High School Football-3 S3
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
TCU, Belle Plaine should challenge for MRC title Simonette, Narveson among top players The Free Press On paper, Tri-City United and Belle Plaine are the favorites in the Minnesota River Conference for 2014. Over the next two months or so, we'll find out if paper translates well to reality for those two squads. The Minnesota River, like all of the conferences in Minnesota, will disband after the 2014 season as football moves to sectional alignments for the regular season. The league has been around for 56 years. The original members from the 1959 season were: ArlingtonGreen Isle, Belle Plaine, Jordan, Le Center, Le Sueur, Montgomery and New Prague. Co-favorite TCU is coached by Ken Helland, who is in his third year with the program. He was the longtime coach at Le Center before the team merged with MontgomeryLonsdale to form Tri-City United. The Titans are the defending MRC champions with good numbers again this season. They have approximately 75 players out in grades 9-12, including a talented
group of juniors. TCU graduated most of its starters, but still has the players to contend. They return tight end Charlie Simonette, who should be a major target and is a college prospect. The defensive line will be anchored by Alex Burns, a big, physical junior. The Titans rely on a solid, power running game and hard hitting defense. Over in Belle Plaine, head coach Justin Johnston is beginning his ninth year at the helm. He has more than 70 players out which includes some of the MRC's best talent at certain positions. At the top of that list is junior QB Luke Narveson. The 6-foot-4, 180-pounder was the MRC Offensive MVP back as a freshman last year. He is a true dual threat as a passer and runner in the Tigers' spread offense. Running back Ben Stier returns to the backfield after being named to the all-Minnesota River Conference team, along with Narveson, a year ago. The Tigers have the luxury of large numbers, so they have the opportunity to choose from many and rest their starters when appropriate. At Sibley East, Chuck Hartman
begins his sixth year as head coach. The Wolverines will have some of the MRC's biggest linemen this season. John Dufrane, a 240-pound senior lineman, leads several other young linemen, who earned experience last year. Sibley East has the option of emphasizing its size with its traditional power running game or they could use their sizable line to pass protect for their rookie quarterback. While the Wolverines have experience in the line, they have to replace their entire backfield. Junior Quin Riffenburg gained some experience running the ball last year. Mayer Lutheran's Dean Aurich starts his 26th year this season and is the senior member of the MRC coaches. He leads a team that is small in numbers but has some big, talented individuals. Junior lineman Sam Schlueter (6-7, 278) has good size and experience. Tight end Taylor Otterstatter is 6-6, 235 and is considered a solid college prospect. Taylor's brother, Jeff Otterstatter (6-6, 235) will also contribute in the line. If Mayer Lutheran can find some skilled position players to operate behind that big line, it
could be a team that could surprise people. Craig Johnson of WatertownMayer is beginning his third season with the team. The Royals won a share of the MRC title last year and it was the first for Johnson. Watertown-Mayer has good numbers and some decent size to make a run at another title. Senior quarterback Brett Johnson was All-MRC as he led the Royals in rushing last season. Senior Bill Staufer returns in the line after being an All-MRC honorable mention pick a year ago. Staufer will be joined by lineman Andrew Ziegenhagen. Ryne Alger also returns as a leading receiver. Jordan's Craig Albers is in his fifth year with the Hubmen. Jordan was the section champion in 2012 but slipped to four wins last year. The Hubmen believe they are a contending program again. They have increased the number of players and will have very good size in the line as 15 players are listed at 200 pounds or more on their roster. Andrew Fogarty, senior running back, returns after being All-MRC in 2013. Fogarty is threat as a runner or receiver. Paul Henn of Norwood Young
America begins his ninth year this season. He led the Raiders on a lateseason surge in 2013 that ended up losing the section title by one point. NYA hopes to continue the momentum from that success in 2014. They will be led by All-MRC running back Noah Peterson. The senior Peterson has run for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons and will be the main ball-carrier again this season. Senior quarterback Isaac Hormann is a three-year starter and was honorable mention All-MRC last season. If the Raiders' passing game can take some pressure off Peterson, he could have a big year and NYA could sneak up in the league standings. Le Sueur-Henderson's Mike May starts his third season in charge of the Giants. The team's numbers are down but they do return several starters from last season's squad. Senior running back/defensive back Jordan Kahlow is a three-year starter and was the Giants leading rusher in 2013. Seniors Connor Boettcher and Clayton Colling should anchor the lines. Several other inexperienced players will have to step up in order to keep the Giants competitive.
Eagles look to soar again in Gopher Valley 2A Conference ccourrier@mankatofreepress.com
MAPLETON — Waterville-Elysian-Morristown had a five-year hold on the Gopher Valley 2A Conference title until Maple River grabbed the trophy last season. Eagles coach Brian Schoneck hopes that experience will have some carryover effect this season. “Hopefully, that raised the bar,” he said. “But each year is a little different. We graduated some very good football players, so we’ll need some kids to step up. If things fall into place, I hope we can be right there again.” This is the last season of the Gopher Valley 2A. Many conferences will be eliminated next season and replaced by the district scheduling. The Gopher Valley 2A teams will compete in the South Central District, which
has 28 teams, and while some rivalries will this summer. Bakken said Boran could be to step up,” Bakken said. “They’re learning be maintained, a championship this season back in the second half of the season. things at an incredibly fast rate, but we’ll be will carry well into the future. “We are going to need a lot of young guys OK, probably a darkhorse.” “It would be nice to get another one; it’s one of our goals,” Schoneck said. “The conference is very competitive, and every Back to school. Start the year right with game is going to be a dogfight for us. If we low prices on gently used kids’ clothing get lucky, and we stay away from injuries, it from the top brands they crave: old would be fun to compete for that.” navy, gap, limited too, abercrombie Schoneck said that Medford and New and more! And you get cash on the Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva should spot for what they’ve outgrown. No have strong teams, and WEM and Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial will be improved. appointment needed. Last season, the Eagles had to defeat Medford in the final game to avoid a three-way tie for the championship. WEM coach Jon Bakken said his team Located conveniently across from Cub Foods Mon. - Sat. 10-8, Sun. 12-5 would have had a better chance if quarter464 Raintree Road • Mankato • 507-344-8799 www.onceuponachildmankato.com back Ben Boran hadn’t suffered a broken foot
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By Chad Courrier
Mankato West-4 S4
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Scarlets need to rebuild offensive, defensive fronts QB Schlichte to start for 3rd-straight season “I was concerned in the offseason, but after seeing how hard these guys worked, I’m not as concerned. We’ve had a lot of guys step up in the offseason.”
By Chad Courrier
ccourrier@mankatofreepress.com
MANKATO — The Mankato West football team has had some dangerous offenses and stingy defenses in the last decade, with all those glitzy long passes and aggressive blitzes catching the eye. But you can’t make the spectacular play without solid performance up front, and the Scarlets lost some awfully good linemen to graduation. “I was concerned in the offseason,” coach Mark Esch said, “but after seeing how hard these guys worked, I’m not as concerned. We’ve had a lot of guys step up in the offseason.” The Scarlets open the season at home Aug. 28 against Albert Lea, which isn’t a long time to build an offensive and defensive front. However, there are 19 seniors with which to build. On the offensive line, senior tackles Alex Goettl and Evan Richter and senior guard Dan Kiecker were all starters last season, and senior guard Conor Wollenzien, who didn’t play last season, had some experience as a sophomore. Junior Justin Kurtz will take over at center.
