8th Grade Thunderbirds Clinch Shutout Victory Against La Crosse Logan in Season Finale

<a href="https://youtu.be/oFPogBDX92k?si=u9m0N1GPFUcFJnmG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">8th Grade Highlight Video vs. Logan</a> The Baraboo 8th Grade JYMS Football Team, secured a significant 22-0 victory over the La Crosse Logan Rangers on October 21, 2025. The game, held at La Crosse Logan Middle School in Wisconsin, marked the end of their regular season and their final road game of the year. Despite challenging weather conditions featuring cloudy, overcast skies, and rain, the Thunderbirds demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork. The field's unique conditions, being only 70 yards long, narrower, and devoid of goalposts, did not deter the team. By halftime, Baraboo had already established a 14-0 lead, effectively keeping the Rangers at bay. Logan's quarterback, despite his ability to run and throw, was consistently thwarted by Baraboo's formidable defense, which showcased a strategy of low, collective tackling. The scoring opened vigorously for the Thunderbirds, with wingback Connor Shimon making an impressive run around the left end to score, although the subsequent two-point conversion was unsuccessful. Shimon wasn't finished; he scored again later in the first half, followed by a successful two-point conversion by LJ Martin, reinforcing Baraboo's lead. In the second half, fullback LJ Martin continued the trend by scoring on a right-side run up the gut, also converting the ensuing two-point play by bouncing off would be tacklers through the heart of Logan's defense. Defensive highlights included several crucial 4th Down stops against Logan and a pivotal interception by Griffin Due, which punctuated the Thunderbirds' strategic defensive prowess. The victory did not just mark a game win but also capped the team's season with a 3-3 record, their best to date at this level, finishing on a two-game winning streak and primed for off-season training heading into their Freshmen & high school careers. Coaches Jerry Waldon, Josh Schultz, Doug Thola, and Justin Riley were credited for their exceptional guidance, having the team focused and effectively executing their game plan.