Baraboo Thunderbirds Gridiron Team Falls to Onalaska in a Challenging Conference Tilt

On September 19, 2025, the Baraboo Thunderbirds faced off against the Onalaska Hilltoppers in a varsity conference football game at Flambeau Field in Beryl Newman Stadium, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. Under cloudy conditions threatening rain, the game started early at 6:00 PM to avoid potential forecasted storms. The match marked the Thunderbirds' third conference game and fifth overall for the season. The first half saw Onalaska exhibiting strong offensive tactics with zone running plays and reverse specialty plays, leading to a half-time score of 29-7. Notably, Onalaska capitalized on a 15-play drive that culminated in their first touchdown followed by a successful two-point conversion using a trick play from the PAT/FG formation. At the half’s end, Onalaska kicker Jon Moon attempted a 40-yard field goal which narrowly missed to the left. Throughout the game, Baraboo’s Ethan Huesselman and Peyton Poker contributed touchdowns, with Huesselman marking 68 rushing yards and Poker securing a late game QB sneak touchdown after recovering an Onalaska fumble, finalizing the score at 51-13 in Onalaska's favor. Zeke Zuniga and Drake Niles also made notable plays with significant rushing and receiving yards respectively. Despite the challenging game, Baraboo demonstrated depth in their roster as freshman Lee Cowan took his first varsity snaps in both quarterback and defensive end positions in the latter stages of the game. The team now prepares for their next game against the Reedsburg Beavers on September 26, 2025, at Millenium Field in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.