With Level 1 of the high school football playoffs beginning Friday, the seniors know every week on the field could be their last.

One group is reflecting on the brotherhood they forged way back in youth football — and the coach behind it all.

Ben Kuehn didn't have a son on the Lodi youth football team in 2017. His sons were long finished with the program.

But when they needed a coach, Kuehn stepped up.

"He came in fourth grade year," Lodi defensive end Kyle Kurt said. "We'd never met the guy, but after the first season, though, we all loved him. I mean, every game was just awesome with him."

"Our fourth grade season, we lost every game," senior lineman Nate Lichucki said. "Then, our first game of fifth grade, we beat Waunakee. Then we won [every game] the fifth grade year, all the six

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