Week 1 of the 2025 high school football season in Wisconsin is in the books.
And there were some big non-conference matchups to kick us off across the Milwaukee area.
The Journal Sentinel provided live updates and highlights for some of the top games, including Arrowhead-Marquette, Franklin-Catholic Memorial, Muskego-Neenah and Sussex Hamilton-Kimberly.
We also have scores for all the games in the state below. Here’s a recap from all the action for the season openers:
Wisconsin high school football scores
Arrowhead High School football dominates to another win over Marquette
In similar fashion as 2024, Arrowhead crushes Marquette to open the 2025 season, 53-22.
The win is the Warhawks’ fifth straight over the Hilltoppers to begin a season.
Marquette regrouped last year after a 47-28 loss to Arrowhead and didn’t lose again the rest of the regular season. Could that happen again? Despite the blowout loss, the Hilltoppers are full of talent and should still have a banner season. Nonetheless, MUHS has a lot to clean up and it won’t be easy since all their games will be on the road due to flood damage at their home stadium.
Arrowhead, our fourth-ranked team in our preseason poll, looks the part of a state contender. They have playmakers all over the field and showed they can light up the scoreboard.
Arrowhead football cruising in the second half, leads Marquette by 31 after two defensive touchdowns
The Warhawks are pouring it on in the second half.
After Marquette got within 10 in the third quarter, Arrowhead scored three unanswered touchdowns, one on offense and two on defense.
One of the defensive touchdowns came on Brendan Foley’s return after scooping a fumble. The next came on an Ethan Kirley pick-six.
The Warhawks are flexing their muscles in Week 1 and lead 53-22 late in the fourth quarter.
Sussex Hamilton scores game’s final 21 points to beat Kimberly, 42-21
After Kimberly tied Sussex Hamilton at 21-21 midway through the third quarter, the Chargers scored the game’s final 21 points to run away with a 42-21 win.
That’s a big-time victory for Hamilton over the eight-time state champion Papermakers.
Franklin High School football defeats Catholic Memorial, 23-20
Rob Beglinger recovers the onside kick for Franklin. The Sabers beat Catholic Memorial, 23-20.
It’s the Sabers’ third straight win over CMH to begin a season. A great test for both teams to kick off 2025.
Franklin and Catholic Memorial score late touchdowns
Rob Beglinger powers his way to a touchdown late in the fourth quarter for Franklin to give the Sabers a 23-13 lead.
That’s the Sabers’ first offensive touchdown of the night after having a punt return, a safety and a pick six earlier.
CMH kept fighting, though. Naverion Flowers caught a short pass and then went the distance.
Franklin’s lead is 23-20 with just 1:21 left.
Neenah High School football beats Muskego, 14-13
A 25-yard field goal was all that stood between another win for Muskego over Neenah.
But the Warriors missed the kick.
Neenah outlasts Muskego,14-13, in a game that featured two teams with high hopes in 2025.
Muskego gave Neenah two of their three losses last year, one to begin the season and one to end its year in the playoffs.
The Rockets get some revenge to open the new season. Watch the full game through USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin’s livestream:
Catholic Memorial touchdown: Crusaders now trail Franklin, 16-13
While those fireworks are going on in Menomonee Falls with Arrowhead and Marquette let’s head back over to Franklin and Catholic Memorial.
Catholic Memorial is within three after a scoop and score and trail 16-13.
The Cruaders missed an extra point, however.
In two of the games we’re covering — the Arrowhead-MUHS and CMH-Franklin — the kicking units have missed several extra points. We know where the attention will be on with these teams during practice.
Marquette football answers with a big touchdown frrom Ben Schroeder to Tommy Novotny
Did we say something about explosive plays in this game?
They just keep on coming.
The Hilltoppers come right back with a 57-yard touchdown from quarterback Ben Schroeder to Tommy Novotny to get within 32-22. This is Novotny’s second touchdown on the night.
The two-point conversion attempt failed. There’s still 5:53 left in the third quarter.
Arrowhead High Schol football with another big touchdown, lead Marquette 32-16
Watch out everyone, the Nolan Hanson to Ryan Heiman connection could be something special in 2025.
The Arrowhead quarterback and wide receiver connected for their second long touchdown of the night to give the Warhawks a 32-16 lead in the third quarter.
This one went for 39 yards after they hooked up for a 37-yard TD in the first half.
The extra point, however, was wide left. That’s now three missed extra points for Arrowhead.
Franklin football with pick-six for touchdown, increase lead over Catholic Memorial to 16-9
A punt return. A safety. And now a pick-six.
That’s how Franklin has scored tonight.
And Domick Walters has accounted for the two touchdowns. After returning a punt for a TD in the first quarter, Walters has now returned an interception for a score.