Mankato West Scarlets Head coach: Mark Esch Assistants: Greg Ellsworth, Logan Deopere, J.J. Helget, Pat Burmeister, Scott Higgins, Drew Weber, Mike Richter, Scott Pick. 2013 record: 8-2
Returning leaders Rushing Ryan Schlichte Cory Johnson Passing Ryan Schlichte Receiving Connor Watts Kevin Marzolf Defense Nate Nelson Charlie Schwartz
Yds. 683 593 Com.-Att. 151-212 Rec. 35 21 T 70 58
Mark Esch TD 10 9 Yds 2,185 Yds. 535 389 Int. 1 0
TDs 25 TDs 5 3 Sacks 0 5
CoaCh MaRk ESCh Photo by Pat Christman
Mankato West coach Mark Esch (middle) discusses some strategy with his players during a preseason practice at the high school. The Scarlets open the season today, at home against Albert Lea. “We have some guys who have starting experience and played in playoff games,” senior quarterback Ryan Schlichte said. “They have some chemistry, and they know what to do. I’m not worried.” Schlichte will be the starting quarterback for the third season, hoping to build on a junior season in which he totaled nearly 3,000 yards of offense and 35 touchdowns. He completed 151 of 212 passes for 2,185 yards with 25 touchdowns, and he was the Scarlets’ leading rusher with 683 yards and 10 scores. “He’s better physically and confidencewise,” Esch said. “When you’re a senior, you’re so much more confident. When you’re a quarterback for the third year and you have a lot of the same guys around you, this is the year you’ve waited for.” Senior Travon Jones, who had seven touchdown runs last season, and junior Van Neils will handle the running-back duties for the first month, when senior Cory Johnson should return from a knee injury. Johnson rushed for 593 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 19 passes with two scores. “Whoever needs to run the ball for us to win, that’s what we’ll do,” Schlichte said. The receivers are explosive, with seniors Connor Watts, Kevin Marzolf, Josh Athey and Jon Pytlak. Watts had 35 receptions for
535 yards and five touchdowns, and Marzolf finished the season strong, making 21 catches for 389 yards and three scores. “They know what I want to do, and I know what they want to do,” Schlichte said. “We’re on the same page.” Defensively, Goettl, Wollenzien, Brandon Marsh, Zach Jakes and Nick LeDuc will play in the line, with junior Charlie Schwarz at linebacker. Schwartz, who made 58 tackles and five sacks, will hold one linebacking spot while three others compete for the other linebacker position. The defensive backs are Athey, Marzolf, Watts, junior Hunter Frericks and junior
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Carter Burroughs. The safety is senior Nate Nelson, who ranked second on the team with 70 tackles. “We had some juniors step up and make plays,” Nelson said. “I think we can really be good on defense.” Esch said that Owatonna, Rochester Mayo and Rochester John Marshall will be the top teams in the Big Nine Conference, and the Scarlets will play all three this season. West hopes to return to the section championship game, where it lost to Chaska. “I think that game left a little bitter taste in our mouths,” Esch said. “We want to get back on top in the section.”
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Mankato East-5 S5
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Cougars strive to make big strides in 2014 Numbers improving as East continues to rebuild
Mankato East lineman Logan Swanson (59) led the team in tackles last season and was an All-Big Nine Conference selection.
By Shane Frederick
sfrederick@mankatofreepress.com
MANKATO — The Mankato East football team took some baby steps last season, following a winless 2012 campaign. After winning one game in 2013, the Cougars hope they’re ready not only to walk but run a little this year. “My prediction?” junior lineman Logan Swanson said. “No matter what, we’ll be better than last year. I think we can win four games, minimum. If we keep going like we’re going, playing physical and playing smart, we’ll have a successful year.” It’s taken time for East to gain traction since coach Eric Davis returned to the program two years ago. Last season’s win snapped a 14-game losing streak. However, both Swanson and senior quarterback Nic Seiler said during the first week of practice that the team was three or four weeks ahead of where it was at the same time a year earlier. “We’re certainly well ahead of where we’ve traditionally been in the first week,” Davis said. “The main thing is the numbers
Mankato East Cougars Head coach: Eric Davis Assistants: Joe Johnson, Dusty Julius, Tony Ball, Mark Stewart, Pat Griffiths, Mark Seiler, Taylor Waldorf, Mike Barger, Dan Quame 2013 record: 1-8
Returning leaders Rushing Robert Miller Nic Seiler Ryan Carlsten Passing Nic Seiler Receiving Brandon Adams Cooper Wolfe Ryan Carlsten Defense Logan Swanson Brandon Adams Mitch Strand
Eric Davis
Yards TD 375 1 280 6 171 1 Com-Att. Yds. TD Int. 62-110 486 2 6 No.-Yds TD 23-193 0 19-177 1 13-90 1 Tackles Sacks Int. 45 2 0 29.5 0 1 21 0 1
Photo by Pat Christman
are back up. It’s not just having the bodies, but we can push each other in practice. It’s nice to have that depth.” Davis said East has 101 players, freshmen through seniors, out for football this season. “We’ve had a shortage of bodies and shortage of speed in the past,” Davis said. “We’re seeing the return of some faster kids and more of them.” The Cougars also return some experience, something that was lacking during Davis’ first season back. Seiler, a dual-threat quarterback who, running and throwing, accounted for 766 yards of offense and eight touchdowns last season, will be starting for the third year in a row, as will Swanson. Swanson, a two-way player who was an All-Big Nine Conference defensive lineman, was East’s top tackler a year ago, and Davis expects he’ll be scouted closely by “highlevel” college programs. “He’s a guy who’s not only a good player but an intelligent player,” Davis said. “He’s a
4.0 (GPA) student. He’s what you want as a football player.” Other top returners include senior Ryan Carlsten, who can play running back or receiver and is also a defensive back, and last year’s leading receiver senior Brandon Adams. Another receiver, senior Cooper Wolfe, will move to outside linebacker on defense this season to fill in the void left
from last year’s graduation, Davis said. Other linemen working with Swanson include seniors Cory Weston and Andrew Leite and junior Mackenzie Slocum. “We have some good football players,” Davis said. “We have some guys with good heads on their shoulders.” The Cougars will open the season on Friday at home against Rochester Century.
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Loyola-6 S6
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Crusaders hope to keep on winning Loyola returns 18 players with starting experience By Denny Weller
Special to The Free Press
MANKATO — When you’re riding a 21game losing streak there’s plenty of room for negativity and criticism, but that’s not tolerated around the Mankato Loyola football team. With nine players having started on both sides of the ball at one time last season and another nine having experienced starting one way, the Crusaders were poised to end that drought and set a foundation for future success last Friday. “We’ve got guys who are hungry and have done things in the offseason for us to be successful,” Loyola coach Kevin Mettler said. “They have to believe they can win and deserve to win. “We have to do the small things because small things eventually turn into big things. We need to have success right away and things will follow from there. ... Winning breeds winning.” The Crusaders came through in their season-opener against Faribault Bethlehem Academy, winning 23-14 at home. Much of Mettler’s optimism for the season surrounds the return of senior quarterback John Fink and an offensive line that features seniors Dugan Bradley, Tom McDermott, Charlie Lena and Shane Price. Fink, a threesport standout, completed 69 of 183 passes for 791 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 106 yards and a team-best six scores. Other two-way returners include seniors Jake Pellar and Taylor Barnes along with juniors Taylor Gross and Andy Sharpless. Senior running back Jake Klingsporn is expected to help rev up the offense after missing last season with a knee injury. “Our numbers are up, and these seniors have been working hard for three years,” Mettler said. “We have to be mistake-free, play physical football and make sure we take care of the little things. We also have to stay healthy, and with Jake Klingsporn we feel we have one of the best running backs in our
Mankato Loyola Crusaders Head coach: Kevin Mettler Assistants: Chris Richardson, Jake Berling, Nate Clark, Garrett Mensing, Jeff Barnett
Returning leaders Passing John Fink Rushing Andy Sharpless Jake Pellar Receiving Sharpless Pellar Austin Ellingworth Defense Fink Pellar Joe Vetter Taylor Barnes
Kevin Mettler
Comp.-Att. 69-183 Att. 24 33 No.-Yds. 6-94 7-71 6-57 Tackles 50 28 26 25
Yds. TD 791 4 Yds. 119 101 Avg. 15.7 10.1 9.5
conference.” Photo by John Cross Six more seniors — Luke Haefner, Austin Running back Jake Klingsporn returns to the Mankato Loyola football team after missing last season with a Ellingworh, Joe Vetter, Brett Taylor, Aidan knee injury. Eesley and Austin Eesley — along with juniors Kim Huynh, Noah Rajtar and Sean Name: Land to Air; Width: 31p0; Depth: 2.5 in; Color: Black; File Name: -; Ad NumWillaert are the balance of the returning ber: H28493874701 regulars. Sharpless rushed for 119 yards and caught six passes for 94 yards a year ago, while Pellar gained 101 yards on the ground and 71 yards through the air. Fink led the Crusaders with 50 tackles last season while Pellar (28), Vetter (26) and Airport - Twin Cities • Southern MN - Rochester • Private Charter Barnes (25) followed. “We’re ready and focused to play,” Fink said. “We have to be ready for every game, forget bad plays and know that we are good enough to win. “It’s all mental right now. We have the physical competitiveness to win games. ... We just need to change the culture.”
