EDGAR — Edgar’s ambitious defense made a statement on Aug. 22 at home in their season opener, downing Ladysmith 44-6 behind an aggressive first half surge. 

Once again, the Wildcats’ defense was front and center, leading the pathway to success for Edgar. 

After completing one of their most dominant defensive seasons under long-tenured coach Jerry Sinz last year, en route to the Division 7 championship, the team picked up right where they left off. 

Defensive Excellence

This week Sinz highlighted both sides of his line, as key functions of the team this season, and he felt overall pleased with his team’s defensive effort in their first outing despite a few miscues throughout the game. 

The Wildcats defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, creating a world of trouble for Ladysmith and an uphill battle to get a consistent running game going. Edgar’s defensive line made life difficult for Ladysmith’s quarterback and the Wildcats secondary was present to disrupt any attempt at an aerial attack.

Ultimately, the Wildcats were one miscue away from opening their season with yet another shutout after collecting a handful last season. Ladysmith’s only points arrived on a miscommunication that resulted in Edgar quarterback Tucker Streit throwing a pick-six.

“I thought we did fine,” said Sinz about his team’s first defensive outing.

The Usual Suspects

Senior running back Maverick Butt, who has dominated the state tournament over the past two seasons, also picked back up where he left off. On Edgar’s first play from scrimmage, he scrambled his way down the right sideline to execute a 62-yard rushing touchdown to draw first blood. 

He notched his second rushing touchdown of the day later in the game when he cashed in another three-yard run for a six. Senior Gavin Mauer made his impact on both sides of the ball as well, contributing to the offensive production and snatching away his first interception of the season.

For Butt, he feels it’s his and the other leader’s duty to initiate the offense. But right now, he’s just having fun. 

“It’s fun to run behind that offensive line, because they work so hard,” Butt said. “We had a couple guys come back  after the scrimmage and I know I saw the light in those guys’ eyes. It’s just a blast running behind them, because they are some of the guys I hang out with the most.”

On to Stratford

Last year, Edgar’s only regular season loss came at the hands of the eventual Division 5 champions, Stratford. 

It’s a marquee matchup that always resides in the center of the Edgar’s community’s attention, and lives up to the hype of top tier football. 

Next week, in their annual week two matchups of Central Wisconsin titans, Sinz expects no different. 

“Obviously we can’t have any offensive breakdowns like we had once or twice tonight,” Sinz said. “We’ll just have to play a clean game. And hopefully stay healthy. We have a good battle with them all the time. It’s been going on for 40 years. I don’t imagine it’s going to change any, it’ll be the same mini war that it’s always been.”

Aug. 21:

Stevens Point 43, Chippewa Falls 15

Wausau West 42, Superior 21

Pacelli 14, Manawa 0

Tri-County 62, Elcho-White Lake 0

Athens 54, Prentice 6

Rice Lake 30, D.C Everest 25

Siren 44, Port Edwards 6

New Richmond 49, Marshfield 25River Fa;;s 45, Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln 0

Newman Catholic 33, Florence 0

Aug. 22: 

Almond-Bancroft 43, Abundant Life 8

Waterloo 41, Adams-Friendship 0

Gilman 43, Owen-Withee 0

Marathon 33, Pittsville 0

Mosinee 26, Stratford 19

Tomahawk 42, Crandon 6

Loyal 24, Abbotsford 12

Poynette 29, Nekoosa 14

Markesan 38, Assumption 14

Wittenberg-Birnamwood 33, Bonduel 13

Wausau East 30, Westby 6

Osceola 35, Merrill 13

Holmen 55, Medford 16

Spencer, Auburndale

Colby 29, Stanley-Boyd 12

Neillsville 46, New Lisbon 12

Amherst 47, St. Mary 14

Rosholt 34, Marion/Tigerton 28

Edgar 44, Ladysmith 6

Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Reporter Alfred Smith III at alfred.smith@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @AlfredS_III.

This article originally appeared on Wausau Daily Herald: Edgar Wildcats down Ladysmith early in regular season opener