The Mustangs of Menomonie travelled to take on the Hilltoppers of Onalaska. The last time these two teams played was a non conference matchup in the 2022 season. The Hilltoppers last beat them 14-0 in Menomonie at UW-Stout. The Hilltoppers came into this matchup 7-2 and the Mustangs were 4-5. With Menomonie being the #7 seed and Onalaska being the #2 seed.
To start the game, Menomonie started off hot. With a quick 16-0 lead. Luke Pember with the quick 1 yard touchdown to start the game out 6-0.The Mustangs completed a 2 point conversion to make the game 8-0. The Hilltoppers looked to respond back when Reece Birt’s interception changed the momentum of the drive. Menomonie looked to add on to the lead with DJ Butler’s 11 yard sweep run ending up in the endzone to make the score 14-0. Menomonie attempted another 2 point conversion and completes it.
After that Onalaska secured the ball and drove down field with a quick pass to #14 Wylder Burch. The Hilltoppers attempted a 2 point conversion and completed it, making the score 14-8. The Mustangs were unable to answer the score and get put back on defense. With 46 seconds left, quarterback #12 Ian Kowel for the Hilltoppers made another quick pass to #8 Jackson Eagan for a 21 yard touchdown right before halftime.
To start the 2nd half Onalaska came firing with an opening 60 yard kick return by #13 Brendan Chenault. The Mustangs returned on offense when Brendan Chenault picked off a pass and returned it back to the house for a 73 yard pick 6. That made the score 26-16; an extra point kick made the score 27-16 in favor of the Hilltoppers. Menomonie slowly moved the ball down field and made it to the 17 yard line. DJ Butler’s dive into the endzone made the score 22-27 still in favor of the Hilltoppers. The Mustangs attempted a 2 point conversion which was completed back to DJ Butler.
Menomonie forced a quick 5 play drive and got right back on offense. With 8:39 left in the 4th quarter DJ Butler for the Mustangs housed a 64 yard touchdown to put Menomonie on top 30-27. After the extra point kick, the score was 31-27 Menomonie. Menomonies defense got a great stop on the 10 yard line and gave the back to the offense. Onalaska quickly forced a 3 and out and the Mustangs had to punt with the ball landing on the 49 yard line. With 1:50 left in the 4th quarter, Onalska slowly made their way down into Menomonie territory. Time winding down with 17 seconds on the clock. Quarterback #12 Ian Kowal scrambled into the endzone which put Onalaska on top 33-31. The extra point kick made the score 34-31. Menomonie was left with 2.2 seconds after a kick return to the 25 yard line. A pass was attempted but was not completed. And gave the Hilltoppers the victory.
Onalaska’s key players leading them to a win over Menomonie were Ian Kowal who passed for 146 yards with 2 touchdowns; Carson Zinnecker rushed for 69 yards on 14 attempts,and Jackson Egan with 5 receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. Onalaska will now host #6 seed Pewaukee on Halloween, Friday, the 31st.
