MADISON (NBC 26) – Notre Dame Academy made history at Camp Randall Stadium on Friday afternoon in the Division 3 state title game.
Not only did the Tritons write their name in the history books by defeating Catholic Monument 49-28, but senior running back Christian Collins had a generational performance that helped lead his undefeated team to victory.
Collins finished the game with 408 rushing yards, the most in a Wisconsin state title game. He did it on 39 carries and scored five touchdowns on the ground.
“Obviously I can’t do this without my front line,” Collins said. “They’re making holes – I’m running and that’s a big part of our game plan.”
The Tritons passed the ball only six times and attempted the ball 44 times. The Crusaders’ defense knew what was coming, but had no answer for the Notre Dame senior.
“He’s going to continue to compete and keep getting better, and the best thing about it is he’s a better player today than he was in Week 1,” Tritons head coach Mike Rader said of his returning star. “He just kept getting better. It teaches you all the things you need to do to be a great runner.”
“Obviously, a performance like that in the state title game is phenomenal,” Rader added.
Rader admitted that these senior classes were special. It was personal for him, too: His son Andrew was an offensive lineman.
“I’ve been coaching youth basketball, soccer and so on since the second grade.” Rader said. “Seeing it come through Camp Randall is amazing.”
The victory marked Notre Dame’s third WIAA state championship and Rader’s first as head coach.
