Exclusive video from Friday’s game:
By Mike Ramczyk
BURLINGTON – The Catholic Central football team has another number to add to its Wall of Champions billboard, located behind the west end zone of the Topper Bowl – 2015.
The left side of the Wall features numerous conference championship seasons over the years, more than 20 if you’re counting.
The right side? That’s reserved for state championships. Catholic Central has eight of those in its storied history.
After the Hilltoppers reeled off a 48-26 victory over Kenosha St. Joe’s to finish the season undefeated (9-0) and capture their first Metro Classic Conference title since 2010, at least a couple players are already thinking about the ultimate prize – a WIAA Division 7 championship.
“I love these guys,” said senior running back Cole Kresken, who ran for 179 yards and three touchdowns. “We’re very emotional, and I think that’s a huge part of our game.”
Senior offensive lineman Kevin Maus said something is different with this squad. The Toppers have made the playoffs each of the last three seasons, but all has come together in 2015 for a team that’s beating opponents by double digits.
“We’ve had good chemistry in the past, but what we’re talking about this year is unlike anything we’ve ever had here,” Maus said. “I love working with these guys. It’s unbelievable that I get to go to practice with these guys every day.”
It was a winner-take-all showdown for the conference crown, and the Trojans cut the Topper lead to 14-12 with 11:56 left in the second quarter thanks to a Nolan Rhey touchdown catch, but Catholic Central flipped the switch.
The Toppers took the ensuing possession and ran the ball down the field with ease, culminating with a Kresken 48-yard touchdown run with two minutes before halftime to take the lead.
Then, instead of going for it on fourth down, St. Joe’s decided to punt. One play later, Catholic Central quarterback Ben Heiligenthal hit Cole Pankau for a 41-yard score.
It only took two minutes, but a close game was suddenly 28-12 at the half.
“It was a battle tonight,” Heiligenthal said. “The score didn’t really show it. St. Joe’s is a good team.”
When asked about making it to state, Heiligenthal didn’t hesitate.
“That’s definitely been a goal since Day One. I’ve watched all the games of Catholic Central since I was little. I’ve always dreamed of putting numbers on that board back there (Wall of Champions).”
Kresken only needed 24 carries to amass 179 yards. He finished the regular season with 1,276 rushing yards.
Pankau caught touchdown passes of 54 and 41 yards from Heiligenthal, who was an efficient 8-for-11 with 146 yards. He added 51 yards rushing on 11 carries.
Austin Neuhaus’ 15-yard touchdown catch pushed the Topper lead to 35-12 midway through the third, and Heiligenthal’s 5-yard scoring scamper ended all hope for St. Joe’s, making it a 41-12 lead with 13 minutes left in the game.
It’s a no-brainer Catholic Central will receive a #1 seed, as it’s currently the No. 2-ranked team in the state in Division 7. But the Toppers’ first-round WIAA playoff opponent won’t be determined until Saturday afternoon.
Here’s their bracket: Black Hawk, Cambria-Friesland, Cassville, Catholic Central, Johnson Creek, Potosi, Randolph, Rio. Cambria-Friesland (#6) and Potosi (#8), the team that ended Central’s season in 2014, will likely receive the 2 and 3 seeds.
Stay tuned to www.myracinecounty.com, follow Mike Ramczyk on Twitter @mikeramczyk17 and LIKE Standard Press Sports for more information Saturday and Sunday.
Other area scores
Union Grove 28, Burlington 16
Lake Geneva Badger 14, Waterford 7
Delavan-Darien 47, Wilmot 40 (2OT)
Elkhorn 27, Westosha Central 0
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