The Bayfield High School football team had its season come to an end Saturday in the first round of the Class 2A state playoffs.
No. 8 Bayfield fell to No. 9 Elizabeth, 17-0, on its home field to snap the team’s seven-game winning streak.
“The guys played with a lot of heart and never quit,” said BHS head coach Gary Heide. “I couldn’t be more proud of our guys. They never quit, never got chippy and played with class.”
Elizabeth got the scoring going with a field goal in the second quarter.
Bayfield responded with a 68-yard pass from Isaac Ross to Deegan Barnes to reach Elizabeth’s 10-yard line. On the next play, a Wolverine was stretching for the end zone but fumbled the ball at the goal line and turned the ball over.
“If we get that first touchdown, who knows?” Heide said.
Bayfield, however, had six turnovers in the game, leading to two more Elizabeth scores and keeping BHS out of the end zone again in the third quarter.
Just before halftime, Elizabeth’s Jace Perez intercepted his first of three passes in the game at midfield. Bayfield’s defense initially held, but a roughing-the-passer penalty kept Elizabeth’s drive alive, giving the Cardinals a fresh set of downs at Bayfield’s 10-yard line.
Ross made a tackle on first down to keep EHS from scoring, but on the next play Jason Weber completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to Ethan Stone with 17 seconds left in the half. The extra point gave EHS a 10-0 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, Bayfield’s defense chased Weber out of the pocket, and Nick Twedt intercepted his pass.
On the ensuing possession, however, Perez leaped over Bayfield’s receiver to intercept another pass at midfield.
“I think Elizabeth’s great athletic ability was the difference in the game,” Heide said. “We have some great athletes too, they just didn’t get to make those plays today.”
Heide also said Elizabeth had a “great scheme” on offense and good pass coverage.
Four plays after the interception, Weber scored on a 37-yard quarterback keeper to put EHS up 17-0.
The Wolverines, however, put together a nine-play drive in response. William Sullivan pulled in a 10-yard reception for a first down and, after a roughing-the-passer penalty, BHS had a first down at Elizabeth’s 17-yard line. Perez, however, intercepted another pass in the end zone to keep Bayfield off of the scoreboard.
The Wolverines picked up four more first downs after that, but were unable to find the end zone.
Elizabeth will now face No. 1 Eaton in the second round. The Reds beat No. 16 Kent Denver 45-6 to start the tournament.
With the loss, Bayfield wraps up its season with a 7-2 overall record, including a perfect 4-0 in the 2A Southwest.
“The season was fantastic; we brought life back to Bayfield football,” Heide said. “A seven-game win-streak doesn’t come from luck. And we won the league. That comes from attitude and skill and personal drive.”
The coach also credited the team’s seniors for their leadership.
“The senior leadership was amazing; they’re the ones that elevated the program,” Heide said. “They brought the belief.”
Heide wasn’t planning on coaching this season either, but was happy he did.
“I’m sure glad I came back,” he said.