Franklin leads Catholic Memorial, 16-9, under 3 minutes in the third quarter.
Franklin High School football leads Catholic Memorial, 9-7, after safety
Franklin doesn’t have an offensive score but they have the lead.
Catholic Memorial’s quarterback was scrambling horizontal in the end zone looking for somebody.
The only person the CMH QB saw next was Franklin senior linebacker Gabe Marteins, who threw him down for a sack and the safety.
Franklin’s lead is now 9-7 over Catholic Memorial with 6:44 left in the third quarter.
Muskego football scores touchdown to get within 14-13 vs Neenah
We have a tight one up in Neenah.
Muskego has pulled to within 14-13 on 2-yard run from junior quarterback Joey Shaw with 4:32 left in the third quarter.
That remained the score heading into the fourth quarter. You can watch Muskego-Neenah through our USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin livestream.
Sussex Hamilton football leads Kimberly, 28-21, in the third quarter
Sussex Hamilton and Kimberly continue to exchange touchdowns.
Hamilton is up 28-21 with 5:54 left in the third quarter.
The Chargers have come out hot in the second half after the game was tied, 14-14, at halftime.
Catholic Memorial 7, Franklin 7 at halftime
While we have a combined 42 points for Arrowhead-Marquette, it’s a lower scoring affair over at Carroll University for Franklin and Catholic Memorial.
It’s been a defensive struggle between these two powerhouses through one half of action. Touchdowns from Dominick Walters (Franklin) and Devon Williams Jr. (Catholic Memorial) have us all square.
Here’s a look at the Hail Mary attempt by CMH to end the first half:
Arrowhead with another touchdown and leads Marquette 26-16
You like offense, turn on the Arrowhead-Marquette game. The game is being televised on Channel 24 in Milwaukee.
Arrowhead just scored their fourth touchdown of the half on a 4-yard touchdown run by Jebari Craig Jr.
But the extra point was wide. Arrowhead, nonetheless, leads Marquette, 26-16, with 29.8 seconds left in the first half.
That’s Arrowhead’s second missed point after.
Neenah football pulls ahead of Muskego, 14-7
Muskego now trails Neenah, 14-7.
After the Warriors scored the game’s opening TD, the Rockets have soared ahead with two unanswered touchdowns. Neenah junior Matthias Charles scored from 8 yards in the second quarter.
The Rockets are out for a bit of revenge after falling to the Warriors twice last year, including having their season end at the hands of Muskego in the postseason.
Arrowhead and Marquette exchange explosive touchdowns and both have PATs blocked
We have a wild one going in Menomonee Falls between Arrowhead and Marquette.
Jacob Siner didn’t have this touchdown taken away from him this time. He scored from 81 yards but the Warhawks’ extra point is blocked.
Marquette answered right back with a 54-yard touchdown. The Hilltoppers, however, had their PAT blocked, as well.
These teams are bringing out the big plays in Week 1.
Arrowhead leads 20-16 in the second quarter.
Franklin’s Jackson Bouldry with impressive interception vs Catholic Memorial
Back to Carroll University to check in on Catholic Memorial and Franklin.
CMH was going for a big passing play.
But Franklin’s Jackson Bouldry had other ideas as he jumped in front of a receiver to come up with the pick.
It’s still 7-7.
Marquette’s Tommy Novotny scores touchdown; Hilltoppers trail Arrowhead, 14-10
Tommy Novotny is one of the state’s best running backs.
The Marquette senior is also showing he can play some receiver.
He scored Marquette’s first touchdown of the season to get the Hilltoppers closer.
Arrowhead’s lead is now 14-10 with 10:27 left in the second quarter.
Catholic Memorial scores on reverse to tie game at 7-7 vs Franklin
Catholic Memorial has an explosive play of its own.
Junior Devon Williams scored on a reverse and went untouched into the end zone to tie the game against Franklin, 7-7, in the second quarter.
Sussex Hamilton football vs Kimberly
Another big game in Week 1 featuring a team from Waukesha County and one from Outagamie County is Sussex Hamilton vs. Kimberly.
Both teams are coming off playoff appearances with Kimberly advancing to the second round and Sussex Hamilton falling to Arrowhead in the first round.
Kimberly scored first but Hamilton has answered with two straight touchdowns to take a 14-7 lead.
Arrowhead increases lead to 14-3 after beautiful touchdown pass
Arrowhead scores another touchdown. And this was a beauty.
Facing a 4th and 9 at Marquette’s 37-yard line, Arrowhead went for it all. Ryan Heiman was waiting for the ball after getting behind the defense in the end zone and it fell perfectly in his hands.
Arrowhead is ahead 14-3 after the first quarter.
Muskego football vs Neenah updates
Let’s check in with another team from the Classic 8.
