8 Player football championship had a local connection

On Saturday November 16, the State of Wisconsin 8 Player football championship game was played at South Wood County Stadium in Wisconsin Rapids. The game not only featured the teams from Owen-Withee and Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas, local football referee and WRCO/Civic Media Employee Henry Bray was selected as 1 of 5 referee’s to work the championship game.

Henry Bray said about the honor of working this game, “A state championship game isn’t just another football game. It’s the culmination of hard work, determination, and heart from everyone on the field. As an official, it’s an incredible privilege to help make that moment happen and witness kids achieving their dreams.”

Owen-Withee (12-0) completed an undefeated season by capturing the State 8-player football championship with a 50-36 victory over Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas (10-2).

The Blackhawks scored touchdowns on their first four drives of the game. Gaining possession of the ball with five seconds remaining in the first half may have kept them from scoring on every possession until the final drive of the game.

Mason Gay, who set the 8-player State record with six touchdowns in the game,  accounted for most of the Owen-Withee Blackhawks’ offense as he rushed for 321 yards. Gay’s rushing yardage total ranks second-most in championship game history.

Owen-Withee wins its first 8-player football title in the Blackhawks’ first appearance in the championship game, and Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas finishes runner-up in its first experience in the State final.