Anticipation builds as Craig/Parker football game

JANESVILLE — Rivalries between schools rarely occur out of nowhere. A single game may spark the feud that leads to a rivalry, but often it takes more than that.

Starting with Janesville Parker’s 32-7 victory over Craig on Nov. 11, 1967, years of constant back-and-forth battles fomented the feelings programs have toward one another. Naturally, with two high schools in the same town, a rivalry is bound to form, strengthening each time they play.

Parker, winners of the last two contests and current holders of the Monterey Rock trophy, is currently winless. If there were odd-makers, Craig would clearly be favored, but the contest is truly a throw-the-records-out affair.

A lot has changed since the Cougars and Vikings football teams last met at historic Monterey Stadium, and some things have stayed the same.

Cougars quarterback Paul Platts and running back Braden Tyler started in the 2023 matchup.

But Vikings quarterback Palmer Butters and running back Jadyn Fraiser competed at the junior varsity level last year.

Of the two teams combined nine all-Big Eight first team all-conference players from the 2023 season. Platts and Cougars kicker Baylen Woodman are the sole returners.

First-time head coaches, vying for The Rock Trophy

Leading the Cougars is Joe Brannan. The former quarterback coach spent time under Adam Bunderson before getting the nod to lead the varsity team ahead of the 2024 season.

Offensive-minded coach of the Vikings Joe Flister had previous head coaching experience, but is in the midst of his first-year leading Parker High.

Last Year’s Game

The Vikings won 28-17 in the 2023 game though Craig had a second-half lead.

The Cougars (3-2, 2-1) have Platts threw for 192 yards completing 13 of 28 passing attempts but the 2023 all-Big Eight quarterback did not have a touchdown pass and threw two interceptions.

The game last year gives Platts experience for the upcoming matchup.

“First, it gives me what to expect in games like that because it’s a rival game, it’s a lot different,” said Platts. “We were up big going into halftime so we should have won that game, but it gives me fuel now.“

The Cougars’ 2023 offense was not afraid to raid the air. Their 2024 philosophy has shifted towards the run. Much of Platts’ supporting cast graduated. So, a new set of pass catchers will have a more prominent role in this year’s game compared to last time around.

“All of the young receivers have worked their tails off to be the best they can, so I got a lot of trust in them,” said Platts

As a freshman, Malachi Schoonover is tied for the team-lead in receptions and has accumulated the most receiving yards with 186 yards this season. He’s joined by Nathan Daskam and Keyon’Dre Thornton as the other feature receivers in the Cougar offense.

Senior running back Braden Tyler rushed for 94 yards on his 20 carries in the 2023 game.

“It’s always a game that has athletes on either side. And the community comes out and supports it well. We like the kids we have back for us and I’m sure coach Flister would say the same thing about Parker,” said Brannan.

What’s new for the Vikings?

Butters won the starting job at quarterback for the Vikings this fall, taking over for Jeff Rowin who went 5 of 8 on passing attempts with 67 yards and a passing touchdown in last year’s rivalry game.

While the game means more than a typical regular season football game, the junior quarterback understands the preparation can’t differ too much.

“It definitely means a little more, but we just got to take it as a normal game,” said Butters. “We can’t overdo it.”

Frasier will be the lead running back this year as Viking Cayden Brandenburg graduated. Brandenburg had a stellar performance in last year’s Vikings win with two touchdowns and 130 yards rushing.

This season, Frasier, along with Avery Eastman and other backs have tried to fill in the production left by the departure of Parker star running back last season. Grady Lutterman, Jjaquari Douglas, and Butters are all rushing threats in Flister’s offense.

Three key returners at the wide receiver position have led the way for the 2024 Vikings: senior Drew King, sophomore Javontae Johnson, and junior Jayvion Hill.

Johnson tallied two catches for 19 yards in the game last year.

The Vikings (0-5, 0-3) opening five-games have not been kind to them. Their most recent game against Middleton was perhaps their best game of the season thus far. In their 26-14 loss to the Cardinals, the Vikings offense had success moving the ball down the field at a more consistent rate than they had done in previous games.

A win against Craig would help provide a much needed confidence boost going forward.

Just like always, the winning team earns and covets ‘The Rock’. The Cougars are looking to take it back as Parker has won the last two contests, with Craig winning the previous four.

Kickoff at Monterey is set for 7 p.m. tonight.