Sports

Playoffs just out of reach for North

ALL- FRCC FOOTBALL

By winning its final three games, Sheboygan North was one victory shy of reaching the playoffs for just the fifth time and first since 2006.

The Golden Raiders finished with a 3-4 record in the Fox River Classic (3-6 overall) and had eight players make the all-South Division team.

“I really hope this is that turning point for our program,” coach Joe O’Brien said. “There was that excitement for that potential to get in the playoffs, so having that conversation at the end of the year … Hopefully in 20 years I’m looking back and saying this was the year that kind of shifted things here at North.”

One highlight of the season was three North players earned first-team status: senior offensive lineman Trenton Tagel, junior inside linebacker Tommy Basler and junior defensive back Lawton Weber.

“‘Today is the day,’” Tagel said. “That was a quote that we used everyday, making sure we know that that day was the day to put in the work. Don’t put off tomorrow what can be done today. Do the work now and don’t wait. And work really hard in the offseason.”

O’Brien says Basler was a leader who was around the ball all of the time and was moved to various linebacker positions.

“He did a tremendous job there for us,” he said.

Weber, who led North with four interceptions, was injured last spring season.

“Coming back, we were super excited for him,” O’Brien said. “He’s a really hard-working kid, great leader on the field, does all the right things and I couldn’t be more proud of him. Definitely well deserved.”

Second team: junior Samuel Neinhuls (running back and outside linebacker), senior Mason Debbink (defensive end) and junior Tyler Schoessow (inside linebacker).

Honorable mention: Weber (running back), junior Jacob Fox (kicker and punter), and senior Brandon Schoen (defensive back).

SOUTH

The 2-7 Redwings were led by senior Aden Katz, who made first-team all-division as an offensive lineman and honorable mention as a defensive end.

“I had a few coaches tell me after games he really stood out on film on both sides of the ball,” coach Jason Harder said. “I wish he’d gotten a little better voting on defense. He was a lot better than (honorable mention), but he had to play both ways.”

Katz, who completed his third season on varsity, says he likes playing offense better than defense.

“I like blocking, putting guys on the ground,” he said.

Second team: junior Treston Dekker (running back), junior Ian Ledermann (inside linebacker).

Honorable mention: junior Ahren Hall (offensive lineman), sophomore Joe Yurk (wide receiver) and sophomore Maddox Xiong (defensive back).

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