, allowing just 33 points all year, including eight shutouts.

My Pick: Edgar 18, Mondovi 17

Darlington (12-0) vs. Manitowoc Lutheran (12-0) at Waukesha West HS

Darlington is on the precipice of a 14th trip to the state finals, though the Redbirds have taken home seven runner-up trophies since their last championship in 1995. This year’s incarnation of the Redbirds is as good as any in the last 20 years, posting dominating victory after dominating victory so far this year, with a 26-14 decision over Prairie du Chien way back in Week 2 the only game decided by less than three touchdowns. While Darlington has been here plenty over the years, Manitowoc Lutheran is in uncharted territory, as they have never previously made it past Level 2 of the WIAA playoffs. Champions of the Big East Conference, the Lancers have rolled in the postseason.

My Pick: Darlington 27, Manitowoc Lutheran 19

D6 Last Week: 3-1

D6 Overall: 24-4; 85.71%

Cochrane-Fountain City (12-0) vs. Lourdes Academy (12-0) at Wisconsin Rapids HS

It has been quite the run for Cochrane-Fountain City athletics, with the basketball team claiming a state title in the winter, with several key athletes and coach Jesse Cyrus also part of a football squad that is undefeated and coming off an impressive 35-14 win over previously unbeaten Boyceville last week. They’ll take on a Lourdes Academy squad that is also undefeated, claiming the Trailways Conference crown before rolling through the playoffs to the semi-finals. Junior quarterback Brady Bauer has 1,476 passing yards and 1,146 rushing yards this season for the Knights.

My Pick: Cochrane-Fountain City 24, Lourdes Academy 20

Kenosha St. Joseph (11-0) vs. Potosi/Cassville (11-1) at Stoughton HS

Kenosha St. Joseph has played arguably the toughest schedule in Division 7, and come through unscathed with wins over a number of larger programs. The Lancers have won by at least 34 points in each game of the playoffs behind a veteran squad that includes multi-year starting quarterback Zach Rizzo. Potosi/Cassville suffered one loss this year, a close one against rival Black Hawk/Warren, as the co-op program is coming off a running clock shutout of Cashton last week. It’s a typical balanced offensive attack for veteran head coach Mark Siegert, as juniors River Sahr and Hunter White are each over 1500 rushing yards this season.

My Pick: Kenosha St. Joseph 28, Potosi/Cassville 24

D7 Last Week: 4-0

D7 Overall: 24-4; 85.71%

Gilman (12-0) vs. McDonell Central (11-1), Saturday 1 pm at Wisconsin Rapids HS

Neither of these teams are strangers to success, but this marks the first WIAA 8-Player Championship Game appearance for both sides. Gilman has three state title appearances in 11-player, including a pair of championships, the last in 2010. McDonell Central was a state finalist in 2009. Of course, you don’t have to go back very far to find history between these programs, as Gilman handed McDonell Central its only loss of the season back in Week 6, as the Pirates scored a 38-12 victory. Statistically it was closer than four scores, with Gilman having a 270-217 advantage in offensive yards, but Gilman was plus-two on turnovers. Quarterback Logan Halida ran for just 43 yards, but had four touchdowns on the ground plus one through the air. Since a season-low 12 points in the loss to Gilman, McDonell Central has scored at least 58 points in every game. Senior Dawson Moulton is one of the top players in 8-player, with 1,876 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns.

8-Player Last Week: 1-1
8-Player Overall: 25-5; 83.33%