Homestead comes up short in Division 2 state championship game

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Homestead Highlanders played in their fourth Division 2 State Title game since 2012, facing off against Waunakee.

Unlike in 2012, 2015 and 2018; the Highlanders could not hoist the trophy.

Homestead falls to Waunakee 33-21.

Homestead falls to Waunakee 33-21 in the Division 2 State Title Game pic.twitter.com/25oUtsyHkP

— Darius Joshua (@DariusJoshuaTV) November 19, 2021

"Just too many mistakes, too many penalties. Not us, the last month. But I would credit Waunakee and we had some uncharacteristic mistakes on our part as well," said Drake Zortman, Homestead football coach.

Quarterback Sal Balisteri finished with three touchdowns on the ground. But two turnovers put Homestead in a halftime hole they could not climb out of.

"Nobody really had us being in this game to start the year in August. Very very happy with the resiliency of the kids. And again today, chasing two scores to cut it to one score two different times. This group has been really been resilient," said Zortman. "I feel bad for them. This is group that's very special. Love the heck out of 'em."

Homestead finishes the season 11-3. Waunakee wins its seventh overall WIAA state championship.