LCWM-7 S7
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
For LCWM, veteran’s could help young quarterback Knights sophomore ready for his close-up By Shane Frederick
LCWM Knights
sfrederick@mankatofreepress.com
LAKE CRYSTAL — There will be a young, new quarterback on the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial football team this season, but there’s hope that sophomore Mac Graupman will have a veteran nucleus around him to be successful. “He has a very high football IQ,” Knights coach Mike Schaffer said of Graupman, who was LCWM’s JV quarterback as an eighthgrader and competed for the varsity job a year ago. Graupman, who will replace the graduated Bryson Yackel, is more of a dual threat than his predecessor was in the Knights’ spread offense Schaffer said. The Knights are coming off a 2-6 season and face an improving Gopher Valley 2A conference schedule. However, the team returns several key players, including its leading rusher and receiver from a year ago. Junior running back Matt Sheets racked up 450 yards on the ground last season, averaging 3.7 yards a carry, and scored a team-high six touchdowns. Senior receiver Chuck Menne had 32 catches for 352 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Senior Nick Thul had 21 catches for 272 yards and four TDs. “We have some very good returning guys,” Schaffer said. “The main thing is to stay healthy. We have 40 guys out in grades 9 through 12. We need to stay healthy, like everybody else. But I like our team. It’s a close team; there’s a lot of team chemistry.” As important as having returning skill players, Schaffer said experience on the
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Head coach: Mike Schaffer Assistants: Jeremy Steffensmeier, Kevin Hagge, Ryan Meyer, Tyler Ginnestad 2013 record: 2-6
Returning leaders
Mike Schaffer
Rushing Matt Sheets Receiving Chuck Menne Nick Thul Matt Sheets Defense Nate Neitzel Mac Graupman Shane Nelson
TD 6 TD 2 4 1 Sacks 1 0 0
Yards 450 No.-Yds 32-352 21-272 14-174 Tackles 51 40 39
Int 0 1 0
offensive and defensive lines may be the Knights’ biggest asset. Returning players include senior and fourth-year starter Nick Meixell. Seniors Shane Nelson and A.J. King Quale will be third-year starters. “That’s going to be the strong part of our team,” Schaffer said. “We have experience there and a lot of depth there. It all starts up front.” The Knights will have to replace the production of Bryan Davis, a do-it-all offensive player who could run, catch and return kicks. “That’s a big loss for us,” Schaffer said.
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Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial senior Nate Neitzel is the team’s top returning tackler from last season with 51. The Knights are looking to improve on a 2-6 season from a year ago. “Anytime he touched the ball he had a chance to take it the distance. That will be a tough position to fill, and it won’t be filled by just one guy.” Schaffer said senior Jared VanRyswyk and juniors Nick Saucier and Junior Welsch will work to fill that gap. Defensively, the Knights lost two of their top three tacklers from last season, but Nate Neitzel, who was second on the team with 51 tackles, is back. LCWM will open the season Friday at Kimball Area.
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“The main thing is to stay healthy. We have 40 guys out in grades 9 through 12. We need to stay healthy, like everybody else. But I like our team. It’s a close team; there’s a lot of team chemistry.”
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St. Peter-8 S8
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
St. Peter’s size up front will be team strength Hildebrandt, Bachman are top QB contenders By Denny Weller
Special to The Free Press
ST. PETER — With nearly all of its skill players lost to graduation, the St. Peter football team will look for its offensive and defensive lines to set the tone for the upcoming season. “We can put some decent size out there and our big kids are fairly athletic,” Saints’ coach Brian Odlund said. “I would say our lines on both sides of the ball will be our strengths. We’re just so young that we’ve got a lot of guys learning plays so right now it’s just getting into the flow and making things habitual on the field for them. “We’ve really slowed down the rate at which we’re installing things just to get guys on the same page. We’ll be solid through our first 11 guys but then we’ll be inexperienced. We need to develop those younger players so we can create some depth by the middle of the season. This is a good cohesive group and I don’t expect any discipline problems with them and that will carry over to the field.” Senior center/defensive end Brandon Evans and junior guard/defensive end Travis Brock are expected to anchor things down for the Saints in the trenches. Junior guard/ linebacker Dayton Sawyer; junior tackle/ linebacker Nate Wenner; senior guard/linebacker Major Brock; senior tackle/linebacker Jackson Keeley; junior tackle/linebacker Dustin West; and senior guard/defensive end Nick Zarn add plenty of depth up front. “We have a big line this year which we’re excited about,” Evans said. “We’re probably going to be running it up the middle a lot. “I’ll try to show some leadership and show the younger guys the ropes. We’re a closeknit group and we just need to go out and play as a team.” Keely echoed those same sentiments, “We’ve got a good size line for the first time in a while,” he said. “We’ve also got some nice running backs with speed so things should be pretty good. “We’re looking for a winning season and to go a ways in the playoffs. We’re just looking to be the best we can be and leave a positive legacy behind.” Odlund indicated that senior Noah Hildebrandt and junior Avery Bachman are locked in a battle for the starting quarterback spot with the runner-up moving out to a wide receiver spot. Seniors Nic Glidden and Brett Zallek are the top running back candidates
St. Peter Saints Head coach: Brian Odlund Assistants: Justin Helget, Greg Emley, Kurt Moelter and Pat Klubben 2013 record: 5-4
Returning leaders
Brian Odlund
Rushing Nic Glidden Noah Hildebrandt Receiving Brett Zallek Defense Brandon Evans Nate Wenner
TD 1 0 TD 1 Sacks 2 0
Att.-Yds 8-66 21-41 No.-Yds 5-123 Tckls 45 32
Senior lineman Brandon Evans is the team’s top returning tackler with 45 a year ago. He also had two quarterback sacks.
FR 0 1
“I would say our lines on both sides of the ball will be our strengths. We’re just so young that we’ve got a lot of guys learning plays so right now it’s just getting into the flow and making things habitual on the field for them.” CoaCh BRIan oDlunD
while senior Shaun Timmerman, junior Alex Hoehn and senior Andrew Olson complete the Saints’ receiving core. “We’re a younger team this year but we’ve been filling the holes nicely,” Zallek said. “It’s just going to take that playing experience. Everyone is ready to step up and do their part. “We’ve got a small senior class but the juniors are working really hard. We’re excited to be on the field together and so far everyone is having a lot of fun. ... We’ll be ready at game time.” Two other players — senior nose guard Jared Schave and junior slot-back/defensive back Zeke Haugen — are also expected to fill major roles. Evans and Wenner are the top returning defenders while Zallek’s five catches for 123 yards and one touchdown heads the offensive side. St. Peter, coming off a 5-4 record a year ago, opens its season Friday by hosting Windom.
Photo by John Cross
Waseca-9 S9
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Waseca’s Bluejays have big, big shoes to fill O’Neil will be replaced by multiple players sfrederick@mankatofreepress.com
WASECA — The big question around Waseca these days is: How do you replace Thomas O’Neil? The short answer? You don’t. But there’s a longer answer for Bluejays coach Brad Wendland. “We aren’t asking anyone to be Thomas O’Neil, that’s for sure,” he said. “We made that clear in our end-of-the-season meetings last year.” O’Neil graduated following a 3,000-yard season. The quarterback threw for 1,379 yards and 17 touchdowns and ran for 1,406 yards and 14 scores as the Bluejays went unbeaten in the regular season. “We called that riding the horse,” Wendland said. There’s no one horse to ride this year, so O’Neil’s production will be divided among several players. There have been two players vying to take over at quarterback: senior Isaac Highum and junior Nick Dufault. “Both have done a lot to get ready for the season,” Wendland said. “Both have studied. Both have had great summers. They’re super-competitive, great kids. It’s a tremendous problem to have. We’ve never had two guys at the position as ready to play as they are.” The Bluejays return their second and third leading rushers from a year ago, Dyan Hermanstorfer and Brady “Bear” Bomsta. Their rushing totals were less than half of what O’Neil ran for, but Wendland said their roles will be bigger this season. Wendland also is looking to see a big jump from Josiah Frye in the running and passing game. Waseca also brings back J.P. Eykyn, who was a two-way starter at cornerback and wide receiver and tight end Tyler Kolander and All-South Central Conference pick last season. The conference has expanded to the Big South this year, a combination of the old SCC and Southwest Minnesota Conference. The Bluejays did not lose last season until the section playoffs, and Wendland hopes that the success of last season will carry over to this season and seasons to come. “The example was set,” Wendland said.
