MONROE — Prior to the WIAA Division 2 Level 1 playoff game between 7-seed Elkhorn and 2-seed Monroe, Elk kicker Tyler Nelson hadn’t attempted a single field goal. But, the sophomore’s 40-yard boot in the second quarter was the difference-maker in the 17-14 final on Oct. 25. 

The Cheesemakers, promoted to Division 2 for the 2024 playoffs per the WIAA’s new competitive balance rule, were upset by the Elks in the first level. Elkhorn (5-5, 3-4 Southern Lakes), with an enrollment of 1,122, was the fourth of six teams in its conference to qualify for playoffs. Monroe (7-3, 7-0 Rock Valley), with an enrollment of 715, was one of four teams in its league to qualify for the postseason.

Despite the poorer record, Elkhorn jumped out to a quick start, scoring on the first snap of the game on a 63-yard rush from Ryan Stacey. The Elk defense backed its offense, forcing a 3-and-out on the Cheesemakers. 

Although each team had one fumble in the first frame, neither capitalized on the turnovers. The next score didn’t come until the second quarter, when Nelson kicked his 40-yard field goal.

Monroe responded on its next drive. After a kickoff return and carry by Nathan Fuchs, Elkhorn bailed Monroe out with a holding penalty, giving the Cheesemakers a fresh set of downs. Tony Wolf then broke through the pile for a first-down run. Four plays later on fourth-and-inches at the Elkhorn 22-yard line, Joe Rufenacht found a hole on the outside for a touchdown. 

But the Elks stole momentum right back, as quarterback Brett Kitzmiller connected with Hudson Krauklis, who got beyond Monroe’s secondary for a 60-yard gain. Three run plays later, Elkhorn once again took a 10-point lead, 17-7.

Not to be outdone, Monroe took all of 32 seconds off the clock to score a second time — another touchdown run by Rufenacht. It was the third score in the last four minutes of the half. 

And that 17-14 score held to the end of the game.

Ben Gatdula blocked another field goal attempt by Nelson in the third quarter, keeping his team within striking distance. But whenever Monroe started to gain momentum, the team was set back by 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalties. The Cheesemakers picked up three of such penalties in the final 14 minutes, setting up offensive plays of second-and-20, first-and-30 and giving Elkhorn a fresh set of downs.

To make matters worse, Monroe fumbled the ball at midfield with just over four minutes left in the contest. Elkhorn ran the ball, forcing Monroe to use its final two timeouts. But a first-down rush by Kitzmiller all but sealed the victory.

Monroe had not lost a Level 1 game since 2017, where the Cheesemakers fell 34-6 to New Berlin Eisenhower. Getting eliminated in Level 1 means Monroe did not gain a single point toward the WIAA competitive balance rule. Thus, based on the last 3-year window — 2022-2024 — the Cheesemakers accumulated only five points and should return to Division 3 for the 2025 playoff season.

Monroe, a 2-seed, was one of three teams promoted a division that did not win their opening playoff game — including 2-seed Saint Mary’s Springs and 3-seed Reedsville. All three contests were decided by one score or less. All other teams impacted by the competitive balance rule were given a 1- or 2-seed and won their Level 1 game. Kettle Moraine was the only team that did not qualify for playoffs after its promotion.