Several Wisconsin commits claim 2018 all-state honors from WFCA

A big week begins for high school football in the state of Wisconsin, as the WIAA state championships take place at Camp Randall Stadium this Thursday and Friday. On Monday, the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) released its 2018 all-state teams for large and small schools.

Several Wisconsin commits from within the state claimed honors, with one even earning state player of the year honors in multiple categories.

For the small schools, the WFCA named running back/linebacker Leo Chenal as the 2018 offensive and defensive player of the year. According to WisSports.net, Chenal ran for 2,038 yards on 194 carries with 42 touchdowns while catching 12 passes for 226 yards and three scores through the air this season. He even completed all three of his passing attempts, two for touchdowns.

Defensively, Chenal tallied 120 tackles—seven for loss—with a sack, two interceptions and one pick-six to his credit.

Three 2019 and three 2020 commits each claimed the all-state honors. Here is the full breakdown of the six Badgers from the two 2018 all-state teams:

Large schools

• Offensive line: 2020 commits Jack Nelson (Stoughton) and Trey Wedig (Kettle Moraine)
• Defensive line: 2019 commit Keeanu Benton (Janesville Craig)
• Kicker/Punter: 2019 walk-on commit Blake Wilcox (Kettle Moraine)

Small schools

• Offensive line: 2020 commit Ben Barten (Stratford)
• Offensive backs: 2019 commit Leo Chenal (Grantsburg)
• Defensive line: 2020 commit Ben Barten (Stratford)
• Inside linebacker: 2019 commit Leo Chenal (Grantsburg)

The WFCA declared 2019 walk-on commit Tatum Grass (Holmen) as an honorable mention all-state as both with a tight end/fullback and defensive end distinction for the large schools category.