Let's Play Football Oct. 27, 2022

Minneapolis Henry making a turnaround

by MALIK MITCHELL Let’s Play Football Contributor

After having back-to-back losing seasons, the Minneapolis Henry Patri ots have made a huge turnaround cur rently (6-2) in Class 3A and started 6-0 for the first time since 1973.

Junior quarterback Davontae White-Sledge said, “The community is proud of us... and we are thankful for their support. This means a lot for us to give them what they have waited for for two long, hard years and that’s a win. The community stayed strong and mo tivated us.”

They kicked off their season with a huge victory against Minneapolis Roo sevelt (54-0) scoring 34 points in the first half.

The Patriots are back with a new groove averaging 25 points a game. While thriving, the Patriots have still had close calls only winning by one score in week two, three, and week five. Still, they are currently leading the Twin City Red district.

“Our players and coaches were totally committed this offseason,” said White-Sledge. “We were in the weight room everyday of the week even when it was raining, snowing, it didn’t mat ter, we were working. All the hard work

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we put in shows on Friday nights when we strap up those helmets and play the game we play.”

Henry hosted the Minneapo lis South Tigers on Friday, Oct. 7 and topped the Tigers 25-14.

“Minneapolis south was a great football program who gave us a great homecoming game,” said White-Sledge. “We were just the better team overall, we played the game we were supposed to. Everybody did their jobs and we did what we had to do to get win number six. We didn’t have much time to prepare for the game but our coaches did everything in their power to make sure we were ready.”

As both teams went scoreless in the first quarter, the Tigers found themselves on the board after freshman Mikey Mon ger punched in a 4-yard touchdown. Not backing down, Henry replied with a 4-yard touchdown from senior New mann Thomas. The Patriots got things rolling in the third quarter when WhiteSledge rushed for two touchdowns, one of those being a 54 yarder.

In the fourth quarter, Monger man aged to get the Tigers in a one-score game, but White-Sledge had other plans and delivered the final blow scoring a 20-yard rushing touchdown.

“I could’ve done a lot better overall,” said White-Sledge. “I should have made

some better throws, sticking in the pock et and delivering but I took what the de fense gave me and turned it into points... and a W. I couldn’t have done it without my O-line and my receivers, when they stick together I play great.”

Henry’s offense gathered a total of 323 rushing yards for the night. WhiteSledge and Thomas combined for 313 yards and four touchdowns. Thomas currently has 154 carries for 1,365 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 8.9 yards per carry contributing to the teams total of 1,967 rushing yards compared to just 508 for their opponents.

Henry suffered their first loss of the season against the Breck Mustangs 21-16 on Friday, Oct. 14th. They also dropped their final game of the regular season to 5A Bloomington Kennedy on Oct. 19.

But that hasn’t changed their goals or their vision as they head into the play offs.

“Our team goals for this year is to get the one seed in the playoffs, and then win our section,” said White-Sledge. “It’s been a very very long time since Patrick Henry was able to host a playoff game at home, our goal is to change that. Our next goal is to go to state and get a good shot at winning it, we are very capable of winning it all.”

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Fuel to Burn

Mahtomedi’s durable Bohmert proving to have plenty left in the tank

by MIKE SONNTAG

Let’s Play Football Co-publisher

Some football players gain suc cess beginning at a very young age and eventually live up to the hype they have created for themselves by the time they finish playing in high school or even college. That was not the case for Mahtomedi senior running back Corey Bohmert, who needed to patiently wait to play a sport he loved going outside to play with friends as a youth.

“My mom wouldn’t let me play until 6th grade” said Bohmert who finished the regular season eighth in state with 161 carries, sixth with 1,490 rushing yards, and tied for fifth with 20 rushing touchdowns according to Minnesota Football Hub.

“I had two nephews that suffered injuries playing football, so he could not start until middle school, that was my rule” Corey’s mother Tracey Bohmert said.

Thankfully for the 7-1 Zephyrs, ranked No. 10 in the state’s class 5A QRF ratings, the patient and obedient Bohmert got his opportunity and has made the most of it.

“My mom motivated me and is always there for me,” he said. “I was never upset I had to wait to play foot ball.”

After growing up playing hockey and being a left-footed kicker in soc cer, Bohmert got his first taste of foot ball as a tight end and safety in the 6th grade.

