Wisconsin Dells Football Preview: 3 Things You Should Know

Although the Chiefs failed in their attempt to win the South Central Conference title for the third consecutive year, they reached the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year – only the second time in the program’s history.

This season could bring more ups than downs, as Wisconsin Dells is one of the favorites to win another conference title.

The Chiefs will have to do that in a reconfigured SCC, as the league becomes a closed eight-team conference for the first time following the departure of Poynette to the Eastern Suburban and the additions of Berlin, Ripon and Waupun from the East Central.

Here are three things you should know about Wisconsin Dells this fall.

Since coach Mike Janke took the helm before the 2020 season, powerful running backs have become a staple for the Chiefs. Sam Ersland took up the torch and ran with it last season in his first season as a starting running back.

“He has learned from some very good companies over the past few years,” Janke said.

It turned out that the 6-foot-3, 175-pound senior was a real bruiser, carrying the ball 241 times for 1,540 yards in just 10 games, which ranks 19th nationally and is one of only six players in the top 20 to play 10 or fewer games. Ersland recorded six games with 20 or more carries, including three with 30 or more carries, while still averaging 6.4 yards per attempt.

“We know we can get the ball to him in a lot of different ways,” Janke said. “We’re confident he’s gotten even stronger this year and can handle the same workload.”

As efficient as Ersland was, even more impressive was his reliability, with only two fumbles all season and 16 touchdowns, including four multi-touchdown games.

It can be difficult to be second choice in every position.

Janke believes it was the perfect first step for senior Raph Berje when he stepped into the role of No. 1 receiver this fall.

“It was a great experience for him to get more confident and stronger in the passing game,” Janke said of Berje, who played alongside all-conference wide receiver Degan Jensen. “He really started to focus on running a complete route and it paid off in the end.”

Berje made the most of the few passes he was given, catching just 18 passes but rushing for 522 yards and five touchdowns. The senior made the most of his 6-4 form, including a 162-yard performance with two touchdowns on just four catches in a 42-7 win over Wautoma. Despite that physical gift, Berje is constantly trying to improve, according to Janke.

“He gives 100% in every practice and is not afraid to outperform others on the team just to make sure his level is reached,” Janke said. “He has put a lot of work into his individual game and hope that pays off on Friday night.”

There’s no doubt that Logan Goodrich was the Chiefs’ biggest troublemaker on defense last season, as the senior recorded 102 tackles, more than twice as many as Wisconsin Dells’ second-leading tackler.

The 6-foot-1 linebacker will have a partner at his side this fall as Tristan Edgerton returns after suffering a torn ACL in last year’s practice game.

It was a big blow for Edgerton, whose sophomore year of college ended on a promising note in 2022, and Janke is confident the couple’s reunion can pay off.

“Since Tristan is back on the team this year, the two of them will be moving from sideline to sideline,” said Janke.

They’ll also likely play in opposing backfields. Goodrich had 8 tackles for loss and 4½ sacks last season, and the duo will draw attention away from each other this fall.