Baraboo 7th Grade Gridiron Team Seals the Season with a Decisive Victory Over Rangers

The formidable 7th Grade JYMS Football team, clinched a significant win in their final regular-season football game on October 20, 2025, at Flambeau Field at Beryl Newman Stadium on the Baraboo High School campus. They faced off against the La Crosse Logan Middle School Rangers in what was described as the best weather conditions of the season, playing under a perfect fall sky that later revealed the stars. The first half showcased a dynamic performance from both teams. Baraboo took an early lead, making the score 16-12 by halftime. Their offense started strong, scoring quickly on the opening drive on a beautifully executed play action touchdown pass from Owen Basinski to receiver Ryland Johnsen. Later in the half, fullback AJ Carney took a nice run to the house to extend their lead. Owen Basinski converted both two point conversion attempts on QB Sneaks up the gut. Despite Baraboo's early dominance, Logan's standout player, number 14, demonstrated his speed by returning the ensuing kickoff, after Baraboo's first score, for a touchdown and later scoring again on a 54 yard touchdown reception from the tight end position during Logan's first offensive possession. Despite these efforts, Baraboo maintained control and finished the half ahead. The second half was dominated by Baraboo's strategic gameplay. They maintained the ball and time of possession nearly throughout, only allowing the Rangers one offensive series, which resulted in a failed fourth down attempt. Linebacker Ivel Smith single handedly shut down Logan's number 14 including a bone jarring hit that stopped number 14 in his tracks. Baraboo's offense was relentless, scoring multiple touchdowns. In addition, the team was able to successfully execute tricky plays like squib and onside kicks, with kicker Treyton Bourne recovering key live balls. Final scoring efforts included touchdowns by AJ Carney, QB/WB Luke Englund taking a sweep play for around right end for a nifty two yard TD, his first rushing TD of the year, and a short yardage run by Owen Basinski on a QB Wedge play to cap off the scoring. Baraboo concluded the game triumphantly at 34-12. Contributing to the efforts were defensive back Ryland Johnsen with standout ball hawking and key tackles, and wing back Jack Wagner with crucial offensive blocks. Linebacker Mathew Mrgan had a QB sack in the second half while also playing every snap at right guard on offense. Wingback Jake Puttkamer ran like a man on fire carrying the ball a number of times slicing through the defense. Centers Treyton Bourne and Abel Decorah had flawless execution with QB's Owen Basinski and Luke Englund going all season with no fumbled snaps on the center/QB exchange. The Thunderbirds finished their season with a balanced 3-3 record, reflecting strong execution in terms of turnover margin and ball handling by never throwing a single interception and minimizing fumbles. The season wrapped up successfully, reflecting the team's growth and solid performances from beginning to end.