“At first I didn’t like to hit or get hit, but we would run a tight end re verse and I would gain like 40 yards every time so in 8th grade Mr. Roll inger, my buddy Nick’s dad and youth coach moved me to running back.” Corey said.

“He’s just a great humble and quiet kid who works his tail off, but also someone who everyone knows has your back.” Said Mahtomedi head coach Dave Muetzel.

Bohmert, who is a two-sport ath lete says he loves how football works like a puzzle, need everyone to fit to gether to make it work.

“My offensive linemen deserve credit for all the yards I get” Bohmert said.

His coach agreed that it starts up front for with the offensive line for Bohmert, but added “Corey has great vision, first he finds an opening, trusts it, and then he explodes through it” Muetzel said. “He’s the first kid who will compliment someone for a good block.”

Following his junior football sea son in 2021, a season that ended with a 24-10 loss in the state 5A champion ship game to Mankato West, Bohmert was challenged by coach Muetzel to bulk up during the off season.

“He started at safety for us, then got banged up with a sprained ankle and never got back to 100 percent. We wanted him on the field and bulking up helps that from a durability stand point” Muetzel said.

Now a senior at 5’10” 180 pounds, Bohmert has proven to be a durable work horse for the Zephyrs.

Both his mom and football coach point to his other favorite sport, hock ey, as example of what sets Corey apart in today’s world.

“For example, his junior year he was fourth line on varsity and first line on JV which meant he skated two practices every day. He does not com plain, he just works, and by the end of his junior season he was first line on the Zephyrs varsity team that finished third in state.” Muetzel admired.

“He is a super kind team player

who always gives 100 percent,” Trac ey Bohmert said.

One may consider Corey Bohmert a throwback as he focuses fully on football before turning his attention to the winter sport.

“Our team t-shirts say LEGACY because we know what it felt like to finish second place and we want to do what we need to do to win a state foot ball championship.” Corey Bohmert said.

Mahtomedi last won a state foot

ball championship in 2005. Bohmert says he is considering playing more football in college after high school graduation likely at the small college level.

“He certainly deserves an oppor tunity to play at the next level” Muet zel said.

Based on his success since the 6th grade, Bohmert has quietly but sure ly created his own hype and would be a great addition to a college football team’s offense

There’s a lot of buzz in the hallways and community in Forest Lake as new head coach Brad Beeskow and his Rangers are off to a 5-0 start. Above, Besskow congratulates his players after a recent win.

PHOTOS BY MARY ROLLINGER

“Our team t-shirts say LEGACY because we know what it felt like to finish second place and we want to do what we need to do to win a state football championship.”

- Corey Bohmert

Bohmert in youth football where he got his start. Now a senior he is helping his Zephyrs as they enter the playoffs.

Corey and his mom, Tracy, after a recent game. Tracy didn’t allow Corey to play until sixth grade, and he has emerged not just as a strong runner, but a team leader.

Chanhassen beats Jaguars in TCO Spotlight game 35-21

by MIKE SONNTAG Let’s Play Football Co-publisher

The Chanhassen Storm played the Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars at TCO Stadium in Eagan as the fi nal game of the Vikings Prep Spot light Series on Tuesday October 18th. After a fast start by Jefferson, Chanhassen prevailed 35-21.

On paper Chanhassen looked to be the clear favorite coming into the game with a record of 6-1 and ranked No. 7 in the Star Tribune Metro rankings for class 5A, while Jefferson came into the game un ranked with a record of 2-5.

It did not take long for Jefferson to set the tone for the game and give Chanhassen all they could handle.

Jefferson junior quarterback Tyson Schultz completed 16 of 28 pass attempts and three touch downs, two of them to junior wide receiver Daniel King and one to ju nior wide receiver Daniel Freitag as the Jaguars went toe to toe with the Storm through three quarters with the score tied 21-21.

Chanhassen senior quarter back Grant Muffenbier completed seven of 14 pass attempts and two touchdowns, both to junior wide receiver Josh Och.

Impressive sophomore running back Maxwell Woods of the Storm proved to be too much for the Jag uars as he rushed for 183 yards on 24 carries and three touchdowns,

including the eventual game-win ner from two yards out with 11:05 left in the 4th quarter to break the 21-21 tie.

Bloomington Jefferson finished

the regular season at 2-6 and will opened the section playoffs against Apple Valley, losing a close battle 35-33.

Chanhassen finished the regu

lar season at 7-1 and will awarded the No. 2 seed in the section play offs, earning a bye and will play Waconia on Saturday Oct. 29.

