MADISON (NBC 26) — Reedsville High School ended a 75-year drought on Thursday. The Panthers football team beat Coleman 17-0 in the WIAA Division 7 state championship game, clinching the school's first state championship in any sport since 1946.
"It's just such a dream to bring a gold ball back home," Panthers head coach Aaron Frederick said. "It's been a long time. Some of these kids - maybe their grandparents were around at that time but it's been a long time and such a long journey."
The Panthers were sparked by an early blocked punt, leading to a touchdown run from senior RB Westen Liebzeit.
Liebzeit later added a fumble recovery and an interception as the Panthers shut out the Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium.
"It's for every player - every basketball, football - every team that stepped foot on that field and dreamed about becoming a state championship team," Frederick added. "We're bringing it back home for all of those guys."
Senior QB Brennen Dvorachek added 128 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Panthers victory.
"It's going to be such an awesome feeling going to school and seeing the banner up there and being one of two and the other one being from 1946," Dvorachek told NBC 26. "Just for that to be my team is just awesome. What a great feeling."
The WIAA state football tournament continues through Friday at Camp Randall Stadium.
The @wiaawistate Division 7 champions:@ReedsvilleSD Panthers pic.twitter.com/XrpyF2ahCg
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) November 18, 2021
