BONDUEL, WI- It has been a season that exceeded expectations for Bonduel.

“If you would have asked me at the beginning of the season if I thought we would be here, I would not have dreamed it, but these kids keep surprising me,” Coach James Westrich said.

The Bears are looking to get to State for the first time, and follow suit of the Volleyball team, who also qualified for State for the first time. The last time Bonduel was in Level 4 was their only Level 4 appearance in 2010 where they lost to Colby 27-0.

Much of the success has been the balanced offense. Quarterback Cade Johnson has thrown for over 1600 yards and 26 touchdowns on the season. Bonduel has rushed for over 1800 yards as a team and scored 32 touchdowns. Much of the rushing success has been by Colin Fischer (124-726-9TD’s) and Carter Moesch (50-345-5TD’s).

The Bears defense has been a driving force of their success 18 interceptions on the season and only 12 rushing touchdowns given up.

Grantsburg offers a challenge, due to the fact that they are similar to Bonduel. Grantsburg has only given up 13 rushing touchdowns all season and scored 44 more of their own.

Quarterback Brock Matheny can sling the ball as he has tossed 17 touchdowns and thrown for 1567 yards. They are not as balanced on the ground with Ian Burkman getting a bulk of the work. The running back has 205 carries, 1635 yards and 30 touchdowns himself.

Grantsburg is making their 5th Level 4 appearance since 2015. They lost to St. Mary’s Springs (34-7) in 2015. They lost to Amherst (35-6) in 2017. They lost to Iola-Scandinavia (27-25) in 2018 and lost to Stratford (35-21) last year.