Proud supporter of Hill-Murray Football

Sophomore running back Maxwell Woods rushed for 183 yards on 24 carries and scored three

touchdowns to lead the Storm over the Jaguars at TCO Stadium in Eagan as part of the Vikings Spotlight Game.

Senior QB leads Ponies into playoffs

by MALIK MITCHELL Let’s Play Football Contributor

Top ten ranked in the metro, the Stillwater Ponies (7-1) are powering their way to success in Class 6A. Their (6-0) start made it their second consec utive 5-plus game win streak in the past eight years.

Head Coach Beau LaBore said, “we have a long way to go before we find our selves to be dominant. We have a long way to go blocking, tackling, and im proving field position with our kicking game. But, we are working on it.”

Stillwater handed the Forest Lake Rangers (6-2) their first loss of the sea son on Oct. 7. The Ponies have won eight straight against Forest Lake in the last eight seasons dating back to 2011.

Last season, they topped the Rang ers 37-6 with home field advantage. This time the Ponies took the victory 27-14 at Forest Lake High School. In week seven, they blew past Mounds View 35-7 man aging to put up 35 unanswered points. The Ponies faced the Eden Prairie Eagles in week eight, but they came up short, falling 35-14.

Despite losing, the Ponies have scored more than 250 points and amassed more than 1,900 passing and 900 rushing yards. Up until week six, Senior Max Shikenjanski led the state in pass completions and passing yards. The 6’2” star currently sits at second for pass completions (138) and third for passing yards (1,927). Shikenjanski has shown he can be a true quarterback as well taking off on the ground if need be. His accuracy compliments his arm strength while being able to throw on the run.

“It feels great. Knowing all your off season work has been paying off means everything,” said Shikenjanski. “There’s a lot of work to be done though, but for now leading in those categories is pretty cool. It wouldn’t be possible without the great receivers and offensive line I have though. They make me look good.”

“Max is a fierce competitor who takes every rep and every play seriously,” said LaBore. “He’s got all the tools, gets better all the time, remains coachable despite successes, and puts the team first. What more could you ask for?”

Shikenjanski has already surpassed his previous season’s stats by 41 comple tions and 588 yards. Holding himself to a high standard ultimately helped him reach a greater accomplishment.

“Definitely,” he said. “If I didn’t I wouldn’t be where I’m at. If something goes wrong, you better know I’m going to fix it the next play or the next day at practice. You always gotta aim for per fection, even if it’s not attainable. A lot of people count on me to be great, and I expect that out of myself.”

Regardless of Shikenjanski’s suc cess, there is always a bigger cause over all. The team always comes first.

“Good stats are great and all but it all leads to wins if there are good stats,” he said. “There’s really nothing I’m chas ing but a state championship for my team. And whatever comes with that I’m happy about. There would be some cool achievements to get, but I just want to win. I want to get our team to the state tournament and as far as we can get, whatever that is. That’s the final goal.”

Shikenjanski has made a name for himself on the basketball court as well. He previously verbally committed to The Citadel Bulldogs basketball after holding offers from Winona State University, UMD, Augustana State University, and Metropolitan State University. On Octo

“My aspirations are to make it to the highest level, and succeed as much as I can on the biggest stage. I want to do ev erything I can to help my team win, and have fun while doing it. My dad has been through the whole recruiting process so he has helped me and gave me some tips with that. He’s been very helpful with everything. He has also taught me a lot about basketball and what I need to be successful at the highest level I can.”

The Ponies will head into the post season with Brainerd (5-3) being their first opponent. After coming up short in qualifying for state, Stillwater still has their eyes on their goals.

“We don’t have mottos, but it has been a long time since we have won a section championship (2006), So, while we have been close seven times (section runner up) since then, they have focused intently on becoming the best team pos sible and putting themselves in the best position possible to achieve that goal” said Coach LaBore. “We haven’t made the state tournament in many years, so that’s really the goal, and we will go from there. We just have to worry about our selves, and what we can do. If we play our game and do what we know what to do, it’s tough to beat us.”

ber 21, the two-star athlete committed to the Golden Gophers as a PWO for foot ball. Max is the son of former Gopher Basketball player Jim Shikenjanski.

