High school football: Wisconsin Week 1 predictions
THURSDAY
Baldwin-Woodville vs. Kewaskum, at Wisconsin-La Crosse, 5 p.m.
These two teams reached the second round of the playoffs last fall — Baldwin-Woodville in Division 4 and Kewasum in Division 3. Baldwin-Woodville sported a potent offense a year ago, but must replace the since-graduated dynamic dual-threat quarterback Masen Werner, who accounted for the bulk of the team’s offense in 2022.
The Blackhawks will look for their defense to take a major leap this season in order to take another step forward as a team.
OUR PICK: Baldwin-Woodville 27, Kewaskum 22
Wisconsin Rapids at River Falls, 7 p.m.
Wisconsin Rapids reached the playoffs in Division I last season, and will be a stiff test for River Falls out of the gates. The Wildcats topped Rapids 28-7 to kickoff their season a year ago.
River Falls has key playmakers back in quarterback Jacob Range and running back Jonah Severson. The test will be whether a revamped offensive line can support them.
OUR PICK: River Falls 33, Wisconsin Rapids 17
Rice Lake vs. Menomonie, at Wisconsin-Stout, 7 p.m.
Rice Lake edged Menomonie in Week 1 last season, which seemed to set a tone for a Mustangs season flush with tight losses.
Menomonie has Steele Schaefer back to tote the rock on offense. But the Mustangs must generate more explosiveness this season to score enough points to take advantage of their always-stout defense.
OUR PICK: Menomonie 17, Rice Lake 14
Marshfield at Hudson, 7 p.m.
Hudson returned to prominence last season. That started with a convincing season-opening win over Marshfield. Both teams advanced past the first round of the playoffs and likely have high hopes for the 2023 season.
But the Raiders are missing many of their top players from a year ago. A retooling leading to another nine-plus win campaign would show Hudson is truly “back” as a premier program in Western Wisconsin.
OUR PICK: Hudson 30, Marshfield 20
FRIDAY
Eau Claire Regis at Prescott, 7 p.m.
Prescott lost 13-6 to Regis in last year’s season opener. In retrospect, that was a strong result given that no one else came within three touchdowns of Regis en route to the program’s undefeated run to the Division 7 state championship.
Prescott only won twice last season, but a slew of high-impact players gained experience as sophomores that figures to serve them well heading into their junior years. The Cardinals could be set up for success for the next couple of years.
OUR PICK: Regis 21, Prescott 20
