High-flying Hilltoppers host grind-it-out Panthers
The odds of it happening are slim, two teams meeting in the final regular season game for the conference championship.
But, that’s what’s happening between West Salem and hosting Onalaska high school football teams for the Mississippi Valley Conference title.
“This is the way that you want a season to end – that the last game means something,” Onalaska Coach Tom Yashinsky said. “That’s all you can ask for as a coach and a team. It’s going to be a fun night.”
Onalaska hasn’t won the MVC since 2006, while West Salem is in just its third year in the conference.
Heading into the game, two teams have contrasting styles on offense.
Onalaska is led by senior quarterback Brayton Duin, who has thrown for over 2,700 yards and 35 touchdowns this season.
The Hilltoppers (7-1, 5-1) often capitalize on big plays, while the Panthers (7-1, 5-1) do sort of the opposite.
“They grind it out on offense – 4 or 5 yards a play,” Yashinsky said. “And they really slow the game down. So, if you don’t capitalize off your possessions, you can be in the fourth quarter and it’s a 14-7 game.”
Onalaska enters averaging 43 points a game. West Salem has shut out its last two opponents.
MVC champions (conference record)
2015: Logan, Holmen (6-1)
2014: Logan (7-0)
2013: Holmen (6-0)
2012: Central (5-1)
2011: Tomah (6-0)
2010: Logan (6-0)
2009: Logan, Central (5-1)
2008: Aquinas, Logan (5-1)
2007: Tomah (6-0)
2006: Onalaska (5-1)