WABENO – The Laona/Wabeno Rebels football team has earned the No. 1 seed in its bracket for the 2026 WIAA eight-player football playoffs, securing a home game to open postseason play.

The Rebels will host No. 8 seed Three Lakes/Phelps on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm in Wabeno. The matchup gives local fans an opportunity to cheer on the team as it begins its pursuit of a state championship.

Laona/Wabeno enters the playoffs with a 7-1 record. The opening-round contest will be a rematch of the teams’ September 11 meeting, when the Rebels defeated Three Lakes/Phelps 53-6.

The winner will advance to the second round, scheduled for Friday, October 23. The WIAA eight-player state championship game is set for Saturday, November 14, at 1:00 pm at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln.

Photo Caption: Front Kneeling: Coach Ryan & Coach Colin
2nd Row: Coach Dan, Jaxson Nelson, Noah Egan, Negon Pemma, Jayce Demerath, Tristan Miotke, Chase Fatla, Isaiah Stegal,
Back Row: Coach John, Avery Fredrickson(hidden) Caden Champine, Cameron Tiltan, Ashton Jameson, Reegan Roy, Levi Shepard, Carson Lemorande, Ryder Cronauer, Cooper Albrecht, Aaron Julson, Brody Brockway.
Not pictured: A.J. Cook, Quintin Bohl, Bryce Yingling, Special Coaching Assistant, Peter Liptack, RET.

Photo Credit: Rebel Football Gridiron Blitz

Published on: Oct 11, 2026 at 5:05 pm