Wisconsin Rapids quarterback Ben Olson and the Raiders need to beat Oshkosh North at home Friday to become playoff eligible.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS — For Wisconsin Rapids, Port Edwards, Nekoosa and Adams-Friendship, the goal this week is simple: Win and become playoff eligible.
All four teams have the opportunity and must seize the day to play another week.
Nekoosa, Adams-Friendship and Port Edwards are playing teams in the bottom of their respective conferences, while Rapids is a game behind Oshkosh North in the VFA-South.
Other games in the Week 9 schedule include Pittsville at Stratford, Adams-Friendship at Wisconsin Dells and Nekoosa at Westfield.
Here are three games that highlight Week 9.
ASSUMPTION (6-2)
AT OWEN-WITHEE (5-3)
Last meeting: Owen-Withee 46, Assumption 24 (2014)
About Assumption: The Royals have won four of their last five games, including last week’s convincing 33-7 win over Newman. Brady Baltus is the rushing leader with 736 yards and 10 TDs, followed by Jon Trickey (562, nine) and Isaac Kollock (472, eight).
About Owen-Withee: All three of the Blackhawks’ losses have been by one or two touchdowns and to the upper tier of the Cloverwood Conference. Kola Karaba has rushed for 898 yards and 15 touchdowns to lead the Blackhawks’ ground game.
PORT EDWARDS (4-4, 2-2 CWC-10)
AT TIGERTON/MARION (1-7, 1-3 CWC-10)
Last meeting: Port Edwards 45, Tigerton/Marion 14 (2014)
About Port Edwards: The Blackhawks were held scoreless for the first time all season, but it wasn’t to a slouch: Almond-Bancroft. Port needs to win to be playoff eligible.
About Tigerton/Marion: T/M’s lone win is a 6-0 victory over Rosholt in Week 3 of the football season. The team has lost five straight since that win.
OSHKOSH NORTH (5-3, 4-3 VFA-SOUTH)
AT WISCONSIN RAPIDS (4-4, 3-4 VFA-SOUTH)
Last meeting: Oshkosh North 21, Wis. Rapids 8 (2014)
About Oshkosh North: The Spartans have won three straight, over Neenah, Oshkosh West and Marshfield. Quarterback Tyler Kujawa (872 yards and nine TDs) and Eliot Dittmer (994 yards and 11 touchdowns) give North a solid pass-rush attack.
About Wis. Rapids: Win and the Raiders are in. A victory would also snap a three-game skid, which started Sept. 25. Rapids has been outscored 107-37 in its last three games.
Mark Massoglia can be reached at 715-423-7200, ext. 4736 or mark.massoglia@gannettwisconsin.com. Follow him on Twitter @markmazzy.
