MADISON, Wis. — Somerset's football players understand the pain of losing a heart-pounding thriller in overtime during a state championship football game. The Spartans felt that agony last season.
Given another opportunity to make amends and bring home the coveted gold ball trophy, they didn't shrink from the moment.
Somerset edged Walworth Big Foot, 35-33, in overtime to capture the WIAA Division 4 state championship Thursday night at Camp Randall Stadium. The victory came one year after Somerset lost the state title game, 28-26, to Wrightwood in double overtime.
"Our kids know one gear, and that's full speed ahead," Somerset coach Bruce Larson said. "What are you going to do? You don't have any other choice."
The Spartans (12-1) controlled the clock for 33 minutes, 50 seconds and gained 403 yards rushing but couldn't quite put away the Chiefs (12-1). Big Foot battled back from a 21-6 second-quarter deficit to tie the game at 27-27 and send it into overtime.
"This is how state finals should be," Larson said. "You've got two great teams that don't flinch and have at it. That's how it should be decided. Those are great games, and it's fun to be in those.
Even more fun to win.
TURNING POINT
The outcome wasn't decided until the final play of the game, when Big Foot quarterback Carter Hehr threw a two-point conversion pass to the front right corner of the end zone. The Chiefs had no choice but to convert if they hoped to keep the game alive after Somerset's Robert LeRoy scored on a two-point conversion to start overtime.
But Hehr's pass bounced off his receiver in tight coverage, and several stunned Big Foot players remained on the field in silence. Hehr called the pass the team's "bread and butter" play call in a big situation.
"It bounced off the kid's shoulder pads, but it was great defense," Hehr said. "There's nothing more you can ask for. It was a good play. They executed their defense well."
THREE STARS
• Big Foot running back Mason Dixon rushed 24 times for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Dixon was a force all season and finished the year with an astounding 2,243 rushing yards. The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Offensive Player of the Year led the state with 42 touchdowns.
• Somerset quarterback Tyler Ledbeter didn't feel well on Thursday, but he had enough energy to rush 15 times for 151 yards and three touchdowns. He also completed both of his passes for 27 yards with a touchdown.
• Spartans running back Vernon Breault was a workhorse, carrying 42 times for 204 yards with a touchdown. He closed the year with 1,648 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
TITLE TALK
• "They were really good. They did not look that good on film, but they were a good team. They deserved to win." — Hehr
• "We lost last year, so it means so much more this year. I knew we had a chance to win it, and when we did, I didn't think I would cry. I cried worse this year than I did last year, and I can admit that. I'm happy we won state. It feels better since we lost last year." — Somerset tight end Gaelin Elmore
• "Coming down here losing in overtime last year, to win in overtime, it's unbelievable. I don't know what else to say. What an emotional rollercoaster. It sure feels good to be on the other side of it." — Larson
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