EDGAR – All year long, Edgar’s defense has haunted opponents throughout their pursuit toward a third consecutive championship.
Things were no different on Friday, Oct. 31 in the Wildcats’ Level 2 playoff victory over Poynette. The Cats defense handled No. 4 Poynette 42-0 to earn an eighth shutout of the season.
It was a good, much-needed win for the unbeaten Wildcats, who narrowly escaped Level 1 with a late-game touchdown to advance.
The Wildcats feel like they’re getting back on track, and long-time coach Jerry Sinz feels it has a lot to do with the way the Wildcats carried themself throughout the week.
He’s hoping the heightened focus can become a healthy habit.
“After last week, there may have been some guys maybe not quite as confident but i think a win like this can improve their focus again this week,” Sinz said. “Now they realize that if we really buckle down a little harder, study film a little more, concentrate a little harder in practice, pay attention to details, usually things will go better for you.
“So hopefully we see that again this week.”
Defense in bunches
After surrendering their highest point total of the season last week to Loyal/Greenwood at 21 points, the Wildcats defense returned to their stingy ways in their Level 2 victory over the Pumas.
Senior Dom Contreras has enforced a heavy no-fly zone stipulation in the back of the Wildcats secondary.
In the last three games, Contreras has confiscated four passes, reaching four interceptions in the Wildcats last three wins.
He credits his coaching staff for prioritizing preparation.
“On that last one, I knew my safety was getting over there, so I was kind of sitting in the middle, and our coach just always puts us in the right spot,” Contreras said. “Every play. He sets up a great game plan and we were very prepared coming in, so that just set me up for success.”
The preparation across all three phases was apparent.
There’s not one specific way the Wildcats have beaten teams this season, any given game it can be anyone wearing a Wildcat jersey that can step in and make game-changing plays.
Tonight, those sparks came in bunches.
Junior Wyatt Klockziem created mayhem in the backfield with two sacks. And freshman Graham Streit raced into the end zone for a 32-yard touchdown that would be the Wildcats final score of the day.
They feel it’s a testament to the work they put in behind the scenes, and they certainly aren’t lacking confidence in the ability of their coaching staff.
That confidence has translated onto the field as the Wildcats are scorching hot, winners of 23 consecutive games dating back to 2024. Tonight’s victory pushed the Wildcats into the Elite 8 of the remaining Division 6 teams, and also earned the Wildcats its 16th shutout during said stretch.
The preparation and trust that has fueled Edgar’s dominance isn’t lost on the group.
“We work really hard during the week,” Contreras said. “And Coach Streit, he sets up the best game plan. I think he’s the best coach in the state.”
Still the Wildcats aren’t getting ahead of themselves with a lot of football left to play, but until the final whistle, Contreras said the goal is simple – to ‘go ball.’’
Friday, Oct. 31 results:
Stratford 28, Prairie du Chien 21
Amherst 40, Brillion 13
Edgar 42, Poynette 0
Tomahawk 34, Spencer 12
Mosinee 19, Evansville 7
Grafton 59, Merrill 0
Lake Country 35, Wittenberg-Birnamwood 14
Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Reporter Alfred Smith III at alfred.smith@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @AlfredS_III.
This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Edgar bounces back from slow postseason start, handles No. 4 Poynette with eighth shutout
Reporting by Alfred Smith III, Wausau Daily Herald / Wausau Daily Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
