WIAA Football Level 2 Predictions Tom Dombeck Manitowoc, Sheboygan

After Level 1 of the WIAA playoffs, only six 11-player football teams remain alive.

I'll break down each of the five games involving Manitowoc and Sheboygan County teams, including a rematch in Week 9.

I picked 7-4 games last week and am 21-8 since week 8 when I started.

No. 6 Sheboygan North (7-3) at No. 2 Bay Port (8-2)

The Sheboygan North Golden Raiders are coming off one of the most successful seasons in team history.

There's no denying that, including winning the program's first-ever playoff win last week in Division 1.

However, this is probably where the season comes to an end.

Bay Port is not Milwaukee Reagan and the Golden Raiders need to play the games of their lives if they want to advance.

Running backs Vince Nienhuis and Alex Hernandez will play key roles for Sheboygan North.

Predicted winner: Bay Harbor

No. 4 Plymouth (8-2) at No. 1 Grafton (10-1)

It will be a tough test for the Plymouth Panthers, finishing second in Division 3 at Grafton last year.

The two teams share a common opponent in Port Washington, which defeated Plymouth 28-14, while Grafton defeated the Pirates 45-6.

Panthers running back Brett Shutter had a fantastic game in Level 1, but will need to be just as dynamic this week if Plymouth wants to continue.

Grafton has its own standout running back in Tommy Lutz, who has over 1,500 yards and 22 touchdowns this season.

Whichever ground game is more effective wins, with the advantage likely going to Grafton.

Predicted winner: Grafton

No. 3 Kewaunee (7-3) vs. No. 2 Kiel (10-0)

The best comparison I can make to this season's Kiel Raiders is the St. Louis Rams teams of the early 2000s, who were called the greatest show on turf.

This is just the high school version of Division 5.

Kiel has a plethora of offensive weapons, including running back Bryce Gullixon, quarterback Cade Voelker and receivers Harrison Zorn and Braden Aprill.

The Raiders average 47 points per game and have scored at least 34 points in all 10 games.

I don't really think Kewaunee has the defenders necessary to keep Kiel under control.

When the game ends, it will be another game the Raiders can win comfortably with the clock running if the Kiel defense is up to the task of keeping Kewaunee out of the end zone.

Predicted winner: Kiel

No. 5 Howards Grove (8-3) at No. 1 Cedar Grove-Belgium (8-3)

These two teams returned two weeks ago in Week 9 when the Cedar Grove-Belgium Rockets won 49-14.

One big thing that has happened since then is the loss of Cedar Grove-Belgium receiver, defensive back and return specialist Nolan Aponte to an injury last week in the Division 6 Level 1 competition.

The Howards Grove Tigers are a pass-heavy team, so losing one of your best defensive backs isn't ideal.

Rockets running back Ira Hilbelink passed the ball 41 times for 2,289 yards in this Week 9 game, so expect more of the same this time around.

As for Howards Grove, quarterback Trent Grunewald will need to avoid costly turnovers as he threw three interceptions in this matchup.

The loss of Aponte hurts, but Cedar Grove-Belgium still has to be considered the favorite to win.

Predicted winner: Cedar Grove-Belgium

No. 6 Manitowoc Lutheran (7-4) at No. 2 Lomira (8-2)

Lomira will run the ball early and often against the Manitowoc Lutheran Lancers.

Taylor Schaumberg leads Lomira in rushing with over 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns, while two other players, Jackson Goebel and Jack Luedtke, have scored at least 10 touchdowns each.

Manitowoc Lutheran has exceeded expectations all season long. So if they can contain the run, the Lancers could have a chance.

Offensively, quarterback Jayman Ott and receiver Derek Laabs will have to try to find the end zone a few times when running back Kamden Baye stalls.

Predicted winner: Lomira

Contact Tom Dombeck at 920-686-2965 or [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Tom_Dombeck.

No. 6 Sheboygan North (7-3) at No. 2 Bay Port (8-2)

No. 4 Plymouth (8-2) at No. 1 Grafton (10-1)

No. 3 Kewaunee (7-3) vs. No. 2 Kiel (10-0)

No. 5 Howards Grove (8-3) at No. 1 Cedar Grove-Belgium (8-3)

No. 6 Manitowoc Lutheran (7-4) at No. 2 Lomira (8-2)

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