Big games from Ashwaubenon's Kirst, Pulaski's Cole lead Week 3 high school football top performers
Week 3 rankings
1. Bay Port (3-0)
The Pirates put up 55 points against Green Bay Preble, the second-most they have scored in a contest since making the WIAA Division 1 state title game in 2019. Speaking of 2019, that Bay Port defense led by Max Meeuwsen allowed just 9.3 points per game. The 2022 unit is permitting 5.7 points, has allowed just two touchdowns in three games and only three points combined in the last two. Up next: Pulaski (3-0).
2. Pulaski (3-0)
Beat De Pere 24-18 behind another strong defensive performance. The Red Raiders’ offense hasn’t busted out quite yet, at least not compared to last year when the unit scored 30 or more points in each of the first five games. But the defense simply isn’t allowing many points, helping Pulaski build early leads. Opponents have scored a combined 16 points the first three quarters. The biggest test yet comes this week. Up next: at Bay Port (3-0).
3. West De Pere (3-0)
The 77-0 win at Green Bay West tied the program record for most points in a game. The outcome never was in doubt, but facing a rebuilding program allowed the Phantoms to get everyone some work. Four players attempted at least one pass, three had nine or more rushing attempts and 19 had at least one tackle. After two nonconference games and a crossover game with the FRCC-South, the Phantoms finally start FRCC-North play this week. The next three games against Ashwaubenon, Pulaski and De Pere will help decide whether a regular-season finale at Bay Port could have title implications. Up next: Ashwaubenon (1-2).
4. Luxemburg-Casco (3-0)
Improved to 2-0 on the road with a 21-17 win over two-time defending Bay Conference champion Appleton Xavier, thanks to a balanced attack in which it rushed for 147 yards and threw for 154. It was the second-fewest points the Spartans have scored since the beginning of last season, but the defense is allowing only 14.7 points. Up next: Winneconne (1-2).
5. Coleman (3-0)
The Cougars are 17-1 in their last 18 games and don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon. They beat Crivitz 28-6 last Friday, scoring the first 22 points. Coleman is outscoring opponents 44-15 in the first half this season and 50-14 in the second. Up next: at Pardeeville (1-2).
6. Kewaunee (3-0)
The defending Packerland Conference champion won two games by a combined eight points to start the season, but it crushed Marinette 56-8 in Week 3. That is tied for the most points scored in a single game by the Storm since beating Chilton 58-14 in September 2014. Up next: Oconto (3-0).
7. Southern Door (3-0)
The Eagles have scored 40 or more points in each of the last two games and have outscored opponents 115-18 the first three games. They have had success on the ground, including rushing for 206 yards and averaging 5.6 yards per carry in a 42-6 win over Mishicot last Friday. Up next: Bonduel (2-1).
8. Wrightstown (3-0)
Who needs experience? Apparently not the Tigers, who returned just 22.7% of their starters. It hasn’t mattered in a perfect start, the latest win coming in a commanding 35-8 victory at Seymour. A soft schedule has helped. The first three games were against teams with a combined 0-9 record, and they get another winless opponent this week. But a game at Freedom in Week 5 will show the Tigers how close they are to the top of the pecking order in the North Eastern Conference. Up next: Waupaca (0-3).
9. Oconto (3-0)
The Blue Devils have scored eight or fewer points twice this season but remain undefeated thanks to a defense that has allowed 14 points. They beat Peshtigo 8-0 last week and are permitting 227.4 yards of offense per game. Up next: at Kewaunee (3-0).
10. Denmark (2-1)
Won its second straight with a 28-7 victory at New London. The defense and special teams continue to get things done for the Vikings. They had a 69-yard punt return TD from Nolan Perry in the first quarter against the Bulldogs and have yet to allow more than seven points in any of the first three games. Up next: Shawano (0-3).
Players of the week
Boone Kirst, Ashwaubenon
The senior quarterback had one of the best games of his career, completing 21 of 30 passes for five touchdowns and a QB rating of 145.7 against Green Bay Southwest. He has thrown two or more TDs in five of his last seven games.
Maverick Cole, Pulaski
The senior running back rushed 23 times for a career-high 153 yards and scored all three of the Red Raiders’ TDs against De Pere. It was the sixth time in his career he has topped the 100-yard mark.
Najeh Mitchell, West De Pere
The senior running back rushed for 124 yards, averaged 13.8 yards per attempt and scored five TDs against West. All five of his scores came in the first quarter. Mitchell has nine total TDs this season.
Michael Alexander, De Pere
Another big week for the senior linebacker. He had 18 total tackles against Pulaski, one week after putting up 17. He has 48 total tackles — including 20 solo — and easily is on pace to surpass the 92 he had as a junior when he was an honorable-mention all-conference selection in the FRCC-North.
Dylan VanErmen, Coleman
The junior running back made his carries count against Crivitz, rushing for 114 yards on three attempts. He has rushed for 213 yards on 14 carries and is averaging 15.2 yards per attempt in the first three games.
Jared Hawkey, Southern Door
Caught three passes for 80 yards, including a 53-yard TD, against Mishicot.
Coach of the week
Mark Jonas, Southern Door
The 2022 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee has kicked off his first year with the Eagles on a good note. The team is 3-0 to start a season for the second time since 2017 and has a chance to win its opening four games for the first time since 2016.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Green Bay area's top Week 3 high school football performers, rankings
