Level 3 Wonders: Some spectacular performances from Level 3
A quarterback-receiving combo putting up huge numbers, a running back carrying his team to a crosstown win, another running back jumping into the Wildcat to account for an injury and one last dominant showing from Peter MacCudden. These are just some of the huge performances that will be remembered for quite some time in Level 3 of the area football playoffs. A look at the stars:
Max Alba, Franklin. The quarterback enjoyed his finest day thus far, slinging for 32 pass completions on 47 attempts, 432 yards and five touchdowns as Franklin took down Marquette, 45-25. The junior has piloted the Sabers back to Level 4 even after massive graduation losses from last year's Level 4 squad.
Seth Bickett, Pewaukee. Bickett caught a 33-yard touchdown pass -- one of two catches in the game -- for the lone score of the game, ran for another 66 yards and led the Pirates on defense in a solid 7-3 win over Monroe to reach Level 4 for the first time in program history.
Jaylen Campbell, Catholic Memorial. The two-way player was big again on offense, running 14 times for 98 yards and a score as the Crusaders got up big early on Kewaskum and never looked back for a 35-7 win.
Max Cooper, Catholic Memorial. In yet another dominant showing by the Crusaders, the receiver Cooper was again instrumental in the outcome. He caught four passes for 99 yards and two scores as Catholic Memorial ran all over Kewaskum in a 35-7 victory and advanced to Level 4 to face Pewaukee.
Cade Garcia, Whitefish Bay. In a losing effort, the junior quarterback just barely missed leading his team to the upset, completing only nine passes but racking up 277 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 10 yards in the 27-24 loss to Homestead.
Dain Hudson, Waukesha West. The Wolverines packed a 1-2 punch in the running game, with Hudson racking up 16 carries and 145 yards, plus a touchdown, in a game where Peter MacCudden also delivered eye-popping numbers. However, it came in a 43-42 loss to Monona Grove.
Maurice David Lee III, Whitefish Bay. With top receiving threat Alex Anthony limited by Homestead, Lee caught five passes for 166 yards and a touchdown as the Blue Dukes narrowly missed an upset in a 27-24 loss. Michael Kirkendoll also caught two passes for 82 yards and the score.
Kyle Lewis, Franklin. One of the best receiving days of any player this year, his 14 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns were a huge reason why Franklin was able to defeat Marquette, 45-25, and return to Level 4.
Peter MacCudden, Waukesha West. One of the area's best players closed on a high note, rushing 28 times for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Monona Grove, however, went for two in overtime and sent the Wolverines home with a heartbreaking 43-42 setback. MacCudden also threw a pass for 26 yards.
Sam Santiago-Lloyd, Brookfield East. The reigning All-Suburban Player of the Year was special in the Battle of Brookfield, running 28 times for 146 yards and all three touchdowns as East reached Level 4 for the first time ever with a 21-0 win over Central. The two-way player was also instrumental in holding the Lancers scoreless -- the first shutout they've suffered since 2014.
Jared Schneider, Homestead. The Highlanders turned to their passing game more than typical in a game with quarterback Eric Zoeller sidelined by injury, and Schneider caught five balls for 90 yards and a score in a narrow win over Whitefish Bay.
Ethan Wittenburg, Franklin. If it weren't for a monster day by his fellow wide receiver Kyle Lewis, Wittenburg's six catches for 79 yards and a touchdown in a lopsided win over Marquette would be seen as the chief highlight.
Bradley Woldt, Homestead. With quarterback Eric Zoeller injured, Woldt took a larger responsibility, occasionally lining up in the Wildcat and also rushing the ball a ton. He ran 30 times for 82 yards and a score -- the touchdown that tipped the scales in the final moments of a 27-24 thriller over Whitefish Bay. He also completed a pass for 19 yards and led his team back to Level 4, with Monona Grove awaiting.