SPORTS - Tigers win D-6 state title rematch

SPORTS

By Casey Krautkramer

Stratford’s star senior tandem of running backs Koehler Kilty and Gavin Leonhardt gave Mondovi fits in Friday’s WIAA Division 6 Level 2 playoff game, just like they did in last year’s Division 6 state championship.

Kilty rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown in Stratford’s 21-0 win against Mondovi on Friday at Marshfield High School. Leonhardt, meanwhile, rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown and he also caught two passes from junior quarterback Jack Tubbs for 65 yards and a touchdown. Tubbs threw the football for 95 yards. Kilty kept grinding for tough yards on the ground to seal the Tigers’ win against the Buffaloes on Friday, much like he did in Stratford’s 3214 victory against Mondovi in last year’s state championship.

“It was a tough hard fought game but we were the better and more physical team and it showed,” Kilty said after Friday’s win.

Kilty ran for a three-yard touchdown with two minutes, 48 seconds left in the first quarter. Laurenz Plattner kicked the extra point to give Stratford a 7-0 lead against Mondovi.

Leonhardt caught a 30-yard pass from Tubbs at Mondovi’s one-yard line with seven minutes, 21 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Leonhardt immediately scored a one-yard rushing touchdown. Plattner kicked the extra point to give the Tigers a 14-0 halftime advantage against the Buffaloes.

Neither team scored in the third quarter. Stratford sealed the Level 3 playoff victory in the fourth quarter on Leonhardt’s 32-yard touchdown grab from Tubbs. Plattner kicked the extra point to give the Tigers a 21-0 lead which ended up being the final score against the Buffaloes.

Kilty ran the football for some tough yards during Stratford’s pivotal fourthquarter scoring drive, and Tubbs scrambled for a few first downs during the drive to keep the chains moving. Tubbs’ keeper for a first down at the 32-yard line set up his 32-yard touchdown strike to Leonhardt.

Defense shines in win

Stratford’s defense has shut out both of its first two playoff opponents. Stratford downed Weyauwega-Fremont, 490, at home in the playoff opener.

Leonhardt led Stratford’s defense with eight tackles against Mondovi on Friday while senior Matt Folz and Kilty had seven tackles each. Senior Kaleb Krummel and junior Carter Lueck recorded six tackles apiece. Senior Cole Tichy forced a fumble and Lueck had a sack. Junior Jett Schoenherr had an interception.

Folz spoke after Friday’s win about how well Stratford’s coaching staff had he and his teammates ready to play Mondovi. Marshall Lehman is Stratford’s defensive coordinator.

“Coach (Marshall) Lehman had an epic game plan for us all week and the scout team practiced hard and gave us starting players good looks, which led to everyone coming together for a great team win,” Folz said.

Stratford’s coaches and players got their wish to play at No. 1 seed Auburndale at 7 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 3, in a WIAA Division 6 Level 3 playoff game. The Tigers thought they should’ve been awarded the No. 1 seed but the WIAA’s computer seeding system gave it to the Eagles instead. That adds fuel to the fire for Tigers head coach Jason Tubbs.

“One thing I can tell you is we are the underdog because they are the No. 1 seed,” Tubbs said. “Obviously the WIAA thinks they are better than us so that is your players’ motivation this week.”

Stratford has a 10-1 record going into Friday’s playoff game against Auburndale. The Eagles also have a 10-1 record after beating Coleman, 33-22, in Friday’s home Level 2 playoff game.

The winner between Auburndale and Stratford will play against the winner of Friday’s other Level 3 playoff game between undefeated Grantsburg and Cameron, 9-2.

Auburndale nearly lost its Level 1 home game against Marathon. The Red Raiders were ahead, 18-0, at halftime but the Eagles scored 21 points in the second half to get the win. Auburndale played against Marathon without leading rusher Evan Scholl, but he was back in action in Friday’s home win against Coleman.

TIGERS GANG UP ON THE BUFFALO- Stratford senior middle linebacker Matt Folz (52) is the first defender to tackle Mondovi’s ball carrier at the end of the first quarter of Friday’s game but he also receives help from his senior teammates, Koehler Kilty (32) and Gavin Leonhardt (23), in ensuring the Buffalo gets taken down to the artificial turf at Marshfield High School’s stadium.

STAFF PHOTO/CASEY KRAUTKRAMER