Football Vanguards exit in style

In a perfect world, Wisconsin Heights’ football team would be playing for at least one more week — and maybe several more. Instead, the Vanguards’ season is over. Heights wrapped up its 2024 campaign with a 64-16 win over Belmont last Friday and finished the year 6-2 overall. Theoretically, that type of record is plenty strong enough for a team to make the postseason. The WIAA states, though, that only schools with a three-year enrollment average of 200, or less, are eligible for the playoff series. So Heights, which has 223 students, is ineligible for postseason play. “It’s a shame what the WIAA does to the teams that aren’t eligible,” Heights coach Connor Herrling said. “They know they can make bracket play out of the 40 or so teams that don’t go to playoffs.  “They decide not to and to just baby 11-man football like normal. It’s time for them to wake up and make bracket play for all 8-man teams. It’s not fair. Never has been.” At least the 2024 Vanguards went out with a bang, rolling from start to finish against an overmatched Belmont squad. Cody Blicharz had seven touchdowns for the second time this season. Yes, seven! Blicharz carried 13 times for 237 yards and found the endzone seven total times. He finished his brilliant season with 2,662 total yards and 26 total touchdowns. Quinn Payne had another solid game and finished the year with 1,200 passing yards and 15 touchdown passes while completing 60.4% of his passes. Defensive stalwarts John Reader (113 tackles), Luke Herrling (110 tackles) and Damian Henning (107 tackles) also finished the year with terrific numbers. “I came into this year wanting to win conference. The guys did too,” Herrling said. “We came short by a touchdown from winning conference. This team is the definition of grit, compassion, and great attitude.  “I preached this from the beginning of the season, if life was sweet and easy then we would all be rich and not working. Well life isn’t that way. The team knew that. They knew they had to fight hard all year to get where they are at.” Herrling wanted to thank the gridiron club, the parents and his staff. Mostly, though, he was thankful for everything the 16 seniors — and the 2024 Vanguards — provided. “I have coached these guys since they were sophomores, and it’s been crazy to see where they’re at now,” Herrling said. “It’s awesome watching them grow into great young men. I am proud of them.”