This story is sponsored by: Valley Communities Credit Union
By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MARSHFIELD – The Marshfield football team will close its regular season one week earlier than most teams, but the Tigers hope Friday’s game against Wisconsin Rapids won’t be its last.
The Tigers (4-3, 3-2 Wisconsin Valley Conference) guaranteed a .500 record in the Valley with a 46-9 win at Wausau East last week, which qualifies them for consideration for a WIAA postseason spot. In order to be insured of a spot, Marshfield has to do something no other Valley team has done this season – knock off Wisconsin Rapids (6-1, 4-0 WVC).
In order to topple the Raiders, and stop Rapids from clinching a tie for its first Wisconsin Valley Conference championship since 1994, Marshfield will have to be on the top of its game defensively.
The Tigers have the last three games, allowing just 25 points, but this Friday at Beell Stadium, Marshfield will have to stop the top rushing team in the conference.
Joe Ritchay leads Valley in rushing with 441 yards and seven overall touchdowns, but he is only part of the equation for Rapids. Quarterback Brady Goska has only thrown 13 passes this season, completing nine for 142 yards and three touchdowns, but ranks fourth in the Valley with 356 yards rushing, averaging 9.9 yards per carry. Rylann Lubeck also figures in the offense, tallying 277 yards on just 19 carries.
“They have three real nice players and when you try to stop one of them, the other two take over and do good things for them,” Marshfield coach Denny Goettl said. “The quarterback is a special kid, the fullback is big and another back that can take off. They are pretty meticulous on offense – they hit you, hit you and then break one.”
Rapids’ defense isn’t bad either, allowing just 45 points in four Valley games.
Marshfield may have found its offensive rhythm last week, as Elliot Ashbeck threw for 263 yards and a pair of touchdowns against East. Ashbeck had been sharing every-other-play duties with senior Chris Stemen, but an injury to Stemen gave the full-time job to Ashbeck.
He completed nine passes to his top two wide receivers – Jake Lisiecki (five for 85 yards) and Ian Padron (four for 108 yards) – which came as a result of good protection from the front line.
“(Ashbeck) really stepped it up,” Goettl said. “He got a lot more time, more reps, and we were coaching him a little bit harder (with Stemen out). His head movement was better and it didn’t hurt that we protected him well last week. He stepped up in the pocket and was able to see some guys. That’s a big deal.”
The Tigers also welcome back their starting tailback, Todd Vantassel, who despite missing the last two games because of an injury, is sixth in the Wisconsin Valley in rushing with 301 yards.
“We nursed him back and our training staff is one of the best in the state of Wisconsin, having someone there every day,” Goettl said. “He was out running (Wednesday) and looking good.”