Max Shikenjanski leads a strong offense with high hopes of a section title

Max Shikenjanski hands the ball off to a runner in action against Forest Lake. Shikenjanski has thrown for almost 2,000 yards this season and the offense has run for an additional 900-plus yards as they head into playoff action. PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Senior Thomas Jacobs hauls in a pass against Forest Lake. He has caught 30 passes on the season for 357 yards and four touchdowns. He has also rushed for more than 100 yards to help lead a Ponies offense that has scored 252 points in their first eight games.

A total of 40 teams descended on Big Lake, MN Oct. 21-23 for the annual King of the Gridiron tournament, put on by the Big Lake Football Association and co-sponsoerd by Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS). The tour nament featured five divisions with eight teams competing in second/third grade, fourth grade, fifth grade, sixth grade and eight grade.

Teams came from throughout the metro and enjoyed fabulous weather for a great day of football.

Let’s Play Football was there to capture some of the moments where games were played and memories were made.

PHOTOS BY LIBBY AUGER, LET’S PLAY FOOTBALL

Fantastic Voyage

Kittson County Central seniors took their lumps a few years ago, but are now enjoying success

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Let’s Play Football Co-publisher

If football teaches kids anything it is that one must not expect immediate rewards and should instead prepare to overcome hurdles and adversity during their journey to success.

Perhaps no team in the state knows that as well as Kittson County Central.

After going winless in 2020, the past two seasons have yielded much success thanks to a group of seniors who as sixth graders played eighth and ninth grade football to help field those teams.

Of course, during those formida ble years, they took their lumps.

“We had some small classes in there and had these young guys com ing up,” said KCC Head Coach Cory Waling. “A lot of kids played as fresh men and it was ugly. In 2020 our whole team was sophomores except for one senior. We took lump after lump.”

Then came last season. Through hard work, dedication and commit ment, those freshmen and sopho mores were now juniors. They were more physically mature, stronger, faster.

“Last year we said you have tak en enough lumps,” said Waling. “Let’s turn it into something.”

The team went 10-3 and advanced to the 9-man state tournament be fore losing to eventual champion Le roy-Ostrander.

This year they are off to a 9-0 start after defeating Lake of the Woods 49-0 in their section opening playoff game Oct. 25.

“Last year we didn’t have as big of expectations. This was always the year,” said Waling. “If things were building towards everything, this was

the year we expected to play well and be competitive.”

The team is blessed with a combi nation of size and skill. Two seniors, Kaden Vig and Isaac Folland, are both Division I commits at the University of North Dakota. Folland is 6’4” and 330 pounds.

“His size and strength stand out,” said Waling. “It’s 9-man so it’s rare to get a guy his size. He is so physically

strong.”

But it’s not just his size that makes him special.

“He’s also very agile for his size and fairly fast for a big guy,” Waling added. “He can get on a nose tackle, then a linebacker and then a safety. It’s neat to see that.”

Vig is another physical specimen at 6’6” and 235 pounds. He is a menacing defensive end and also plays tight end,

providing essential blocking while also hauling in 13 catches for 420 yards and four touchdowns . He will play on the defensive side of the ball in college. He also punts for the Bearcats.

Fantastic Voyage

It’s been quite a journey for this year’s group of Bearcat seniors, who as sophomores didn’t win a game and last season lost in the state semifinals. This year they are off to a 9-0 start and look to get back to U.S. Bank Stadium and play for a state 9-man title. Pictured (from left): Hogan Mortensen, Braden Faken, Isaac Folland, Chisum

Schmiedeberg, Teddy Webster, Kaden Vig, and Andrew Knutson. PHOTO SUBMITTED

Senior offensive lineman Isaac Folland opens up a gaping hole for Bearcat back Chisum Schmiedeberg. Folland is 6’3” and 330 pounds and is headed to play at the University of North Dakota next season. Also pictured is No. 24 Morgan Muir.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Embry dominates in win over St. Scholastica

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior Jordan Embry carried the ball 51 times for 270 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score with 21.7 seconds to go, to carry the St. Olaf College football team to a 33-28 victory over the College of St. Scholastica on Saturday afternoon at Public Schools Stadium.

Embry set a new program record for carries and post the second-highest sin gle-game rushing total in recorded pro gram history to power St. Olaf (4-3, 3-2 MIAC) to the win in its first-ever game at St. Scholastica (2-5, 1-4 MIAC). The se nior’s 51 carries marked the highest total at any level of NCAA football this fall and his 270 rushing yards are the seventh-highest single-game total in NCAA Division III this season.