“There’s a lot more two it than being talented. It’s how you practice — and we practiced great last year. When your best players are your hardest workers, when those guys are at their best on every rep, that sets a really good example for the young guys. That was the example set last year, and I think it will carry out this year.” BRad Wendland
Waseca Bluejays Head coach: Brad Wendland Assistants: Joe Hedervare, Eric Teders, Levi Fossen, Kevin Britton, Ted Hammond, Chris Ahlshager 2013 record: 9-1
Returning leaders Rushing Dylan Hermanstorfer Bear Bomsta Adam Clayton Receiving Tyler Kolander J.P. Eykyn Dylan Hermanstorfer Bear Bomsta Defense Tyler Kolander Bear Bomsta Isaiah Williamson
Brad Wendland Yards TD 297 2 232 4 115 6 No.-Yds TD 9-152 2 10-142 1 6-71 2 6-80 1 Tackles-Asst-Total 44-22-66 43-13-56 29-15-44
“There’s a lot more two it than being talented. It’s how you practice — and we practiced great last year. When your best players are your hardest workers, when those guys are at their best on every rep, that sets a really good example for the young guys. That was the example set last year, and I think it will carry out this year.” The Bluejays will open the season Friday at Worthington.
Photo by John Cross
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Tyler Kolander is Waseca’s top returning tackler from last year’s team, which went undefeated in the regular season.
St. James-10 S10
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
New league provides new hope at St. James Tonsager hopes to stay healthy, lead young team
Senior Luke Tonsager is the top returning senior for the St. James football team.
By Drew Lyon
Special to The Free Press
ST. JAMES — The days of overmatched St. James football teams facing opponents with far larger rosters are mostly over. Starting this year, the Saints are playing in the newly formed Big South Conference, which combines the Southwest Conference and the South Central Conference. The realignment suits St. James coach Jeff Whitney just fine, though he lamented the end of a longstanding rivalry against New Ulm. “It’s going to be nice playing against teams that are our size,” Whitney said. “Now there’s no excuse, and that’s a good thing. Hopefully it’ll be better for our program. But it’s too bad we couldn’t keep our game against New Ulm.” Whitney’s team returns from a 2-7 record, an improvement over a winless 2012 season. “It was a pretty good year us, considering our numbers,” Whitney said. “Our numbers are always going to be our downfall in a way.” Whitney reports the team’s 41-player turnout during the first week of practice is a slight decrease from previous seasons. But senior receiver/defensive back Luke Tonsager fronts a group of seniors that Whitney hopes will bring leadership and, in turn, more victories for the Saints, who graduated 15 seniors. Brady Halverson will inherit quarterback duties, while Chris Johnson and Josh
St. James Saints Head Coach: Jeff Whitney Assistants: Dave Whitney, Steve Walker, Mark Johnson, Alex Hein, Gary Blom, Jon Wilson, Adam Schroeder 2013 record: 2-7
Returning leaders
Jeff Whitney
Receiving Luke Tonsager Defense Luke Tonsager Chris Johnson
Yds. 150 Int. 3 0
No. 15 Tackles 53 70
TDs 2
Photo by Pat Christman
Stordalen are expected to carry the load at fullback. Whitney also anticipates Tonsager, the team’s leading receiver from last season, will handle more carries this season. “This year we’re running a different offense,” he said. “We lost a nice passing quarterback, so I think we’re going to go with speed on the ground. Luke’s going to be more of a slot guy, jet-motion handoffs. And Josh is going to get a lot of time; he’ll be a workhorse.” Whitney’s offensive line has three returning starters: senior tackles Alex Martinez and Joe Bologna, and senior center Colin Hoppe. “We’re pretty solid on the starting line,” Whitney said. “But again, we just don’t have much depth. I always worry about our depth coming back to haunt us.” Defensively, Tonsager, who finished with 53 tackles and 3 interceptions in only five games last year, and defensive end Chris Johnson look to lead the Saints. Tonsager broke his leg in the team’s 2013 homecoming game, the third consecutive year a broken bone put a premature end to his season. “I just want to stay healthy,” said Tonsager, who added 10 pounds during the
offseason. “I’m excited, have a lot of goals. I’d like to break the school’s (single season) interception record.” “Other than Chris and Luke, we’re pretty green on defense,” said Whitney, who enters his third year as head coach. “Hopefully there are other kids who step up.” Whitney has welcomed a return to normalcy this preseason. Last season, he suffered a mild stroke after the team’s first practice. “When we got closer to that first day of practice this year,” Whitney said, “I thought,
‘Oh gosh.’ But it’s awesome. I’m feeling great.” His team isn’t accustomed to a winning record, and Whitney hopes a new schedule will grant his program a fresh start. But victories are secondary, he emphasized. “A lot of this is just getting these boys to grow up and be responsible adults,” he said. “Wins are great, but helping them grow as young men is another win for me.” The Saints opened the season Aug. 22 with a 50-25 loss against Brooklyn Center in a nonconference game.
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LeSueur-Henderson-11 S11
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Offensive line hopes to get Giants back on track Kahlow is top returning offensive player By Denny Weller
Special to The Free Press
LE SUEUR — After suffering through an 0-9 season, the Le SueurHenderson football team hopes an experienced offensive line will generate enough room for senior running back Jordan Kahlow to operate and help turn the Giants’ fortunes around. Kahlow carried the ball 117 times for 470 yards and one touchdown last season while also catching 21 passes for 196 yards. He was also productive on the defensive side of the ball in coming up with three interceptions and collecting 64 tackles. “There’s no doubt last season was a disappointing one,” Kahlow said. “This year, we just have to go out and finish business. We’ve been doing a lot of drills over the summer, and we’re bringing in some new offensive things which should work better. There’s going to be a lot of leadership going on with our seniors. “We are all pretty athletic and will be able Photo by John Cross to contribute to the team Le Sueur-Henderson senior Jordan Kahlow is back this year after rushing for so we can have some suc470 yards, accumulating 196 yards receiving and making 64 tackles. cess. We need to make sure we hold the ball tight and run with our heads up. Our receiv- May said. “We need to improve at keeping the ball off the ground and then create some ers need to watch the ball into their hands turnovers on the defensive side of the ball. and then get extra yards after the catch. We need to run the ball effectively and play Things have been really positive.” solid defense. Kahlow will operate behind an offensive “We’ve got a lot of guys coming back front that is spearheaded by seniors Clayton that have experience and really understand Colling and Connor Boettcher and junior what we’re trying to do, offensively and Kallan Hudson. defensively. They have a good headstart in “We’ve got a lot of experience coming what direction we want to go this year. I am back in the trenches, and that’s what really looking forward to a lot of improvement, and makes a team go,” third-year coach Mike
“We’ve got a lot of guys coming back that have experience and really understand what we’re trying to do, offensively and defensively. They have a good headstart in what direction we want to go this year.”
Le Sueur-Henderson Giants Head coach: Mike May Assistant coaches: Dave Swanberg, Terry Turek, Tom Quiram, Mike Goggin, Don Marcussen and Eric Lewis.
CoaCH Mike May
I know these guys are excited to get back out there and put forth an effort that will give them a good name.” Junior linebacker Tyler Eccles was in on 76 tackles and recovered three fumbles last season, while senior defensive back Tyler Kotasek totaled 55 stops. Those two are listed as the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart as well. Boettcher was also a standout on defense, coming up with 68 stops from his defensive end spot. Senior linebacker Sam Gerdts is also back and will spell Kahlow in the backfield.
