Catholic Memorial advances to Division 3 football semifinals

WHITEFISH BAY − Catholic Memorial entered Friday night's Division 3 quarterfinal football matchup against Whitefish Bay as the underdog.

The Crusaders defeated the Blue Dukes, 40-15, using a strong defensive performance and timely scoring to earn a spot in the Division 3 semifinals.

Catholic Memorial (7-5) established control early, scoring 17 unanswered points in the first half. Will Schmitzer opened the scoring with a 34-yard touchdown in the first quarter before the Crusaders added a field goal and another touchdown to take a 17-0 lead into halftime.

Whitefish Bay (9-3) responded in the third quarter with a touchdown from Mace Miskel, cutting the deficit to 17-7. However, Catholic Memorial answered with a 59-yard rushing touchdown to extend its lead to 24-7.

The Crusaders continued to build momentum in the fourth quarter. Ne'Vareon Flowers scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion to make it 32-7.

Scenes from Arrowhead-Sussex Hamilton in a WIAA football quarterfinal

Devon Williams Jr. added another touchdown for Catholic Memorial, and the Crusaders converted another two-point attempt to extend their advantage to 40-7.

Whitefish Bay added a late touchdown and two-point conversion, but the deficit was too much to overcome.

Catholic Memorial head coach Bill Young credited his team's preparation and defensive execution for the victory.

Young specifically praised defensive coordinator Ryan Stefaniak and Steve Rux, along with several players who helped lead the defensive effort, including Dalton Steinke, Dustin Roach, Cam Shumpert, Flowers and Schmitzer.

"We were really dialed in," Young said. "We were battle-tested."

That preparation came from what Young described as one of the toughest schedules in the state. Catholic Memorial faced seven Division 1 opponents and two Division 2 opponents during the regular season.

Young said competing against that level of competition helped establish the standard his team needed to reach heading into the postseason.

"When you get a chance to play against great teams, the bar is set for you," Young said. "It's just a deal that we were ready to compete."

The Crusaders also benefited from a strong week of preparation, including long practices and an extended walkthrough Friday morning.

Catholic Memorial advances to the Division 3 semifinals, moving one step closer to a state championship appearance.

Young knows the competition will only get tougher as the postseason continues.

"At this level, you get to Level 2, Level 3, you're playing great teams, great coaches, great programs," Young said. "You have to dominate and do the little things right, make your block, do your job, great tackling. We did that tonight. Now we've got to get ready for next week."

Catholic Memorial will face Pewaukee on Friday, Nov. 13, in a Division 3 semifinal matchup.