FOOTBALL
PIUS XI FOOTBALL COMPLETES SEASON WITH 2ND STRAIGHT PLAYOFF APPEARANCE! • Popes finish 5-5 after tough playoff battle vs Martin Luther • Congratulations on another great season and back-to-back playoff runs • Proud of our team's heart and determination and looking forward to 2026 • GO POPES!
Popes - We highly recommend completing the athletic registration EARLY to ensure your son is able to participate in their desired sport - Athletic registration is due one week before the season begins - Hang on to your son's WIAA Physical Form as you will need to upload it to the online registration form by taking a picture of it or scanning it
The Standard Has Been Set: Pius XI Football Looks to Continue Its Rise Heading Into The 2026 Season
After back-to-back playoff appearances and five years of steady growth, excitement continues to build around the Pius XI football program as the Popes prepare for another fall campaign. Head coach Jesse Stewart believes the foundation of the program has been built by the countless student-athletes who have worn the Pius XI jersey, creating a culture that continues to raise the standard year after year.
“We're incredibly proud of the work we've put in over the last five years,” Stewart said. “The legacy of every student-athlete that has worn the XI has led to who we are today.”
That culture will be carried forward by a young, energetic roster eager to make its own mark. Stewart describes this year's team as a group filled with passion, relentless effort, and a willingness to embrace the daily habits that lead to long-term success. While the Popes may be young, their commitment to doing the small things the right way has already created confidence throughout the program.
“The little things we preach are not little,” Stewart explained. “When those things are done right and with full intention, energy, and effort on and off the field, winning becomes a product.”
As the season approaches, the Popes are focused on more than just gameday. Stewart emphasizes that championships are built during the unseen months of preparation, where leadership and accountability are developed long before kickoff. His vision is to create a player-led program built on trust, discipline, and commitment.
“Bad teams no one leads, good teams coaches lead, and great teams the players lead while coaches put them in the right position,” Stewart said.
With a strong culture, emerging leaders, and a program that continues to gain momentum, the Popes are ready to write the next chapter of Pius XI football. The expectations are high, but so is the belief that this young team has everything it needs to continue the tradition of competing at a championship level.
2025 Fox 6 Blitz: Week 4 highlights Pius XI vs St. Francis
PIUS XI
HALL OF FAME
State Champs 1958
2025 Week 1 highlights Pius XI vs Brown Deer
Championship Heritage
The crowning achievement in Pius XI football history came in 1958 when the Popes captured the WISAA State Championship, cementing their place among Wisconsin's elite programs. Led by a dominant defense and explosive offense, that legendary team established a standard of excellence that continues to inspire today's student-athletes.
Throughout the decades, Pius XI has added numerous conference championships to their trophy case, including memorable title runs in the tough Metro Conference and subsequent league affiliations. These championship seasons represent more than just athletic achievement—they embody the values of teamwork, sacrifice, and perseverance that define the Pius XI football tradition.
Legendary Leaders
The Pius XI football story cannot be told without recognizing the extraordinary players who have worn the gold and white with distinction. Among these standouts, Eddie Garrett stands as perhaps the most celebrated in program history. Garrett's exceptional talent, leadership, and character exemplify the ideal Pius XI student-athlete—someone who excelled on the field while embodying the school's mission of developing young men of faith, character, and intellect.
Other legendary Popes who left indelible marks on the program include [Additional notable players], whose achievements on the gridiron led many to collegiate careers and beyond. These individuals established a legacy of excellence that continues to set the standard for today's players.
Coaching Excellence
Behind every successful program stands exceptional leadership, and Pius XI football has benefited from outstanding coaches who understood that their role extended far beyond X's and O's. These dedicated mentors shaped not just better football players, but young men prepared for success in all aspects of life.
Today, under the leadership of Head Coach Jesse Stewart, the Pius XI football program continues this tradition of excellence. Coach Stewart brings passion, knowledge, and a commitment to developing student-athletes who represent their school, families, and community with pride and integrity.
The Complete Student-Athlete
Pius XI football has always emphasized the development of the complete student-athlete. Players are challenged to excel in the classroom, demonstrate leadership in school activities, and serve their community through various outreach programs. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with the school's Catholic mission and prepares young men for success long after their playing days have concluded.
Many former Popes have continued their football careers at the collegiate level, competing across all NCAA divisions as well as at NAIA institutions. These alumni often return to mentor current players, strengthening the bonds that connect generations of Pius XI football players.
Game Day Tradition
Home games at Pius XI are community celebrations that bring together current students, families, alumni, and neighbors to support the Popes. The stadium atmosphere crackles with energy as the band plays, cheerleaders perform, and fans unite behind their team.
These Friday night traditions create lasting memories and strengthen the sense of community that makes Pius XI special.
Building the Future
While honoring its rich history, the Pius XI football program remains focused on building for the future. Through comprehensive off-season training programs, youth camps, and continuous improvement in facilities and equipment, the Popes are positioned to add new chapters to their storied tradition in the years ahead.
For prospective student-athletes, the Pius XI football program offers the opportunity to become part of a legacy that extends back generations while creating their own place in school history. From freshman to varsity levels, players benefit from quality coaching, excellent facilities, and a supportive community that celebrates both athletic and academic achievement.
The story of Pius XI football continues to unfold with each new season, as today's Popes add their own chapters to a narrative defined by excellence, tradition, and pride in representing Pius XI Catholic High School.
Boys Varsity Football 2025-26
