Week 8 High School Football Preview: Perfect records on the line in Central Wisconsin

WAUSAU ― It’s a big week for Central Wisconsin football in week 8.

Just a few weeks from the postseason, this week is do-or-die for some programs.

The clash between D.C. Everest and Stevens Point Area Senior High, who both have 4-0 conference records, will earn the winner sole possession of the Wisconsin Valley Conference as the season concludes. At the same time, Abbotsford will look to bounce back after being stopped in its tracks on Oct. 4 by Auburndale.

Here is your week 7 slate of key matchups in Central Wisconsin.

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Amherst (7-0) at Stratford (7-0) 

The CWC-Large division hosts a marquee matchup for first place this week, with Amherst traveling to face powerhouse Stratford. 

The matchup between the two undefeated programs will be one of the biggest in Central Wisconsin. With Stratford’s defense holding a conference-best in points allowed and Amherst right behind in second place, the outcome will depend on which defense made the most plays against the opposing high-powered offense. 

Barring any roadblocks in the final week, the winner will likely finish the season with the conference crown. Stratford is looking for its second consecutive conference title.   

Pacelli (2-4) at Edgar (6-1)

The Wildcats are locked in while pursuing another state championship under Jerry Sinz. 

On Oct. 4, Edgar knocked off Iola-Scandinavia, holding the Thunderbirds to six points, continuing their dominant defensive stretch over the past four weeks, in which they have only relented those six points. In the previous three games before that, the Wildcats pitched shutouts.

Conversely, Pacelli will look to win back-to-back games for the first time this year. They are coming off a 20-14 victory over Rosholt at home. 

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Iola-Scandinavia (5-2) at Pittsville (2-5) 

The Wildcats brought Iola-Scandinavia back to earth after a scorching stretch from their offense, in which it scored 40+ points in consecutive wins over Assumption, Pacelli, and Rosholt. 

This week, Iola-Scandinavia can punch its ticket into the postseason with a fourth conference win against Pittsville at home.

While Pittsville’s record may not totally reflect it, the team has certainly improved after finishing with a winless record in the Marawood Conference last season. 

A win would give the program its third WVC win this season and push it a game closer to reaching the postseason going into its season finale against Auburndale. 

Abbotsford (6-1) at Rosholt (1-6)

Abbotsford will look to get back on track this week against Rosholt. On Oct. 4, the Falcons dropped their first loss to a hot Auburndale team while scoring their second-lowest point total since losing to Edgar early in the season. 

Abbotsford hopes to return to its brand of football and create positive momentum going into the final stretch with a win.

Rosholt nearly walked away with a win against Pacelli on Friday. The game was tied going into the fourth quarter, but they faltered with six minutes left when Pacelli picked up and returned a fumble for the go-ahead touchdown. Pacelli lost that game 20-14 but will have a chance to snap their losing streak at home against a contending program.

Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Reporter Alfred Smith III at alfred.smith@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @AlfredS_III