WAUKESHA, Wis. — For the first time since 1998, the Slinger Owls (13-0) are headed to Madison for the Division 2 State Championship.
Led by quarterback Michael Thiede, the Owls defeated Badger (12-2) in the state semifinals Friday night at Waukesha West, 35-28.
WIAA Division 2 Semifinal: Slinger (12-0) vs. Badger (11-1)
Badger’s only loss this season? In Week Two against Slinger.
A rematch that’s been 2.5 months in the making… but get this.. BOTH head coaches spoke this game into existence.
Tonight’s 6pm pregame interview ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/mJ7Tc61Rj9
— Ashley Washburn (@ashleyjwashburn) November 16, 2024
Thiede threw three touchdowns of 39, 57 and 41 yards Friday night, but his biggest play came with 1:39 left in the fourth quarter. On a fake handoff to Kobe Hendricks, Thiede ran up the right sideline for a 21-yard touchdown to give Slinger a 35-28 advantage.
On third and 10 with 1:29 left in the game, Badger's Matthew O’Grady tried to keep his team's season alive with a pass intended for Logan Peters, but Chase Leverance sealed the game for Slinger with a leaping interception.
Friday's night victory is the second time Slinger has beaten Badger this season.
The two teams faced off in Week Two at the beginning of the season, which the Owls won 35-33 by stopping a late two-point conversion attempt.
"Right after the game - we have a team room," Slinger head coach Bill Jacklin explained pregame. "Matt [Hensler] came in, and we were talking just catching up and we said it would be pretty cool if we met each other in Level 4 and here we are."
Slinger will play Rice Lake in the Division 2 Championship on Friday, Nov. 22 at Camp Randall.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.
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