7 La Crosse area football storylines to know

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The countdown to the high school football season is nearly over.

Action around the state kicks off Thursday night, jump-starting a fall season that is sure to feature strong competition throughout the La Crosse area.

That was the case last season when there was a five-way tie atop the Mississippi Valley Conference and Aquinas narrowly squeaked by West Salem to secure the Coulee Conference title. However, the Blugolds fell two wins short of a fourth consecutive state title.

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Here are seven storylines that could define the area's 2025 season.

1. New but familiar face under center for La Crosse Logan in 2025 season People are also reading... La Crosse philanthropist arrested for drunken driving Raising Cane's opens Tuesday; ABRA shop moves to Onalaska - Steve Cahalan Winona woman accused of torturing bound toddler while filming Ettrick man faces felony charges after Country Boom incident Truck driver denies role in La Crosse hit-and-run Two La Crosse men charged with torturing bound toddler in Winona La Crosse philanthropist arrested for drunken driving has Oct. 15 court date Area pizza place under new ownership - Steve Cahalan Traffic alert near Valley View Mall takes effect as Raising Cane's opens Sen. Bernie Sanders bringing 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour to rural Viroqua 5 La Crosse area speedsters who could fly past opponents in the 2025 football season Elba woman believed neighbors were 'murdering people' when she opened fire Mayor pushes to install city admin this fall instead of council's 2027 goal 5 La Crosse area girls tennis standouts to know in the 2025 season Cashton area diner closes down - Steve Cahalan

Bradley Check's graduation left a hole at quarterback for La Crosse Logan, but the Rangers are turning to Check's younger brother, Thomas, to lead the program this fall. A sophomore, Thomas hopes to impact opposing defenses with his speed and sneaky arm talent.

2. Aquinas finds motivation in playoff loss that ended its 3-peat quest

A loss to St. Catherine's in the Division 4 semifinals last season has the Blugolds ready to jump back into contention for a state title this fall. William Flottmeyer will anchor a motivated squad that is returning several key playmakers.

3. Coulee Conference title within reach for West Salem in 2025 season

West Salem coach Ryan Olson is confident that the Panthers can compete for a Coulee Conference championship this fall after coming up just shy last season. Quarterback Drew McConkey, a dual-threat option, is back with more experience to build off an up-and-down sophomore season.

High School Football 5 quarterbacks who may steal the show during the high school football season Shaun Chornobroff | River Valley Media Group 4. How Holmen plans to find success behind its dominant run game

Dominant running back Jack Barth is back for Holmen after eclipsing 1,000 yards on the ground. He is joined by seniors AJ Alesch and Elijah Kane, forming a formidable trio in the backfield for a team that is not afraid to run.

5. Departure at key position looms large for Onalaska in 2025 season

Former Onalaska star rusher Cameron Cornett is off to college, which means the Hilltoppers will need to find a new solution in the backfield. Kaeson Stettler looks like he may be the answer.

6. Trio of new coaches to lead La Crosse area football programs this fall

Sparta, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau and Viroqua will all be led by new coaches this fall. Despite middling seasons in the past from the three teams, optimism is high for each one entering 2025.

High School Football 5 La Crosse area speedsters who could fly past opponents in the 2025 football season Shaun Chornobroff | River Valley Media Group 7. La Crosse area coaches support WIAA's playoff qualifying changes

The WIAA implemented a new system for football qualifying over the offseason, a change that reshapes how divisions are mapped out and seeds are determined. A few area coaches are supportive of the change, which starts this season.

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