Autumn is upon us and week 1 is in the books for area high school football teams. Some random thoughts as we head towards Week 2 of the season.

 

- Look for Bloomer coming off their very impressive 48-12 win over Altoona to become the first team to walk off the newly renovated Dorais Field in Chippewa Falls with a victory as the Mcdonell Macks host the Blackhawks on Thursday.

 

-Ladysmith featured one of the most balanced attacks of the weekend in their 27-20 win over Park Falls. 188 yards rushing combined with 170 yards passing from QB Lane Wojtyna will keep their future HON opponents guessing on defense. Keep in mind the Lumberjacks have not lost a regular season game since the 2005 season.

 

- Freshman QB Tom Helstern of Shell Lake had an amazing first start for the Lakers in their 42-22 victory over Clear Lake at the Gridiron Classic on the UW-Stout campus. Helstern's performance drew acolades from non-biased observers in the stands. He showed poise in the pocket, calm but firm leadership, completed some nice passes. Shell Lake appears to be set at the QB position for the next 4 years. Junior RB Luke Gronning and Senior RB John Cusick were also impressive with powerful running and showing the ability to break tackles on several occasions.

 

- Dare I say that no team played with more heart this weekend than the Pepin Lakers in their 38-12 loss to Alma on Friday. Pepin only had 14 players suited up for the game so the vast majority of players are out on the field every snap.  Pepin kept it close for a half though and only trailed 17-12 at intermission thanks to the efforts of hard working athletes like RB Jesse Seifert. Despite a couple of players cramping up in the 2nd half Pepin gave it their all on every play, played smart and should win some games this season.

 

- The top three teams in the Big Rivers Conference from  a year ago all had their struggles on Friday night. Menomonie trailed 10-0 in the first half to Mukwonago before coming back to eek out a 12-10 victory and avoid their first ever loss at Williams Stadium. Chippewa Falls trailed Holmen 13-3 at one point in the third quarter before storming back to win 16-13. Eau Claire Memorial showed their youthfulness in their 24-17 loss to La Crosse Central and yet showed some signs of promise for the future.

 

- Another year and another athlete named Campbell making contributions to the Baldwin-Woodville football team.  Blackhawks alum Zac has his name all over the Baldwin-Woodville and MBC record books. Vinnie is set to begin his freshman year as a UWEC Blugold under head coach Todd Glaser and now Hunter Campbell who is related to the other two returned a blocked punt for a touchdown and contributed to the Blackhawks running game in their 24-2 win over Mondovi.

 

- This could be a very competitive year in a strong Middle Border Conference with Durand, Somerset, Ellsworth, Baldwin-Woodville and Amery posting impressive victories this past weekend. Good luck to all the area teams in Week 2.

 

-Former Eau Claire Memorial girls swimming and diving coach Noel Ness has come out of retirement and is now the girls swimming and diving coach at Menomonie high school.

 

-UWEC Men's hockey coach Luke Strand resigned this past week to take an assistant job with the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League. (AHL)   UWEC has named Matt Loen as the interim head hockey coach for the upcoming season. Loen was an assistant under Strand the past two seasons.

 

-The UWEC volleyball team is ranked 18th in the nation according to the CSTV/AVCA pre-season poll released by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

 

-WIAC football and volleyball teams open their season this upcoming weekend. Look for all the updated scores and  standings here on West Wisconsin Sports.

 

- West Wisconsin Sports noticed several people in the stands this past weekend with digital cameras taking photos of area games. Do you have a football or volleyball photo or photos you would like to share? West Wisconsin Sports would be happy to put your photo in our photo gallery pages. Just email them to us at  photos@westwisports.com