Northwestern Not Shying Away From High Expectations

10-2 in 2023, eliminated in third round

MAPLE, Wis.- After losing on their home field in a stunning WIAA Level 3 loss to St. Croix Falls, the Northwestern High School football team is ready to kick it up a notch this season.

In 2023, the Tigers finished 10-2 overall, marking the seventh straight season with at least one playoff victory.

Eighth-year head coach Jovin Kroll will have multiple key returners at his disposal, including all-conference members Cooper Lawton and Boden Teal. But in the first two weeks of the regular season, he’ll be calling on some of his more inexperienced players to step up against non-conference opponents.

“We need to focus on building depth, getting experience out there so we’re healthy and have plenty of options come October and November,” says Kroll. “I think we’ve gotten to the point where practicing has run its course and we’re ready to start playing some football games, that’s for sure.”

Meanwhile, Northwestern’s senior leaders are confident their team has the tools to play among Wisconsin’s best in Madison. “This year, we have a lot of depth, and that means switching out with a lot of people and just a lot more activity for a lot more people,” says Josh Hanson, a senior lineman with the Tigers.

“We’ve got a bunch of triple threats going, we’re really fast, very explosive,” said senior running back Cooper Lawton, who rushed for 1,184 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2023. “(We’ve) got one of the biggest lines since 2018 (and) I think we’re going to be really fast this year.”

Northwestern’s season begins at home on Friday, August 23 against Prescott (4-5 in 2023).