River Falls Wildcats Reach State Semifinals for First Time

The River Falls Wildcats have made history by reaching the state semifinals for the first time in their program’s history. The team finished the regular season with an impressive record of 11 wins and just 1 loss, marking a significant turnaround from last year’s disappointing performance. They will face the undefeated Notre Dame Academy (12-0) on Friday at D.C. Everest High School, with a spot in the Division-2 state championship on the line.

Head coach Ryan Scherz remarked on the team’s strong start this season. After the Wildcats’ inaugural practice on August 5, he expressed optimism, stating, “that’s the best first day I’ve ever had.” Throughout the fall, Scherz noted, the Wildcats maintained a consistent level of practice, demonstrating their commitment and potential.

The foundation of this success can be traced back to the previous season, which left many players with a “sour taste.” Sam Simpson, a senior and Indiana commit, reflected on the team’s lackluster 3-6 record in 2024. He explained that the Wildcats recognized their potential but needed to find the right pieces to succeed. “We knew we had really good guys and we just didn’t have all the pieces to put the puzzle together,” Simpson said. “This year, we’ve really filled every spot and put that puzzle together, and we’re rolling.”

River Falls’ offensive prowess stems from a strong offensive line, which has allowed senior quarterback Tino Mass to excel. Mass has thrown for 2,583 yards this season, completing an impressive 71.1% of his passes. The Wildcats’ ground game has also been formidable, led by senior tailback Joseph Tarasewicz, who has accumulated 1,915 rushing yards and scored 34 touchdowns. The synergy between the offensive line and skill players has enabled the team to maintain a balanced offensive attack.

Defensively, the Wildcats have also made significant strides. Senior safety Anthony McPherson, described by Scherz as the “quarterback of the defense,” has emerged as a leader. McPherson has recorded 51 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions this season. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and experience in developing his role. “It comes with a lot of experience and the teammates that I’ve had within the past years,” McPherson stated. “The coaching staff guiding me through it all, trying to help me understand what the purpose is behind every defensive play.”

McPherson characterized the Wildcats’ defense as “energetic and relentless,” a philosophy that has driven the team’s success throughout this remarkable fall season. As they prepare for their semifinal matchup, McPherson acknowledged the significance of their journey. “(This is) usually something that you hear about, and then you want to live up to that,” he said. “So, being a part of that team and being in the moment is just — it’s surreal.”

With their historic run, the Wildcats are eager to continue their momentum and potentially secure a state championship. Their upcoming game against Notre Dame Academy is not just a chance for victory; it represents an opportunity to further establish River Falls’ legacy in high school football.