Merrill Bluejays claim road victory over Thunderbirds

On Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, the Merrill Varsity Football Team traveled to Minocqua where the Bluejays faced off against the Lakeland Union Thunderbirds on their Youth Football Night and came away with a decisive 34-14 victory.
“Our boys continue to fight every week for four quarters,” said Merrill Varsity Football Head Coach Jason Wadzinski. “I’m impressed with the resilience of this group and how they overcome adversity in the game. The plan this week had to change on the fly and our guys responded admirably.”
The Bluejays put together a balanced offensive attack, rushing for 278 yards and adding 108 yards through the air. Kanin Jahnke led the ground game with 19 carries for 155 yards, while Cole Rudie added 61 yards and 1 touchdown on 13 attempts. Keylin Allen contributed 70 yards and 1 touchdown on 4 carries.
Rudie also handled the passing duties, completing 3 of 5 attempts for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns. His scoring strikes went to Keylin Allen (26 yards) and Aiden Drake (61 yards). Payton Zimmerman added 1 reception for 21 yards.
The Merrill defense held Lakeland Union to 195 total yards and forced 2 turnovers. Noah Klug led the defensive effort with 6 solo tackles, 3 assisted tackles, 1 sack, and 2 tackles for loss. Brody Klebenow, Peyton Hagenbucher, Mason Bloch, and Ryan Coates each recorded 4 solo tackles. Mason Bloch also added 2 assisted tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass breakup, while Hagenbucher contributed 3 assisted tackles.

Keylin Allen made a big play on defense with an interception return of 35 yards. Remington Skic added 3 solo tackles, 1 assisted tackle, and 1 tackle for loss, while Hunter Opper recorded 2 solo tackles and 3 assisted tackles.
On special teams, Ty Schuett was perfect on the night, converting all 4 extra point attempts and drilling 2 field goals in 2 attempts, including a long of 36 yards.
The Bluejays capitalized in the red zone, scoring on all 3 of their trips inside the 20-yard line, while holding the Thunderbirds to 2 scores in 3 red zone attempts.
Box Score
Merrill 34 @ Lakeland Union 14