MADISON, Wis. — The way Matt Hubley tells it, he was primarily a running back for Waukesha Catholic Memorial's football team this season out of necessity more than anything else.
"I'll always be a defensive guy," he said.
His performance on Friday would suggest otherwise.
Hubley, a University of Wisconsin recruit, tore apart Waupaca on the ground to help lead Catholic Memorial to a 42-7 victory in the WIAA Division 3 state championship game at Camp Randall Stadium. The Crusaders won their first state title in their fifth appearance under coach Bill Young.
Hubley, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound senior, was a four-year starter on defense during his high school career and was supposed to play some fullback last season. But he broke his elbow and fractured his scapula during the team's first scrimmage of the 2011 season and was limited to one side of the ball. Despite the excruciating pain, he still played every game in the secondary.
This season, fully healthy, he moved to defensive end and took over as the Crusaders' running back. Before Friday's game, he had rushed for 1,472 yards and 19 touchdowns.
"Matt's a powerhouse," Catholic Memorial wide receiver and defensive back Andre Bodden said. "He's a hard working kid, and that's what we expect out of him. When the play is called for him, he just does what he has to do and grinds it out."
Wisconsin coaches have told Hubley that he'll begin his college career as a safety and could move to outside linebacker depending on how much weight he gains. If Friday was his last game as a running back, he certainly went out in style.
"It felt really good to get a second chance on offense this year," Hubley said.
TURNING POINT
Catholic Memorial (11-2) seized control early, but the door really closed on Waupaca's chances during one of Hubley's standout runs.
Hubley raced around the right sideline, hurdled a defender and cut back across the field for a 70-yard touchdown run just 25 seconds into the third quarter. The score put Catholic Memorial ahead, 21-0, and sucked the life from Waupaca (12-1).
"There was a big hole our offensive line created," Hubley said. "Great downfield blocking by our receivers and just a lot of daylight."
It certainly wouldn't be the last big play from Catholic Memorial. In the final few minutes of the game, a running clock was implemented as part of the WIAA's 35-point mercy rule.
THREE STARS
• Hubley rushed 19 times for 199 yards with two touchdowns. In addition to his scintillating 70-yard touchdown, he also opened the scoring with a 2-yard run up the middle in the first quarter. The score put Catholic Memorial ahead, 7-0, and the Crusaders never trailed.
• Bodden starred on offense and defense for Catholic Memorial. He caught three passes for 103 yards and a touchdown at wide receiver. He also intercepted three passes, including one that went for a 10-yard touchdown return in the fourth quarter.
• Crusaders quarterback Pat White didn't throw often, but he was efficient. White completed 8 of 9 passes for 179 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. He connected with Bodden on a 77-yard touchdown, receiver Alec Kocour on a 25-yard score and Mitch Meindel from 21 yards out.
TITLE TALK
• "From an offensive line standpoint against our defensive line, we were, at times, probably outweighed by 100 pounds. You have to give our little guys credit. They're tenacious in there, but that was the biggest offensive line we've seen all year." — Waupaca coach John Koronkiewicz
• "The old adage is it's not always the best team, it's the team that's playing the best. We have some outstanding players, great coaches. Our kids just did a wonderful job. We got better each week. The competition we play week in and week out, it's going to make you a lot better." — Young
• "It's special for us. We wanted to win for coach Young and everything he's done for us and the program. We owed it to him." — Bodden
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