Top returning players
Mike May
Rushing Jordan Kahlow Receiving Jordan Kahlow Tyler Eccles Passing Tyler Eccles Defense Tyler Eccles Jordan Kahlow Connor Boettcher Tyler Kotasek
Yds. 470 Yds. 196 107 Yds. 31 FR 5 0 0 0
Attt. 117 Rec. 21 4 Com.-Att. 3-8 T 76 64 68 55
TD 1 TD 0 1 Int. 0 3 0 0
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12 S12
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
ST. CLAIR CYCLONES
2014
PREP FOOTBALL Schedules
MN VALLEY LUTHERAN CHARGERS
NICOLLET RAIDERS
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08/28 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
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Sleepy Eye Saint Mary Wabasso MCW RRC BL-H Springfield New Ulm Cathedral Sleepy Eye
Hill-Beaver Creek Fulda Edgerton Cleveland GHEC-Truman Mt. Lake Area Alden-Conger Madelia
ST. JAMES SAINTS
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08/29 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/10 10/15
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08/29 09/05 09/12 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
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07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM
Bethlehem Academy JWP LCWM Blooming Prairie Loyola USC GFW
Luverne Windom Pipestone JCC Redwood Valley Worthington Waseca
MADELIA BLACKHAWKS
W.E.M BUCCANEERS Date Opponent
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08/29 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
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08/29 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
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TCU Blooming Prairie Medford GFW NRHEG LCWM Maple River USC
SWU RCC WWG GHEC Truman Alden-Conger Cleveland Mt. Lake Area Nicollet
WASECA BLUEJAYS
UNITED SO. CENTRAL REBELS Date Opponent
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08/28 09/06 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
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08/29 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
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07:00 PM 07:00 PM 04:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM
JWP Bethlehem Academy Blue Earth Area Loyola Lester Prairie Blooming Prairie St. Clair WEM
Worthington St.Peter New Ulm Redwood Valley St. Paul Central Marshall Fairmont St. James Area
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13 S13
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
LOYOLA CRUSADERS
ST. PETER SAINTS
L.C.W.M. KNIGHTS
TRI-CITY UNITED TITANS
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08/29 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/15
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08/29 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home
07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM
08/29 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away
07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM
08/29 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
Home Home Away Away Home Away Away Home
07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM
Blooming Prairie Lester Prairie JWP USC St. Clair Maple River LCWM
Windom Waseca JCC Pipestone Redwood Valley New Ulm Marshall Fairmont
MANKATO EAST COUGARS
CLEVELAND CLIPPERS
Kimball Area NRHEG St. Clair Medford Maple River WEM GFW Loyola
J.W.P. BULLDOGS
WEM Mayer Lutheran Le Sueur – Henderson Sibley East Watertown-Mayer Jordan Belle Plaine Norwood Young America
LE SUEUR-HENDERSON GIANTS
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08/28 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home
07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM
08/28/ 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
Away Home Home Home Home Home Away Away
07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM
08/30 09/05 09/12 09/19 09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away
03:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM
Rochester Century Faribault Mankato West Red Wing Northfield Winona Albert Lea Austin
WWG Southwest Star Concept RCW Nicollet Mountain Lake Madelia GHEC Alden-Conger
MANKATO WEST SCARLETS
USC St. Clair Loyola Faribault St. Paul Humboldt Lester Prairie / Holy Trinity Blooming Prairie Maple River
Maple River Watertown-Mayer Tri-City United Jordan Belle Plaine Sibley East Norwood Young America Mayer Lutheran
MAPLE RIVER EAGLES
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08/28 09/05 09/12 09/19
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08/30 09/05 09/12 09/19
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09/26 10/03 10/10 10/15
Home Home Away Home
07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM 07:00 PM
Albert Lea Northfield Mankato East Owatonna
Red Wing Rochester Century Rochester Mayo Rochester John Marshall
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Maple River-14 S14
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Maple River hopes to take the next step Team will rely on veterans, lots of underclassmen By Joe Tischler
Special to The Free Press
MAPLETON — Coach Brian Schoneck has seen Maple River go through ups and downs in his eight seasons with the football program. In his first season in 2006, the Eagles had an undefeated regular season, but in 2009, Maple River was winless. The Eagles have had a winning record every season since, culminating with a 9-2 record last season and a Section 3AA championship loss to Jackson County Central. For Maple River, who won the Gopher Valley 2A Conference title last season, the next progression is to get to state, something this program has never done. “The success we had last season makes everybody want to work harder to push through that level and get to state for once in Maple River,” said senior quarterback Jay Sohre. The recent success of this program is making that winless season of five years ago a thing of the past. “When you’re 0-9, you have to make sure you’re taking steps not to repeat that season,” Schoneck said. “We’ve had a winning record every year since then, and we want to keep that going. “There’s no magic plan in doing that. You just have to make sure your kids are getting along, working hard and putting in the time during the offseason.” If Maple River wants to take that next step, they will be relying on a significant amount of underclassmen as the team has only six seniors. Part of the fun of the early season is seeing which of the younger players step up. “We’re a young team and because of that, it’s really fun to see the kids break out, because we lost a lot of seniors last year so it’s interesting to see the younger kids grow up and fill in positions,” Sohre said. Sohre will be one of the seniors. He was an honorable mention all-conference performer at quarterback last season, passing for 992 yards and nine touchdowns. He will
Maple River Eagles Head coach: Brian Schoneck Assistant coaches: Dusty Drager, Jake Umbreit, Jeremy Olson, Steve Arndt, Brad Kemnitz. 2013 record: 9-2
Top returning players Passing Jay Sohre Receiving Jonah Breiter Andrew Albrecht Defense Jonah Breiter Andrew Albrecht Grant Sonnek
Yds. 992 Rec. 11 10 T 49 25 19
“Last year was a great experience for everybody. We got close to state, and now we want to make sure we take that last step.” CoaCh BRian SChonECk
Brian Schoneck TD 9 Yds. 92 124 Sacks 0 0 4
be protected by a powerful offensive line, led by senior Grant Sonnek. Sohre will have a couple of veteran wide receivers in senior Jonah Breiter and junior Andrew Albrecht. The duo combined for 216 receiving yards in 2013. Breiter and Albrecht also make a difference on the defensive side of the ball. Breiter earned all-conference honors by making 49 tackles at linebacker, and Albrecht added 25 from defensive back. This team has a good mixture of experience and youthful talent. The job will be to blend this together. “Last year was a great experience for everybody. We got close to state, and now we want to make sure we take that last step,” Schoneck said. “It’s a difficult challenge, because you have a different makeup, the personalities are different, the leadership is different. It’s those intangible things that need to happen for us to have a good season.” The Eagles begin the season Saturday against Le Sueur-Henderson at Gustavus Adolphus.
Maple River senior quarterback Jay Sohre wants to be sure everybody forgets about the team’s winless season five years ago. Instead he wants a repeat of last year’s Gopher Valley championship. Photo by John Cross
MN Valley Lutheran-15 S15
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Chargers looking for improvement over last season Coach expects team to be more ‘athletic’ in 2014 By Jim Rueda
jrueda@mankatofreepress.com
NEW ULM — Longtime Minnesota Valley Lutheran head coach Jim Buboltz doesn’t expect his team to be world-beaters this year, but he does expect the Chargers to be better. The team went 5-4 a year ago and was eliminated in the first round of the Class A playoffs. Buboltz believes MVL is capable of more wins and going deeper into the playoffs in 2014. “We’re just a little more athletic as a team all-around,” he said. “That’s a credit to the work these kids have done in the offseason. We have 11 kids back who were either starters or played a lot of downs last year, and that’s a good nucleus.” One of those top returning players is senior Seth Kroells, a fullback/linebacker/ defensive end. Kroells first went out for football as a freshman after watching his brother Zac play for four years with the Chargers. “He looked like he had fun so I thought I’d give it a try, too,” Seth said. “That first year I was just running around with the freshman team. I got a little better as a sophomore, but last year was when I made the big jump. I’m hoping to build on that.” As a junior, Kroells delivered 41 tackles, including three sacks, and recovered a fumble. He also rushed 93 times for 399 yards and two touchdowns. “I’m sure I’ll be playing some special teams, too,” he said. “I’m just not sure in what capacity yet.” Kroells says he’s not big on setting personal goals but wouldn’t mind getting more than 1,000 yards rushing and more than 75 tackles on defense this year. “The main thing is we want to win ball games,” he said. “If we can do that, the individual numbers will take care of themselves.” Buboltz has about 35 players out for this year’s squad, which is up a little bit from last year. “Our leadership will come from our seniors, but the we have good numbers in the sophomore and junior classes,” Buboltz said. “That bodes well for us for the next few years. “We’re hoping to be pretty balanced offen-
Senior Seth Kroells, a fullback, linebacker and defensive end for Minnesota Valley Lutheran, is expected to be one of the Chargers’ top players.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran Chargers Head coach: Jim Buboltz Assistants: John Gunderson, Kevin Hulke, Nate Doering. 2013 record: 5-4
Returning leaders Rushing Seth Kroells Josh Wong Receiving Jacob Hoffmann Defense Josh Wong Seth Kroells Sam Genelin Hoffmann Borgwardt
Att-Yds 93-399 13-45 No-Yds 18-399 Tackles 50 41 36 35 33
Jim Buboltz TD 2 1 TD 5 Sacks 0 3 3 0 1
Int 1 0 0 0 0
sively. We have a new quarterback in Noah Edwards and he’s been looking pretty good in practice.” The run game should be solid as the Chargers return six offensive linemen from a year ago. Some of them will cross over to play defense, as well, but they are expected to shine on offense. In addition to Edwards and Kroells, the backfield should feature Josh Wong and Lukas Borgwardt much of the time. Both were used sparingly in a senior-dominated backfield last season. Edwards’ top target this year will be junior Jacob Hoffmann. The 6-foot-4, 190-pounder, caught 18 passes a year ago for 399 yards and five touchdowns. The defensive line will be anchored by Sam Genelin and Blake Guth. Genelin is 6-2, 235 and had 36 tackles with three sacks last season. Guth is 6-1, 300 and had 26 tackles with four sacks. Buboltz said the usual suspects — New Ulm Cathedral and Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s — will be the favorites both in the Tomahawk Conference and the section this season. “They will both be strong again,” he said. “We expect to compete with both of them. If we can avoid too many injuries we hope to be pretty salty by the time the playoffs roll around.”