Muskego, which had an incredible playoff run all the way to the Division 1 state final, is playing Neenah to open their 2025 season. The two teams played twice last year with Muskego winning both games.
Appleton Post-Crescent reporter Ricardo Arguello is covering the game. Give Ricardo a follow on X for full updates tonight in Neenah.
Muskego struck first on Jackson Niemiec’s 31-yard touchdown catch but Neenah answered with their first touchdown of the season. Aston Van Beek connected with Matthias Charles for a 30-yard TD. It’s 7-7 near the end of the first quarter.
Arrowhead 7, Marquette 3: Warhawks score touchdown
A penalty wiped away Arrowhead senior Jacob Siner’s 56-yard touchdown.
But the Warhawks didn’t let that stop them on the drive.
They scored anyway. Jebari Craig finished off the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to put Arrowhead up 7-3 with 4:11 left in the first quarter.
Franklin 7, Catholic Memorial 0: Dominick Walters with a punt return touchdown
Dominick Walters returns a punt return for a touchdown to give Franklin a 7-0 lead over Catholic Memorial early in the first quarter.
If anyone didn’t know it, the South Dakota State recruit has some blazing speed. That’s quite the way to get your season started!
Franklin vs. Catholic Memorial
Across Waukesha County, there’s another huge game between area powerhouses.
It’s Franklin vs Catholic Memorial.
Both won their conferences last season and are playing each other to open the season for the fourth straight year.
Arrowhead vs Marquette
Arrowhead of the Classic 8 vs. Marquette of the Greater Metro Conference is one of the top games of Week 1. The game is being played at Menomonee Falls after MUHS’ home stadium at Hart Park was severely damaged from the recent floods.
The Warhawks are ranked fourth in our preseason poll.
Journal Sentinel Zac Bellman is in Falls to cover the matchup.
After a nice kickoff return around the 50-yard line for Arrowhead, Marquette picked off a Warhawks pass on the first offensive play. Some opening night nerves, maybe? Tommy Novotny and the Hilltoppers will now get solid field position on their first possession.
Marquette makes the Warhawks pay for that turnover with an impressive 49-yard field goal by Axel Schmidt. The Hilltoppers with an early 3-0 lead just over 8:30 left in the first quarter.
Wow, that was a fantastic kick!
WIAA state football champions 2024
Who will raise the state championship trophies in 2025?
Let’s take a quick look back at the champions from 2024:
With the dawn of a new season, the road to Camp Randall Stadium begins tonight. Southeast Wisconsin had a representative in each of the top four divisions. Slinger was the only team, however, to bring home the gold.
- Division 1: Bay Port 25, Muskego 18
- Division 2: Slinger 31, Rice Lake 30
- Division 3: Notre Dame 49, Catholic Memorial 28
- Division 4: Racine St. Catherine’s 26, Baldwin-Woodville 22
- Division 5: Stratford 21, Wrightstown 6
- Division 6: Lomira 26, Grantsburg 19
- Division 7: Edgar 19, Potosi/Cassville 0
Week 1 high school football predictions
Before we get going, here’s a look at Week 1 predictions from Zac Bellman and Michael Whitlow for some of the area’s top games:
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Week 1 area football predictions
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Week 1 area football predictions
Livestream game of the week: Muskego vs. Neenah
Neenah and Muskego clash in a nonconference Week 1 showdown that’s a rematch of last season’s WIAA Division 1 state quarterfinal.
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin’s Brett Christopherson, Ricardo Arguello and Jim Rosandick bring you the action from Rocket Stadium at Neenah High School.
Watch the game below:
The two teams played each other twice last year with the Warriors coming out on top both times. Muskego beat Neenah, 31-21, to open the 2024 season and then the Warriors defeated the Rockets, 21-7, in Level 3 of the Division 1 playoffs on their way to the state title game.
High school football preseason top 10
Slinger, the reigning Division 2 state champion, opens our rankings as the top team.
Here is the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s preseason top 10:
- Slinger
- Muskego
- Mukwonago
- Arrowhead
- Franklin
- Catholic Memorial
- Racine Case
- Oconomowoc
- Wisconsin Lutheran
- Homestead
High school football Week 1 schedule
Games start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
- Burlington at Kenosha Tremper (6 p.m.)
- Saint Francis vs. Milwaukee Reagan at Pulaski Stadium (6 p.m.)
