FOCUS ON PREP FOOTBALL
Area rankings The top 10
School (W-L) last week
1. Franklin (3-0) 1
2. Muskego (3-0) 2
3. Mukwonago (3-0) 3
4. Catholic Memorial (3-0) 4
5. Homestead (3-0) 5
6. Arrowhead (2-1) 6
7. Brookfield East (2-0) 7
8. Whitefish Bay (2-1) 8
9. Lake Country Lutheran (3-0) 9
10. Oak Creek (3-0) 10
The next 10
11. Wauwatosa West (3-0) 12; 12 Germantown (2-1) 13; 13. Hartford (2-1) 15; 14. Sussex Hamilton (2-1) 18; 15 Greendale (3-0) -: 16. Nicolet (3-0) 0; 17. Cedarburg (2-1) 17; 18. Kettle Moraine (2-1) 19; 19. Racine Horlick (2-1) 20; 20. South Milwaukee (3-0) –
Player of the week Offense Jonah Jensen, Brookfield Academy
The senior did the job on both sides of the ball but was especially a force on offense where he needed just 20 carries to reach 350 yards, a 17.5-yard average, and scored five touchdowns in a 49-42 victory over Catholic Central on Friday. A quarterback, he also completed five of 10 passes for 83 yards and another touchdown. He even capped the night with a defensive gem, sealing the win with an interception.
Defense Braeden Bakken, East Troy
The senior defensive lineman simply would not be denied when it came to helping the Trojans get their first win of the season. In a 28-26 win at home over Edgerton on Friday, he made 11 tackles, eight solo, and had three sacks. He also forced three fumbles, recovering two, one in the end zone for a touchdown..
Special teams Owen Hirthe, Milwaukee Reagan
The freshman was an impact player for the Huskies kickoff return and kickoff coverage units, returning a kickoff 77 yards for a touchdown and later recovering an onside kick in the team's 34-20 win over Pulaski on Friday at South Stadium.
Teams of the week Nicolet
The Knights are off to a rare 3-0 start thanks to a 21-20 overtime victory over Cedarburg on Friday in which they had to rally in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Ben Ott's 10-yard touchdown pass to senior Cole Trimborn plus junior Aidan Hill's extra point gave Nicolet its winning points. Senior linebacker Daniel Quam protected the win by blocking Cedarburg's extrapoint attempt after it scored on its overtime possession. Senior Braeden Ott was a workhorse on offense, carrying 21 times for 148 yards. Trimborn, who also plays defensive back, had 12 tackles and interception. Senior linebacker Matthew Kuesel was next with 11 tackles as the Knights secured their best start in at least 20 years.
West Allis Hale
The Huskies upset Brookfield Central, 21-14, on the road Friday to improve to 2-1. Sparked by big plays in the passing game, Hale outgained Central, 435-241, and led by 14 points in the fourth quarter. Senior quarterback Ty Clark completed 22 of 30 passes for 278 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a team-high 81 yards, three more than the team's No. 2 ball carrier, senior Tobey Sayeg. Most of Clark's passing yards went to junior Connor Johnson, who made receptions for 123 yards. Senior linebackers Jacob Ruedinger (10 tackles) and Hunter McCoy (one forced fumble, one interception) were key to the Huskies containing Central on the road.