Photo by John Cross
Area Football Teams for a Successful 2014 Season!
St. Clair-16 S16
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Principal by day, coach by night in St. Clair Bosshart takes over Cyclones team By Drew Lyon
Special to The Free Press
Senior fullback and linebacker Gage Thom isn’t easing into the football season despite recovering from a knee injury suffered during last year’s wrestling season.
St. Clair Cyclones Head coach: Dustin Bosshart Assistants: Bill Braunger, Coltt Ullom, Nate Hawker 2013 record: 3-7
ST. CLAIR — For nine years, Dustin Bosshart has walked the halls of St. Clair High School as the school’s principal. Beginning this year, he’s pulling double duty, adding football coach to his resume. “I think the kids are getting over that Returning leaders hurdle of me just being their principal,” Bosshart said during the team’s first week of Not available preseason practice. “And then understanding Dustin Bosshart that I know a little bit about football, too.” Bosshart had served as the Cyclones’ assistant coach years earlier, he and takes over Thom will be aided by a trio of senior for the departed Chris Harvey, who led the lineman: Alex Anderson, Andrew Yock and Cyclones to the state tournament in 2012. Kyler Drummer. While his team chanted “We are ... “We don’t have many big boys up front,” Cyclones!” in the background, Bosshart Bosshart said, “but we’re looking forward to exhorted the value of team camaraderie. those seniors stepping up.” The philosophy already appears to have paid Bosshart envisions the team’s four returndividends. ing offensive lineman — Tayler Lehmann, “I’m trying to get them Tanner Hauser, Mason Arndt “We’re going to go as and Paul Lang — will be to buy into the concept of: ‘We’re all family and we look to the success of the far as our offensive crucial out for each other,’” Bosshart Cyclones’ double-wing ofline takes us. Anytime fense. said. “I think they’re buying into that. Last night, there “We’re going to go as far as you can bring back were about 40 kids at Buffalo our offensive line takes us,” four guys on your line, he said. “Anytime you can Wild Wings after practice. That was pretty impressive.” that’s going to help. bring back four guys on your On the field, the Cyclones line, that’s going to help. And And we’re looking we’re looking forward to havwill look to burly senior fullback and linebacker Gage forward to having ing them for two years.” Thom to set the tone. The quarterback battle is “This is a big year for him,” them for two years.” a three-way competition beBosshart said of Thom, a star tween Brandon Goebel, BranCoACh DuStin BoSShARt wrestler recovering from an don Freitag and Sam Schruin. LCL tear to his knee. “He felt Coach Bosshart was unwillthat he got short-changed last year in wres- ing to name a favorite, though he indicated tling because of the knee injury. So he thinks a preseason scrimmage against St.James he has a lot to make up for.” would factor heavily into his decision. Surely he’s taking it slow in camp, right “They all bring a little something differcoach? ent,” he said. “I’ll be comfortable with any of “He’s not that kind of kid,” Bosshart said. them starting the season.” “Those fullbacks and linebackers, they don’t The Cyclones opened their season and Goease into anything. And he’s a senior, he pher Valley Conference schedule on Aug. 22 wants to take charge.” at Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity, which reached Thom say he’s wouldn’t tolerate any spe- the state tournament in 2013. cial treatment, either. “We’re going to know pretty early on “My knee feels good,” he said. “I was lift- where we stand,” Bosshart said. “My job is ing a lot (during the offseason). Did 7 on 7s. to make sure they’re doing the little things Now I’m ready for the games to start.” right, and I want them out there having fun, In the team’s new 4-man front defense, too.”
Photo by Pat Christman
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WEM-17 S17
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
New year brings new expectations for Buccaneers Returning quarterback has cracked bone in heel By Joey Denton
Special to The Free Press
WATERVILLE — The 2013 season was a down year to say the least for the WatervilleElysian-Morristown football team, but now it’s a new year with new expectations from head coach Jon Bakken. “It wasn’t what we wanted. It’s not very common for us,” Bakken said. “It’s the way it goes, but we have definitely have improved this year.” The Buccaneers started the season 1-2 with a 53-18 victory over Gibbon-FairfaxWinthrop, but they suffered a four-game losing skid before defeating Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial to end the regular season 2-6, fourth place in the Gopher Valley AA Conference. Then it was one and done in the section playoffs. Their offense “We are struggled putting really looking points on the board into definite in 2013, posting 15.7 points per game. It improvement. might take time to The kids have improve that output as returning quarterworked hard back Ben Boran has the first couple a cracked bone in his and, according to of weeks.” heel Bakken, won’t be back until late September CoACH JoN BAkkEN at best. The 5-foot-9 quarterback had 49 completions for 619 passing yards and six touchdowns last year. His best game was his 144-yard, three-touchdown performance in the Bucs’ win over GibbonFairfax-Winthrop victory. In the rushing attack, he accounted for 334 yards and a touchdown and tied for first in tackles with 65. Luckily for the Buccaneers, there is a younger Boran ready to go to start the season. Sophomore running back/linebacker Brody Boran also had 65 tackles and added 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. The team’s leading rusher is junior Mitchell Wolter, who rushed for 433 yards, averaging 7 yards per gain. He, too, will be a vital asset on defense, posting 57 tackles and an interception in 2013. Everything is lining up for WEM to develop one of the most intimidating rushing attacks in the Gopher Valley. Two returning
Everything is lining up for WEM to develop one of the most intimidating rushing attacks in the Gopher Valley. Two returning running backs and three of the five starters on the offensive line are back. Tackle Nick Amundson, guard Hunter Morsching and center Nick Stiernagle will help keep the offense together.
Tackle Nick Amundson is one of three returning starters on the WatervilleElysianMorristown offensive line this season.
WEM Buccaneers Head coach: Jon Bakken Assistants: Gave Hauer, Dave Wollin, Jeff Wagner, Mike Richards 2013 record: 2-7
Returning Leaders
Jon Bakken
Rushing Brody Boran Ben Boran Mitchell Wolter Passing Ben Boran Receiving Brody Boran Tyler Tegmeier Defense Brody Boran Ben Boran Brett Whitehurst Mitchell Wolter
TD 0 1 1 Yds 619 TD 0 0 Sacks 2.5 0 0 0
Yards 188 334 433 Comp-Att 49-108 No-Yds 3-21 3-22 Tackles 65 65 32 57
TD 6
Int 0 1 0 1
running backs and three of the five starters on the offensive line are back. Tackle Nick Amundson, guard Hunter Morsching and center Nick Stiernagle will help keep the offense together. “Those three guys are really key players,” Bakken said. Bakken said he is very impressed how hard his players have practicing and preparing for a new campaign. “We are really looking into definite improvement. The kids have worked hard the first couple of weeks,” he said.