- DeForest at Brookfield Central
- Madison East at Brookfield East
- Pius XI Catholic at Brown Deer
- Racine Case at Cedarburg
- St. Thomas More at Cudahy
- Elkhorn at Delavan-Darien
- Mount Horeb/Barneveld at Grafton
- Fond du Lac at Hartford
- Germantown at Homestead
- Milwaukee King at Howards Grove
- Random Lake/Ozaukee at Kingdom Prep Lutheran
- Saint Mary’s Springs at Lake Country Lutheran
- Lakeside Lutheran at Lake Mills
- Arrowhead at Marquette University
- Appleton North at Mukwonago
- Muskego at Neenah
- Martin Luther at New Berlin West
- Waterford at Oak Creek
- Pulaski at Oconomowoc
- Port Washington at Pewaukee
- Kewaunee at Racine Lutheran
- Menomonee Falls at Slinger
- Nicolet at South Milwaukee
- Kimberly at Sussex Hamilton
- Racine Horlick at Union Grove
- Kettle Moraine at Wauwatosa West
- West Allis Central at West Allis Hale
- Waukesha North at West Bend East
- Kenosha Indian Trail at Westosha Central
- Madison Memorial at Whitefish Bay
- Kenosha Bradford at Wilmot
- Waukesha West at Wisconsin Lutheran
- Campbellsport at Kettle Moraine Lutheran
- Milwaukee Academy of Science at Whitnall
- Brookfield Academy at University School of Milwaukee
- Winnebago Lutheran at Racine St. Catherine’s
- Racine Park at Madison West
- Milwaukee Lutheran at Waukesha South
- Greenfield at Columbus
- Clinton at East Troy
- Kewaskum at Sheboygan North
- Catholic Central at Palmyra-Eagle
- West Bend West at Sheboygan South
- Franklin at Catholic Memorial (7:15 p.m.),
- New Berlin Eisenhower vs. Edgewood at Monona Grove (7:30 p.m.)
High school football Week 1 games to watch
There are several Week 1 games to get fans excited. Here are the top five, according to reporters Zac Bellman and Michael Whitlow.
- Arrowhead at Marquette (at Menomonee Falls)
Two powerhouse programs meet for the fifth straight season to open the season. The game has been moved to Menomonee Falls following extensive flood damage to Hart Park, Marquette’s home stadium. Arrowhead is looking to make it five straight wins over Marquette. Both teams went on to be among the best in the state last year. Arrowhead finished as the co-Classic 8 champions with Oconomowoc. The Warhawks advanced to Level 3 of the playoffs. After MUHS’ loss to Arrowhead, the Hilltoppers didn’t lose again the rest of the regular season. They won the Greater Metro Conference with an undefeated record. Marquette fell to eventual D1 state champion Bay Port in a Level 3 playoff game.
- Franklin at Catholic Memorial (at Carroll University), 7:15 p.m.
Franklin and Catholic Memorial are two of the most successful programs around. And they’ll open the season against each for the fourth straight season. Franklin has beat CMH the last two years. The Sabers won the SEC last year with an undefeated record. Its only loss in 2024 came in the second round of the playoffs to eventual D1 runner-up Muskego. Catholic Memorial was the D3 state runner-up in 2024.
- Germantown at Homestead
It’s the Greater Metro vs. the North Shore as these two longtime rivals do battle to kick off the season. Germantown topped Homestead last season, 25-14, to snap a three-game losing streak to the Highlanders.
- Kimberly at Sussex Hamilton
Sussex Hamilton has a couple big non-conference games to open the season.
The Chargers welcome eight-time state champion Kimberly first. The Papermakers are always loaded so the contest will give coach Justin Gumm’s team a great test. In Week 2, the Chargers will play a Racine Case team that is coming off a Level 2 playoff appearance.
- Racine Case at Cedarburg
Racine Case, which went 9-2 last year, heads to Cedarburg to face the new-look Bulldogs. Cedarburg is ushering in a new era with head coach Matthew McDonnell, who comes to Cedarburg from Kettle Moraine. He’s replacing Hall of Fame coach Brian Leair, who retired after nearly three decades in charge.
Read more about these games here.
Wisconsin high school football scores: Week 1 on Aug. 21
Week 1 actually got started on Thursday, Aug. 21.
Here are some scores of local teams:
- Milwaukee Pulaski 22, Milwaukee Bay View 8
- Wauwatosa East 56, Milwaukee Riverside 0
- Lourdes Academy 42, Living Word Lutheran 14
- Badger 42, Greendale 6
- Kenosha St. Joseph 34, Shoreland Lutheran 6
- Milwaukee Bradley Tech 32, Milwaukee Washington 24
Watch Wisconsin high school sports on the NFHS Network
Don’t miss your favorite team this season, sign up to watch Wisconsin high school sports on the NFHS Network. The subscription isn’t just for football, sign up now and you get all the sports the NFHS covers in the winter and spring seasons as well, including basketball, soccer, baseball, and softball to name a few. Go through our NFHS Network link to sign up today.
USA TODAY Network-Wisconsin readers can get a 25% discount on a yearly NFHS pass in 2025. Use promo code USATODAY25 when you sign up.
