In what might have been the best high school football game of the year, Mukwonago defeated Arrowhead 31-30. This game was back and forth, continually tied, but most importantly, came down to the wire. Arrowhead decided to take a risk that didn’t pay off, but it’s a risk Matt Harris would probably take again if the opportunity presented itself.
The first few drives were a feeling out process. Arrowhead was the first team on the board, scoring a 39-yard passing touchdown with under two minutes remaining. Vance Holtz was locked in early, this being his first of two touchdown passes.
Just over five minutes later, Wynn Stang, arguably the best running back in the entire state, had a big 18-yard touchdown to even things up. Things would remain even going into halftime. Both teams hit 30-yard field goals to put the score at 10-10.
Give Ryan McCormack and Sean Jochims a lot of credit. Not every team is granted the opportunity to be able to kick, but both kickers were perfect on the night.
The night was still young between the #1 and #4 ranked teams in the state. Mukwonago has been ranked #1 in Division 1 for the entire season, and they weren’t looking to change that anytime soon. Arrowhead said not so fast as Jacob Siner exploded for a 47-yard rushing touchdown.
Evan Herbig got hot when he needed to, as six minutes later he threw a 59-yard bomb to Mason Rybolt which evened things up at 17. Through three quarters, Mukwonago has yet to lead this game.
That trend continued as Arrowhead began the fourth quarter with a little Nick Cinelli rushing touchdown. Again, Mukwonago was quick to respond. Just over three minutes later, Herbig and Rybolt connected again. While this one wasn’t for 59 yards, there’s no shame in a 47-yard passing touchdown with just over six minutes remaining in arguably the biggest game of the season.
With the score even at 24, Arrowhead had a chance to put this game on ice. That was no easy task with 6:13 remaining, but it all came crashing down when Mukwonago got the ball back early and QB Evan Herbig rushed it in himself from eight yards away. The score now read 31-24, the first time Mukwonago led all game long, with only 2:18 remaining.
It all came down to this for Arrowhead, and they decided to risk it all. With just fourteen seconds remaining on the clock, Vance Holtz recorded his second passing touchdown of the game. Holtz connected with Andrew Weske for the second time of the night. With the score in Mukwonago’s favor, 31-30, Arrowhead decided to go for two.
Assuming you read the opening paragraph, you know the result. Mukwonago’s defense shined bright by stuffing Arrowhead and their dreams of a #1 ranking in division 1. Mukwonago held on, winning 31-30. Stars of the game included Evan Herbig (13-17 250 yds 2 TDs), Wynn Stang (22 att 84 yards 1 TD), and Mason Rybolt (6 rec 133 yards 2 TDs).
Give credit to Riley Fischer and Gaige Taugher for finishing the night with double digit total tackles, along with Taugher’s 1.5 sacks.
Arrowhead didn’t go down without a fight. Vance Holtz threw the ball only thirteen times, finishing 7-13 151yds 2TD. Nick Cinelli led the way on the ground with 17 carries for 99 yards and a touchdown.
Weske was previously mentioned for his pair of touchdowns which came on four receptions for 96 yards. A trio of Arrowhead defensemen had eight tackles: Thomas Curry, Jacob Woida, and Connor Foley.
The Rankings
Mukwonago, as expected, remains number one in all of high school football. Kimberly and Bay Port fill the number two and three spots respectively, with Neenah jumping up from seven to four. As for Arrowhead, they only dropped a spot.
No one else in the rankings is undefeated. The only one loss team above Arrowhead is Muskego, who lost 24-6 to Mukwonago back on September 16th. Arrowhead currently sits at number six, only two spots lower than where they were last week.
The Final Countdown
Mukwonago’s remaining schedule includes Oconomowoc at home this week, Kettle Moraine on the road, and they finish the season at home against Waukesha West. Kettle Moraine is undoubtedly their biggest battle yet this season. Just a few weeks ago, Kettle Moraine only lost to Arrowhead by 12 points.
Speaking of Arrowhead, their schedule doesn’t get any easier. Arrowhead and Muskego will do battle this week, in Muskego. This is a huge matchup in the Classic Eight conference. It would take a miracle for either to pass Mukwonago, but nothing is off the table. After this Friday, Arrowhead plays Waukesha South on the road before they finish their season at home against Oconomowoc.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @JordonLaw_PxP and follow @WiSportsHeroics as well for more great Wisconsin sports content! To keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin Sports, click here! For some awesome Wisconsin Sports Heroics gear, check out our merch store!
