MONROE - After Monroe junior Dempzy Foley kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired to beat Fort Atkinson in the regular-season finale Oct. 14, coaches warned players the Cheesemakers could see the Blackhawks in a rematch in the playoffs.

And that time is here as Monroe (10-0), ranked seventh in the Associated Press medium school state poll, will host Fort Atkinson (6-4) in a WIAA second-round game Friday night.

"We knew if certain teams made the playoffs there would be a good chance that they (Fort Atkinson) would be in our section, and we would have to play them in the first or second round," Monroe coach Toby Golembiewski said.

Fort Atkinson senior running back Preston Strasburg has rushed for 1,904 yards and 25 touchdowns. Strasburg is averaging 190.4 yards per game and is the focal point of a Blackhawks' offense averaging 34.6 points per game.

The Blackhawks run a double-tight shotgun offense that features a lot of power running plays for Strasburg, who excels at exploiting the creases in a defense.

In the regular-season finale, Monroe limited Strasburg to about 70 yards until the Blackhawks' final drive where he gashed the Cheesemakers for 67 yards during a game-tying drive.

"He's a very strong, powerful and excellent back," Golembiewski said. "We did a much better job then many of the other teams that have played against him (Strasburg). If we are going to win we will have to do an even better job than we did last time. We have to limit Strasburg and do an even better job keeping him out of the end zone. They run that double-tight shotgun look and they have seven big linemen. When you try to get down low in a stance for leverage, he (Strasburg) just disappears back there."

It's more than just a one-man show for the Blackhawks. Fort Atkinson quarterback Matt Romens has passed for 1,434 yards with 13 TDs and just two interceptions. The top receivers for the Blackhawks are Jared Edwards, who has a team-high 45 receptions for 457 yards and six TDs, and Connor O'Brien, who has 27 receptions for 436 yards and six TDs.

"They are a team that can put up a lot of points," Golembiewski said. "I can only speculate on Fort Atkinson's approach, but coming into the last game, I think running with Strasburg is what they felt gave them the best chance to win. I wouldn't expect it to be the same type of game as before. I think the coach (Steve Mahoney) and the team will change it up a little bit whether it's on offense, defense or special teams to have a greater chance for success. They may pass more or run more stunts on defense."

The Cheesemakers' defense is spearheaded by junior linebacker Travis Wolf who has 135 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks. The other top playmakers for the Cheesemakers on defense are senior Hayden Arneson (75 tackles), senior Carter Sawdey (66 tackles and seven interceptions), junior Sam Kind (61 tackles), junior Brayden Zettle (55 tackles and three interceptions) and junior Mitch Bartelt (52 tackles). Senior defensive end Dylan Beaver and Bartelt lead the team with 2.5 sacks each.

The first focus for Monroe's defensive backs will be defending the pass.

Romens is adept at running a play-action pass and connecting with his receivers down field.

Golembiewski said the Cheesemakers' defensive backs must stay alert and defend the pass.

"Our defense will need to step up again," Golembiewski said. "Every three and out and turnover they come up with will be needed."

If the regular-season finale is any indication, the Cheesemakers' offense may only need to be a little sharper in the red zone inside the 20-yard line against the Blackhawks. Monroe racked up more than 500 total yards against the Blackhawks two weeks ago and had two scoring drives of 80 yards or more.

The Cheesemakers are led by senior fullback Isaac Allen, who has rushed for 1,154 yards and 16 TDs. Allen has also caught three touchdowns. Senior running back Jacob Kind (1,034 yards with nine TDs) and senior running back Cole Murray (818 yards with nine TDs) have led an offensive attack that averages 347 rushing yards and 32.9 points per game.

"Our expectation is for any one of our three running backs or Tyler (Elmer) at quarterback to strike," Golembiewski said. "When their number is called on they will get the job done. We need to take what the defense is giving us."

Kind rushed for 136 yards and Allen scored two touchdowns in the Cheesemakers' 24-21 win over the Blackhawks to seal an outright Badger South Conference title.

"I think one of their adjustments is on Friday they will be keeping an eye on Jacob," Golembiewski said. "They are probably at the drawing board coming up with a way to keep him contained. They know if they don't do something to stop him he will have some success."