After their 23-16 comeback win against Monroe, Stoughton Football was ready to charge into the division three conference semifinals on Friday, Nov. 10, against Grafton at Waukesha West High School. The Vikings finished their regular season with a 5-8 record and a 3-4 conference record, while Grafton holds an 11-2 overall record and a 6-1 conference record. Despite the difference in wins, Head Coach Jason Becker was confident in his team’s ability to advance to the state finals.
“It’s important to know that the win-loss record doesn’t always tell the whole story,” Becker said. “Within our conference, we play division one or two schools. We played Sun Prairie East, Monona Grove, and DeForest, who are all much larger schools, so [considering the overall record], it makes a big difference.”
One of the Vikings’ strengths this season was their mental determination. Becker believes this crucial aspect is commonly overlooked, while most fans focus on the “X’s and O’s of a game,” such as whether we made the correct play or if the right player was on the field.
Two players that exemplified this all season long are Defensive Lineman of The Year Ben Harman and Defensive Player of The Year Beckett Spilde, who Becker states have both had phenomenal seasons. Spilde has racked up an impressive 86 tackles this season, and Harman follows with 84.
“Our defensive line has been that spark we’ve relied on all season,” Becker said. “Just last month, even though we were down 0-16 at halftime, they came out to start the second half, stopped that early drive, and got offense the ball back. They created that positive momentum for us and have led us on this postseason charge.”
Another part of this defensive group includes linebackers Joe Wahlin and Cole Sarbacker, and defensive back LeShawn Brown, who Becker claims were key players this season.
Two kickers stepped up to replace kicker and defensive back Casey Quam, who was injured during a game against Waterford. Prior to his injury, Quam was second in the state for interceptions, attaining ten at the time of his season-ending injury.
The team’s replacement kickers were Jayce Turner, who had a crucial performance in the Monroe game, and Elijah Hartberg, a soccer-style kicker who was voted as an all-conference soccer player earlier this fall.
While Stoughton High School has shown full support for their football team through pep rallies and stadium attendance, Becker hopes that the Stoughton community can be just as involved in seasons to come.
“I think that this playoff run has shown that when a group of people come together and unite in a belief, there’s a tremendous amount of strength in that, and you can accomplish many great things,” Becker said.
Before the state qualifier, Stoughton football was escorted off campus by police vehicles and firefighters. Parents stood on Devonshire Road in front of the entrance to the high school with signs supporting their children. One chain of signs held by parents read “Why Not Us,” a mantra that’s been heard in SHS since the playoff games started.
“It’s cool seeing the community start to grasp onto that mantra of ‘why can’t we do this?’” Becker said. “Having been here seven years, I was told ‘football will never win here,’ and I’ve always chosen to challenge that. We have talent, great facilities, and great community support, and I think belief can go a long way.”
On Nov. 10, Stoughton lost to Grafton 17-6. Regardless of the score, it was Stoughton’s first time reaching the state semi-final.
After the game, Becker gave a heartfelt speech to his team and gave special thanks to the seniors who have contributed to the program for more than just their high school career.
“They’re all incredible young men both on and off the field, and they’ve done everything we’ve asked them to do,” Becker said. “At the end of the day, it’s all because of them that this was even possible.” One of these seniors is Ben Harman, who will be attending Illinois State to continue his football career.
“High school football has been a great time, and it’s always hard moving on from things that you love,” Harman said. “I am proud of the team working together and making a good run in the playoffs.”
Becker aims to make this success a norm for seasons to come.
“The [seniors] set a standard that held everybody else accountable all the way through last season,” Becker said. “I’m lucky and privileged to have been able to coach them.”