Merrill Varsity Football Team secures playoff berth with win over Rhinelander

On Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, the Merrill Varsity Football Team celebrated Tackle Cancer and Senior Night at Jay Stadium with a 27-13 victory over the Rhinelander Hodags, wrapping up the regular season with a 6-3 record and a top-three Conference finish.
“I was very pleased with our fast start in the game, and we executed on what we needed to in the first half,” said Merrill Varsity Head Football Coach Jason Wadzinski. “We sputtered a little bit down the stretch and the game got tight and a little close for comfort. A big play by our offense in the fourth put this one away for us.”
The Bluejays’ offense was paced by quarterback Cole Rudie (5-9, 80 yards, 1 TD passing; 12 att, 105 yards, 1 TD rushing), who connected with receiver Keylin Allen (2 recepts, 47 yards, 1 TD) on some big plays throughout the game. Running back Kanin Jahnke (22 att, 70 yards, 1 TD) provided consistent work on the ground.
Other scoring came from Noah Klug (8 att, 36 yards, 1 PAT-2 receiving) and tight end Ryker Remington (1 recept, 21 yards, 1 Saf).
Kicker Ty Schuett was a perfect 2-for-2 on extra points and converted a 24-yard field goal.

“The defense was led by Hunter Opper and his 4 sacks on the night,” Wadzinski said. “We also took the ball away late with an interception by Ben Gruett.”
Opper (8 tk, 1 ast, 4 sck, 7 TFL) dominated the defensive line for the Bluejays. Gruett added the interception and returned it for 2 yards, along with recording 1 tackle, and 1 TFL.
Other defensive contributors included Jase Steinagel (3 tk, 1 ast, 1 TFL), Noah Klug (6 tk, 2 ast, 1 sck, 1 TFL), Remington Skic (3 tk, 2 ast), Peyton Hagenbucher (2 tk, 3 ast, 1 TFL), Brody Klebenow (6 tk, 1 ast), Keylin Allen (3 tk), Mason Bloch (2 tk, 1 blks), and Robert Hoffman (2 tk).
The Bluejays racked up 250 rushing yards and 80 passing yards for 330 total yards of offense.
“That’s a wrap on the 2025 regular season with a 6-3 record and a top three Conference finish,” Wadzinski said. “We will host Lakeland this Friday in Level 1 of the playoffs here in Merrill. The Bluejays have now qualified for playoff competition three out of the last four years. This week’s game will be the first home playoff game in Merrill since 2010. We’re hoping for a loud and proud fan base Friday night to cheer our Jays on to victory.”
Box Score
Rhinelander 13 @ Merrill 27