Photo by John Cross
Tri City United-18 S18
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
TCU looks to bounce back after early playoff exit Titans beginning third season as a program By Joe Tischler
Special to The Free Press
MONTGOMERY — Head coach Ken Helland has done a nice job of building Tri-City United into a winning program in a short amount of time. In two years, the Titans have amassed a record of 15-5, including a 7-1 regular season mark in 2013, which earned them a share of the Minnesota River Conference championship with Belle Plaine and Watertown-Mayer. There’s a stinging loss, however, that still lingers as TCU begins its third season. After outscoring their opponents 296-64 during the regular season, the Titans earned the No. 2 seed in the Section 1AAA playoffs. They hosted No. 7 seed Cannon Falls and suffered a stunning 29-26 defeat in the opening round. “We haven’t forgotten,” Helland said. “We’ve mentioned it a couple of times, but we don’t like to dwell on the past that much. It’s something in the back of our minds that we don’t want to happen again.” As disappointing as that loss was, the program has seen its share of good moments. Senior tight end/defensive end Charley Simonette was on Tri-City United’s first team in 2012 and has seen how the players have adjusted from going through a major transition to being comfortable with one another. “The first year was starting a new tradition and letting go of the past,” he said. “Now we’re all one. You realize you’re more of a team and you’re here to work together, and we know everyone like we’ve been going to school forever.” To keep building on the program’s success, the Titans will rely on a lot of newcomers. The Titans bring back only three offensive starters and four on defense. Simonette is one of those starters who excelled on both sides of the ball. He grabbed 22 receptions for 315 yards and three touchdowns on offense while recording 36 tackles and eight sacks on defense. Who he will be catching passes from is up
Tri-City United Titans Head coach: Ken Helland Assistant Coaches: Pete Plut, Phil Campbell, Cory Immerman, Andrew Meier, Adam Hanson, Dave Krenik, Brad O’Keefe, Matt Collins 2013 record: 7-2 (6-1 in MRC)
Ken Helland
Returning leaders Receivers Charley Simonette Jamison Beulke Defenders Simonette Gabino Rodriguiz Alex Burns
No. 22 9 Tckls 36 56 56
Yds. Avg. TD 315 14.2 3 106 11.8 1 Sacks 8 NA NA
in the air as one of the team’s many position battles is at quarterback where juniors Keegan Oak and Trevor Smisek are competing. Whoever steps up to be the clear-cut starter will be protected by one of the strengths of the team, the offensive line. “We have some athletic kids with some size,” Helland said. “In football, if your line Photo by John Cross is solid, the rest of it falls into place and Charley Simonette plays tight end and defensive end for Tri-City United and has excelled at both positions. that’s what we’re hoping will happen.” The Minnesota River Conference figures to be very competitive with five teams competing for a conference crown including TCU. With how many starters they’ve lost, the early season will tell a lot in determining if the Titans will be in contention in the end. “We have inexperience at many positions,” Helland said. “A lot of them haven’t played varsity games. When that first game comes around, that’ll be the first varsity start for many. How they react to that situation is going to be really important.” TCU begins the season Friday at home against Waterville-Elysian-Morristown.
JWP-19 S19
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
JWP looks to start tradition of winning 2013 marked first year over .500 since ‘96 By Joe Tischler
Special to The Free Press
JANESVILLE — Last season was a year of transition for the Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton football program. Joe Joyce was the Bulldogs’ new head coach, and after playing 9-man football for the regular season, JWP switched over to Class A 11-man football for the postseason. Despite all of the changes, the Bulldogs managed to do something the program hadn’t done since 1996 — have a winning season. JWP finished 5-3 in the Southern Confederacy Conference before losing to Springfield in the first round of the Section 2A playoffs. Senior guard/defensive tackle Easton Schuch feels proud to be a part of the school’s first winning season in 17 years. “It’s awesome to be able to have a winning season after so much constant losing,” he said. “I think part of what let us win was that we all got along with each other, we respected the coaches, we respected each other and we trusted each other.” This season, the Bulldogs know Joyce’s system, and they know they will be playing Class A football all season as part of the Gopher Valley Conference — both things they had to work through last season. “We made the best out of a really bad situation,” Joyce said. “We had practices where we had to split up between 11- and 9-man. It definitely was interesting. This team is better off now after having to do that last year.” Now the only thing they will have to transition through in 2014 is maintaining a culture of winning. “When we got that fifth win in the last game of the year, the kids were really proud of that, and they should have been because they worked their butts off for it,” Joyce said. “Hopefully we can keep parlaying that success into bigger and better things here.” The Bulldogs return 15 players who saw significant time last season, including 11 starters. The running game averaged 175
JWP Bulldogs Head coach: Joe Joyce Assistants: Ryan Luedtke, Connor Morton, Colter Combellick, Bjorn Peterson, Scott Kaminski 2013 record: 5-4 (5-3 in Southern Confederacy)
Returning leaders Passing Jordan Richardson Receiving Ricky Johnson Defense Zach Janike Easton Schuch
Yds. 961 No.-Yds. 26-328 T 83 50
“When we got that fifth win in the last game of the year, the kids were really proud of that, and they should have been because they worked their butts off for it. Hopefully we can keep parlaying that success into bigger and better things here.” CoaCH Joe JoyCe
Joe Joyce TDs 13 TDs 7 S I 0 1 11 0
Senior guard/defensive tackle Easton Schuch hopes to help JWP to a second consecutive winning season. Photo by John Cross
FF 1 2
yards on the ground and that figures to be a strong point again in 2014. Senior Zach Janike and sophomore Tom Gannon are backs who bring great vision and know when to cut and aren’t afraid to run people when they have to. Senior Jordan Richardson split time last year at quarterback and will be taking more of a full-time role at the position. He threw for 961 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He will have the luxury of having a big target to throw to in senior 6-foot-5 tight end Ricky Johnson who grabbed seven touchdown receptions in 2013. Defensively, Schuch will look to be a leader on the Bulldogs’ defense. He had 11 sacks to go with 50 tackles. Janike had 83 stops from his linebacker spot. Even though the Bulldogs are looking to establish that winning atmosphere, it’s a topic that isn’t brought up at practices. “We just want to compete out there,” Joyce said. “If we can go out there and give our best effort every time, we think the wins will just fall in line with that.” JWP begins the season today at United South Central.
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United South Central-20 S20
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Rebels looking for another step forward in 2014 USC had four straight wins at end of last season By Drew Lyon
Special to The Free Press
WELLS — After a 2-7 campaign in 2012, Brad Huse’s United South Central Rebels football team improved its record to 5-4 in 2013. “We started out 1-4 last year but we got four wins a row,” Huse said. “It was a good way to head into this season.” In 2014, Huse’s squad holds lofty ambitions. “I hope we can make it to state,” said senior wide receiver/defensive back Colin Wegner. “Our football team’s never made it to state, so that’s our highest goal.” But first there are holes that require replacing. Fourteen seniors graduated last season, including star linebacker Colten Carlson and quarterback Travis Brown. “We had some big losses,” said Huse, who enters his sixth season as the Rebels’ head coach. “It was a good group of seniors, but we’re filling in the spots, and so far we’ve had good turnouts and enthusiasm.” Huse is encouraged by the talent at the skill positions. He’d like to maintain a balanced pass/rush ratio, but admits “it will probably be heavier on the pass side.” Junior running back Derek Herman returns after a four-touchdown sophomore season, while Wegner leads a deep receiving corps ready to catch passes from quarterbacks Luke Trio and Trevor Stencel, who are vying for the starting spot. “His skills are pretty good,” Huse said of Wegner. “He’ll probably be called upon a bit more as a senior, since we lost two of our top receivers from last year.” Wegner, a three-year starter, is confident both potential starting quarterbacks are capable of running the team’s shotgun offense. “Either of them will do great,” Wegner said. “We have a lot of good receivers, they can catch almost anything that’s thrown to them, which really helps the quarterbacks out.” Senior Nate Pederson, the team’s leading statistical returning receiver from 2013, is also primed for a breakout season. “He’s put on some muscle and grew a couple more inches,” Huse said. “He’s going to be a big target for our quarterback —
United South Central senior Colin Wegner averaged 13 yards per reception last season. He also had 27 tackles as defensive back.
United South Central Rebels Head coach: Brad Huse Assistants: Pat Frank, Pierre Stencel, Todd Rasmussen 2013 record: 5-4
Returning leaders Rushing Derek Herman Receiving Nate Pederson Colin Wegner Defense Colin Wegner Ryan Kloos
Brad Huse
Att. Yds TD 61 281 4 No.-Yds. Avg. TD 23-330 14 3 12-156 13 0 Tackles INT Fumble Rec. 27 0 1 27 2 3
that go-to receiver when we need a big play. He can really jump.” Huse expressed concerns with the team’s unseasoned defensive and offensive lines. “If you look for weaknesses, I would say our depth and inexperience on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” he said. “Those are works in progress.” Defensively, Huse will lean on Wegner and outside linebacker Riley Kloos, who finished his junior season on a strong note with two interceptions and three fumble recoveries. “We’re showing improvement every day,” Wegner said during the team’s first week of preseason practice. “We have a lot of new guys coming in, and we’re just trying to better ourselves every day.” Early in camp Huse was impressed with his team’s numbers (41 players on the roster) and pleased, if not completely satisfied, with their conditioning. “Well, as a coach you always want them in better shape than they are,” Huse said, laughing. “But I do feel they are in better shape this year than they were last year, because they know now what to expect with their conditioning.” The Rebels start the season today at home against Gopher Valley Conference rival Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton.
