November 2, 2021 – Kewaskum, WI – The Kewaskum Indians were supposed to turn in their football equipment today following a WIAA Level 2 playoff loss to No.1 Edgewood (Madison) 40-0 on Friday, October 29.
However, the situation changed today when the WIAA issued a statement declaring Edgewood would forfeit last week’s game due to an ineligible player.
An email was issued this afternoon from Kewaskum Athletic Director Jason Piittmann
Subject: Football Playoff Situation
This afternoon Kewaskum High School was notified of a situation at Edgewood High School which results in our team receiving a forfeit victory and advancing to Level 3 of the WIAA Playoffs.
After conferring with our coaching staff and student-athletes we notified the WIAA that we would play in the game versus Columbus.
The game is now scheduled for Saturday night at 7pm.
Sincerely,
Jason Piittmann
Physical Education Teacher
Athletics/Activities Director
Kewaskum head coach Steve Tennies said the WIAA was not clear in explaining just how the ineligible player occurred. “We are shocked, but excited,” said Tennies about the incredible opportunity.
No. 5 Kewaskum must shift gears and quickly prepare to compete in the WIAA Level 3 D4 football playoff against No. 2 Columbus.
“We are definitely emotional right now,” said Tennies. “This is not how we imagined getting to Level 3 in the playoffs.”
Tennies noted the quick turn-around to play presents a unique set of mental challenges and the key to any success would be the team’s adaptation to the circumstances.
There was jolt of energy and electricity in the Kewaskum locker room after the team meeting. Tennies said one the most powerful statements came from wide receivers/defensive backs coach Rick Schlehlein, who has coached high school football the last 38 years.
“Kewaskum has only made it to Level 3 one other time while I have been coaching, so let’s make the most of the chance we have been given,” he said.
Click HERE for the WIAA D4 playoff bracket
It’s a rare situation born of unusual circumstances, but one more win put the Indians merely one game from making it to the WIAA State D4 championship round.
The Indians play Saturday, November 6 at Columbus with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
Columbus advanced with a 26-6 win last Friday over No. 3 Lake Mills.
Early word is Edgewood is looking to appeal the WIAA ruling.
This is a working story and more information will be added when details become available.
