Football Recap: Gio Gomez's Menacing Defense Leads Wausau East over Lakeland

Iain Stahel

Rushing Yards

10/11/25 vs Lakeland	150
10/04/25 @ Merrill	119
09/26/25 vs Medford	161
09/18/25 @ Mosinee	86
09/12/25 vs Rhinelander	42
+ 3 more games

If Lakeland wanted to avenge their loss from the last time they played Wausau East, they should've done a better job of containing Iain Stahel. The Lumberjacks enjoyed a cozy 24-10 win over the Thunderbirds on Saturday for which the team can thank Stahel, who rushed for 150 yards, and also caught one touchdown. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 100.6 rushing yards per game.

Wausau East didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Gio Gomez, Tayshaun Williams, and Kayden Meverden picked up one apiece. Wausau East received some extra help from Stahel, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.

Wausau East's victory bumped their record up to 3-5. As for Lakeland, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 5-3 record this season.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Wausau East will host Antigo at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Lumberjacks will be up against the Red Robins' rather soft defense (which has allowed 34.75 points per matchup), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance. As for Lakeland, they will be playing at home against Tomahawk at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Hatchets' defense has only allowed 10.4 points per game this season, so the Thunderbirds' offense will have their work cut out for them.