Bradford, Rapids both see title as long time coming

The third time could be the charm for Wisconsin Rapids, but for coach Tony Biolo, he’s hoping it only takes two.

For a third time in the school’s history, Wisconsin Rapids will be playing for a state championship, this time against Kenosha Bradford 4 p.m. on Friday at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison.

The Raiders played for the title in 1980 and in 2005 with Biolo at the helm.

Kathy Williams

Wisconsin Rapids coach Tony Biolo gets a hug after the Raiders beat Kimberly 34-27 in overtime.

Since the 11-3 Raiders lost the title game in 2005 to Racine Park and then-future Wisconsin Badger John Clay, Wisconsin Rapids has been in a slump.

The following season, the Raiders were 6-4 but failed to field a team with a winning record until last year’s 7-4 team that lost to Stevens Point in the first round of the playoffs.

The difference in Wisconsin Rapids — why the Raiders are playing for a state title — is the skill level of the boys on the field, Biolo said.

“It was a jump was talent base, plain and simple,” he said. “This year’s seniors have a lot of talent and last year’s seniors were hard workers.”

When Bradford coach Jed Kennedy took over five years ago, the team started a trend that ended with the program’s first attempt at winning a state title.

While the Raiders were playing Park for the championship, Bradford had its worst season in the past six years finishing 3-6. There would not be another loosing season after that, however, as the Red Devils added up a 49-11 record since culminating with this year’s 13-0 record.

“It’s been a very good year for us,” Kennedy said. “We’ve had five good seasons and have been knocking on the door. It’s exciting to get over the top, and we’re real excited … to play for the state title.”

After ending their season in the semifinals last year and quarterfinals all three years before, the Red Devils’ defense is the difference this year, Kennedy said.

“No. 1, this is the best defense we had,” he said. “We are pretty fast on that side of the ball.”

After a devastating one-point loss in the first round to Stevens Point last year, the Raiders had something to prove, Biolo said.

“They worked hard in the off season to put it together,” he said.

And for Bradford, the team had to prove it could get to the championship game, Kennedy said.

“People doubted us and this group took it personal,” he said.