As the 2025 high school football season draws to a close, coaches and analysts are turning their attention to the defensive stalwarts who defined the year. Among the most talked‑about names are several seniors whose tackle totals have set new benchmarks across the state.
Defensive Leaders
River Sahr, who hails from the combined Potosi‑Cassville community, finished the season with 113 total tackles, placing him among the top returners and underscoring his consistency on the line.
Not far behind, Jacob Fornengo of Webster High School recorded 127 tackles, including 87 solo stops, a performance that helped his team tighten a previously porous defense.
At the pinnacle of the rankings, Ryan Zenner from Chippewa Falls High School amassed 172 total tackles, the highest figure among the top returners, and his relentless pursuit of ball carriers became a focal point of opposing offenses.
Beyond the statistics, the coverage of these players is anchored by Travis Wilson, the manager of Bound Wisconsin, who has earned a spot on the Sports 40 Under 40 list and received the Dave McClain Distinguished Service Award for his coaching excellence.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, the spotlight on these defensive leaders promises to shape early predictions, as teams look to build around the experience and skill sets demonstrated in the previous year.