Photo by John Cross
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Nicollet-21 S21
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Raiders expecting big things in 2014 Nicollet is coming off an 11-1 campaign returnees are three all-conference players — Hendrycks, NICOLLET — Colin Bloemke, Nicollet football Dalton Elliott coach Tom — and honorMurphy and able mention his players have all-conference been waiting player Andrew for this season Radke. for a while. Hendrycks The ninewill be a leader man football on defense. team has eight The third-year seniors, which starter made 70 is a large numtackles last seaber considering son with six inthe small size of terceptions, one the squad. The fumble recovery, thing is, it’s not a sack and three just eight sedefensive touchniors, it’s eight downs. pretty talented “I’ve always seniors. liked playing “We’ve defense,” Henbeen playing drycks said. “I together for like going after awhile now,” sepeople. This will nior linebacker/ be my first year Photo by Pat Christman at running back, running back Jay Hendrycks Senior Jay Hendrycks feels like this could be a special season at and I’m looking said. “We know Nicollet. forward to it. what we can do “Matt Chrisas individuals and as a group. We think this tenson moved from the offensive line to runis the year we can do something special.” ning back his senior season, and it worked Hendrycks won’t say it out loud, but it’s out well for us. If I can make a similar transiobvious from his demeanor that when he tion, we should be OK.” says “something special” he means go all Linebacker Bloemke will be key cog on the way — as in win the Prep Bowl and be the defense. He had 133 tackles in 2013, incrowned state champions. cluding a sack and a fumble recovery. Junior There’s good reason for such optimism. Gavin Nourie, a defensive back, finished The Raiders have been a force in the with 78 tackles, a sack and an interception. Southern Confederacy, the East division, The senior Radke had seven sacks last for a number of years. Last season they won season and ended up with 68 tackles and an all their games until they reached the state interception. Fellow defensive back Marshall semifinals where they dropped a 34-21 deci- Barrer, a junior, picked off eight passes and sion to eventual state runner-up Underwood. delivered 22 tackles. Nicollet finished 11-1, and Murphy, who “We’re a little short on linemen this year has been in charge for the last 24 years, has a so those are spots we have to fill,” Murphy career record of 145-89. The Raiders are the said. “We need to find ways to put more returning Southern Confederacy East and pressure on the quarterback. We need to be Section 2 champions. more aggressive in that area.” This year’s squad has 21 returning letterWhile defense will ultimately determine winners, 10 of whom were significant start- how far the Raiders go this fall, it’s the highers in some capacity last season. Among the powered passing attack that gets the most By Jim Rueda
jrueda@ mankatofreepress.com
notoriety. The aerial circus that has become synonymous with Nicollet football is led by trigger man Elliot. The senior holds 12 school records and is coming of a year in which he threw for 2,872 yards and 37 touchdowns. In 25 career starts, he has amassed 6,349 yards passing and 79 touchdowns with 21 interceptions. His top returning target is senior wide receiver Kenny Fischer, who caught 33 passes for 632 yards and five TDs. Seniors Travis Murphy and Bloemke are also back at the wideout spots after catching three touchdowns apiece. Elliott is also the top returning rusher. He compiled 1,366 yards on the ground last year, scoring 21 times. For his career he has 2,309 yards rushing with 31 scores. “We return all of our starting offensive lineman,” coach Murphy said. “We lost three all-conference players off last year’s team so we need to find a way to replace them. “If we stay healthy we should be in pretty good shape. We should be competitive in all the games we play.”
Nicollet Raiders Head coach: Tom Murphy Assistants: Kevin Christenson, Christian Harmeyer, Bruce Wilking, Darin Elliott, James Bernau. 2013 record: 11-1
Returning Leaders
Tom Murphy
Rushing Dalton Elliott Travis Murphy Passing Dalton Elliott Receiving Kenny Fischer Travis Murphy Colin Bloemke Desmond Wills Defense Colin Bloemke Jay Hendrycks Gavin Nourie Andrew Radke Marshall Barrer
TD 21 2 Yds 2,872 TD 5 3 3 0 Sacks 1 1 1 7 0
Yards 1,366 371 Comp-Att 175-293 No-Yds 33-632 20-202 15-174 13-82 Tackles 133 70 78 68 22
TD 37
Int 0 6 1 1 8
Cleveland-23 S23
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014
Cleveland to go with co-head coaches for 2014 Jack-of-all-trades Spencer Davies is back By Joe Tischler
Special to The Free Press
CLEVELAND — Erik Hermanson and Kyle Atherton are no strangers to the Cleveland football program. Hermanson, the team’s offensive coordinator last season, is going into his 20th season with the squad while Atherton ran the defense and has been with the team more than 10 years. In 2014, these two will retain those roles but will also add titles of co-head coaches, replacing Rich Kern who remains as the school’s athletic director. Knowing how well the two have worked together, it seemed to be a natural fit to put them both in charge. “In all the years we’ve been together, I don’t think we’ve had a major dispute on even the smallest things,” said Hermanson. “We have the same philosophies and we’ve worked great together divvying up the responsibilities and it’s just fun.” One key player the duo will be relying on is senior Spencer Davies who Hermanson calls a “Jack-of-all-trades.” Last season Davies led the Clippers in rushing with 542 yards and eight touchdowns, caught 33 passes for 412 yards and three scores, and even threw a 54-yard touchdown pass. “Spencer has really good speed and agility and just natural football instincts, so we just try to get him in space whenever we can,” said Hermanson. “In 9-man, especially, there’s one less guy on the outside, so if we get him in space its good for us.” Senior Dylan Baker is someone both Hermanson and Atherton will be counting on as well on both sides of the ball. While Davies has speed and agility, Baker is a bruising back who often looks for people to run into. He’s the leading tackler on defense from his middle linebacker spot. The Clippers have a lot of depth at wide receiver and they will be led by last year’s leading pass catcher Spencer Lynch. He grabbed 34 receptions for 550 yards and six touchdowns. “Our passing game will be really good,” said Davies. “We have a ton of receivers and have good agility and are ready to catch and we have a good quarterback coming in who can throw accurately.” That quarterback is freshman Carter Kopet. Even though he is young, he brings with him some experience.
Cleveland Clippers Head Coaches: Erik Hermanson and Kyle Atherton Assistant Coaches: Brady Hahn, Matt Miller 2013 record: 3-6, 3-5 Southern Confederacy East Erik Hermanson
Returning leaders Rushing Spencer Davies Dylan Baker Passing Carter Kopet Receiving Spencer Lynch Spencer Davies
Yards 542 150 Yards 128 No.-Yds 34-550 33-412
TD 8 0 TD 3 TD 6 3
“Our biggest goal is just to have Cleveland have a program that people can rely on and count on and they know that Cleveland football is a positive thing, a successful thing where kids want to be in it.” ERik HERmanSOn Photo by John Cross “He played varsity basketball as a seventh Senior Spencer Davies is back for the Clippers this season after rushing for 542 yards and eight touchdowns grader and he took a number of the first and catching 33 passes for 412 yards and three more scores a year ago. team reps (at QB) last year as an eighth grader,” said Hermanson. “I don’t even think about him as a first-year player; he just happens to be a freshman.” The Cleveland football program is seeing a rise in numbers. Both head coaches want to continue that increase while becoming a team that the Cleveland community can be proud of. “Our biggest goal is just to have Cleveland have a program that people can rely on Employee and count on and they know that Cleveland Owned football is a positive thing, a successful thing where kids want to be in it,” said HermanHours: son. Mon - Fri 8am - 7pm Cleveland begins the season today, at 1951 Riverfront Drive, Mankato Sat 8am- 5pm home against Westbrook-Walnut Grove. Sun 11am - 5pm www.candssupply.com
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24 S24
The Free Press / Thursday, August 28, 2014