Badger Secures Thrilling Victory Over Waunakee in WIAA State Football Division 2 Championship
In an electriying showdown for the Division 2 title, Badger emerged triumphant with a nail-biting 34-33 victory over Waunakee.
Badger Early Drama Unfolds
The game saw early sparks when Brady Cizek‘s interception in the second quarter positioned the Warriors in the red zone. Seizing the opportunity, Sebastian Rasmussen powered through with a 2-yard run, putting Waunakee on the scoreboard.
Badger, however, responded vigorously, securing two touchdowns to take a 13-7 lead late in the first half. JP Doyle showcased his versatility, running in a touchdown himself and connecting with Landon Nottestad for another score.
Waunakee’s Resilient Fightback
The Warriors roared back just before halftime, as Vance Johnson’s deep pass found David Emerich for a 60-yard touchdown. Waunakee entered the half with a narrow 14-13 lead.
Second-Half Intensity
Badger opened the second half with a scoring drive, reclaiming the lead at 19-14. Waunakee, resilient as ever, responded with a passing touchdown from Johnson to Robert Booker II.
As the teams entered the fourth quarter, the Warriors held a slim 20-19 lead.
In a gripping turn of events with less than 9 minutes remaining, Landon Nodestad’s 40-yard run propelled Badger ahead. A successful 2-point conversion extended the lead to 27-20 with 8:45 left on the clock.
Waunakee swiftly countered, with Emerich scoring his second touchdown on a short pass play, showcasing his agility as he maneuvered across the field to outrun defenders for a crucial six points.
Badger, determined to secure the victory, made a decisive move with less than 3 minutes to play. JP Doyle, in a quarterback keeper play, led a 12-play, 76-yard drive that consumed almost five minutes, putting Badger back in the lead.
Waunakee, displaying resilience till the end, narrowed the gap to 34-33 with Johnson connecting with tight end Booker for a 24-yard touchdown. Opting for a 2-point conversion, the Warriors attempted a pass but couldn’t convert.
In a contest marked by twists and turns, Badger emerged as the worthy victor, clinching the WIAA State Football Division 2 Championship in a thrilling clash against Waunakee.
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