The WIAA Boys State Soccer Championships get underway today with Division 1 Quarterfinals starting at noon.
That first game at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee features defending champion Marquette (21-0-1) against Green Bay Preble (18-5-2).
The Hilltoppers, despite losing 15-seniors from last years title team, are heavy favorites to repeat. Marquette, which has reached the WIAA State Tournament for the 12th straight year, is ranked 5th nationally. They’ve won 7 of the last 11 state championships.
Middleton (20-3-2) faces Brookfield East (20-4) at 2pm.
Chippewa Falls (20-4-2) follows against Kettle Moraine (17-6-1) at 5pm.
Neenah (21-3-2) closes out against Elkhorn (22-2). The Rockets are making their first appearance in the championships since 2008 and its 15th overall, sharing the distinction with Brookfield East of having qualified the most of any school.
Quarterfinal winners meet in Friday’s semi-finals. Schools in Division 2 & 3 also open play Friday with semi-finals.
Division 2
1pm. Mount Horeb (18-2-2) vs. Sturgeon Bay (21-2-1)
3pm. Fox Valley Lutheran (17-6-3) vs. Catholic Memorial (17-5-1)
Division 3
9am. Winnebago Lutheran (25-3) vs. Central Wis. Christian (15-7-1)
11am. Newman Catholic (19-2-2) vs. The Prairie School (19-3-2)