For the first time this playoff run, the Kewaunee Storm will face an unfamiliar 2022 opponent when they line up across from Aquinas in Wisconsin Rapids Friday night.

The Storm beat Sturgeon Bay (71-6), Kiel (27-13), and Southern Door (15-12) in consecutive games after going a combined 2-1 against them during the regular season. The semi-final clincher in Brussels was very much in doubt late in their game against the Eagles, but then DJ Echos took a handoff on a weird exchange 72 yards untouched to seal the game for the Storm. Mitchell Thompson has thrown for 1498 yards and 17 touchdowns this year to go along with his 11 rushing touchdowns. The team's leading rusher, Owen Carlson, will still be inactive due to a lower-body injury suffered in the Kiel game.

The Blugolds defeated Durand-Arkansaw (51-6), Northwestern (38-13), and former Division 6 state champion Colby (28-14) en route to their second straight semifinal. They beat Mayville 28-26 to win the Division 5 championship last season. Ranked #1 in the state despite their #3 seed in the tournament field, the Blugolds are led by Jackson Flottmeyer. The All-State quarterback has thrown for over 2200 yards and 26 touchdowns while using his feet for seven more.

The two teams do have a history. Kewaunee head coach Randy Charles rushed for 53 yards, made eight tackles, and intercepted one pass in a 27-0 Blugolds victory in the 2007 Division 5 State Title game.

Tim Kowols and Henry Annen will have the call from Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School on U-1021 and NEWRadioSportsNetwork.com beginning at 6:45 p.m. with the pregame show followed by the kickoff at 7 p.m.

Listen to our interview with head coach Randy Charles by clicking this link