Notre Dame Academy is heading back to Camp Randall Stadium this Friday for the WIAA Division 2 State Football Championship, taking on local rival West De Pere at 1 pm. 

The Tritons advanced with a dominant 42-6 win over River Falls, while West De Pere secured their spot after a controversial last-second win over Homestead. 

“It’s a little sentimental playing against kids I’ve played with since like 5th grade,” said junior running back Kingston Allen.

This matchup runs deeper than just football. 

Many NDA players have known West De Pere athletes for years.

Allen, who’s been a key part of NDA’s offense this year, admitted the pressure is still present. “Considering we were there last year, it’s not new to us,” he said, “but it’s still pressure-worthy.”

Quarterback Max Peirce added, “I went to school with a lot of these guys. Winning this game will be a sweet ending to our season.”

Peirce also pointed to West De Pere’s biggest threat, that being quarterback Patrick Greisen, who set a state record in his past game for most passing touchdowns this season. 

“This will be an even bigger test of who we are, Peirce said. “Greisen is the best passer in the state.”

To help fill the stands, NDA is sending fan buses to Madison with free transportation for the first 200 students that sign up.

Athletic Director Matt Koenig confirmed the school has not yet canceled classes for Friday.

“It will be the same as last year,” Koenig said. “It depends on how many students end up taking the fan buses.” 

With deep history, familiar faces, and now a state title on the line, Friday’s game promises to be more than just a game. . . it’s personal.