BALDWIN, WI – The #4 seeded Baldwin-Woodville Blackhawks surged past the #5 seeded Somerset Spartans, 63-26, at home for level three of the 2023 Division 4 WIAA Football Tournament. A fast start and strong all-around play can be accredited to the Blackhawk win.
Somerset kicked off to Baldwin-Woodville to begin the game. The Blackhawks struck first; only two plays into the first offensive drive of the game; with a 60-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cal Smith to Gavin Sell, 7-0. Somerset responded with a touchdown of their own; 58-yards on the ground. The Spartan two-point conversion was no good, 7-6. Baldwin-Woodville’s offense went back to work scoring quickly on a 64-yard passing touchdown from Smith to Collin Fritts, 14-6. Somerset struggled to move the ball and went four-and-out. The Blackhawks added to their lead with another passing touchdown, 39-yards Smith to Graiden Monicken, 21-6. The Spartans punted on their next possession. Taking back to the field, the Blackhawks scored again, Smith connecting with Jackson Johansen through the air for a 30-yard touchdown, 28-6. Somerset’s offense continued to be challenged by a sound Blackhawk defense. The Spartans final drive of the first quarter was short-lived. Blackhawk defensive back Monicken intercepted a Spartan pass bringing an end to the first quarter. Blackhawk lead 28-6.
Baldwin-Woodville’s offense couldn’t find their rhythm on their first possession of the second quarter and punted. Somerset capitalized on the opportunity rushing 83-yards for the score. The Spartans two-point conversion was again unsuccessful, 28-12. The Blackhawks returned, methodically moving downfield and scoring on a short rushing touchdown by running back Taden Holldorf, 35-12. Somerset’s next drive ended with an interception by Blackhawk defensive back Ryan Veenendall. Smith completed another passing touchdown, 13-yards to Fritts, 42-12. Somerset’s offense returned hoping to gain something before the end of the first half, however Veenendall intercepted a second Spartan pass returning the ball to near midfield. Holldorf ran into the endzone soon after making the score 49-12 at the end of the first half.
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