Embry’s 51 carries surpassed the pre vious program record of 37 set by Manuel Spreigl ‘02 at Carleton on Nov. 11, 2000 and are eight most than any NCAA Di vision III rusher has had in a game this fall. His 270 rushing yards trail only Ole Gunderson’s 356 yards against Monmouth on Oct. 11, 1969 in single-game program history and marked the eighth recorded 200-yard rushing performance by an Ole.

Despite Embry’s monster game, St. Olaf trailed St. Scholastica by one, 28-27, in the closing minutes after the Saints rallied from a 24-7 third-quarter deficit to take the lead with 3:33 remaining. After Nick Schlender’s go-ahead one-yard touchdown run, the Oles covered 70 yards on 12 plays, capped by a one-yard plunge by Embry with 21.7 seconds remaining to take the lead. Embry carried the ball 11 times on the 12-play drive and accounted for all 70 yards on the game-winning march.

Junior tight end Derek Hansen had career highs in receptions (7) and receiv ing yards (95) for St. Olaf, which also got two field goals from junior Collin Swan and a blocked punt recovery for a touch down by junior Mark Thrower in the win.

With time winding down in the first quarter, the Saints struck for the first score of the game on a four-yard pass from Donald West to Ricky Weber with 30 sec onds remaining. The Oles responded by outscoring the hosts by a 17-0 margin in the second quarter to take a 17-7 halftime lead, taking advantage of two short fields to score touchdowns.

Early in the second quarter, junior Luke Stanga forced a fumble that sopho

more Cameron Hammonds recovered to set St. Olaf up at the St. Scholasti ca 29-yard line, eventually leading to a one-yard touchdown run by Embry. The Oles’ defense forced a three-andout on the ensuing St. Scholastica pos session and, after an 11-yard punt gave St. Olaf the ball at the Saints’ 30-yard line, Embry scored from nine yards out following a 21-yard pass from sopho more Theo Doran to classmate Evan Hammonds.

The Oles stretched their lead to 17-7 at the half on a 28-yard field goal by Swan with 32 seconds to go in the half. The field goal was set up by an 18yard connection from Doran to Han sen to get St. Olaf into the red zone.

On St. Scholastica’s first possession of the third quarter, the St. Olaf defense forced a punt with a three-and-out before the special teams unit made a play to push the Oles’ lead to 24-7. First year Noah Bar rett blocked the ensuing punt and the ball bounced back towards the goal line, where

MIAC STANDINGS

SCHOOL DIV CONF OVERALL NORTHWOODS

Carleton 2-0 4-1 6-1

Saint John’s 2-0 4-1 6-1 Gustavus 1-1 3-2 4-3 St. Olaf 1-2 3-2 4-3 St. Scholastica 0-3 1-4 2-5 SKYLINE

Bethel 3-0 5-0 6-1 Augsburg 2-0 3-2 5-2 Concordia 1-1 2-3 4-3 Hamline 0-2 0-5 2-5 Macalester 0-3 0-5 2-5

Thrower fell on it for a touchdown with 11:36 to go in the third quarter.

West ran for a two-yard touchdown late in the third quarter and found Wyatt Lahr for a 26-yard touchdown five minutes into the fourth to bring the Saints within a field goal at 24-21. St. Olaf nudged its lead

back to 27-21 on a 23-yard field goal by Swan with 5:50 remaining, only for the Saints to cover 58 yards in eight plays to take the lead back on Schlender’s score with 3:33 left, setting up the Oles’ game-winning drive.

St. Scholastica got into St. Olaf territory in the final seconds, but junior Deonta Thomas intercepted West’s desperation pass at the Oles’ 14-yard line as time expired. Thom as had three tackles, a sack, and the game-sealing interception in the win. Stanga led the St. Olaf defense with nine tackles in addition to the forced fumble, while junior Ben Kettelhut had five tackles, a forced fumble, and three pass breakups.

The Oles are back on the road this week, visiting nationally-ranked Bethel University for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Oct. 29 in Arden Hills.

The common occurrence of quad contusions

by ERIC KOHN Let’s Play Football Contributor

The running back saw the hole open in the line and sprinted through it. As he made a quick cut to avoid the linebacker he did not see the free safety come up to deliver a blow to his left thigh and knock him off his feet. He felt immediate pain from the hit deep in his thigh and he hopped up to jog back to the huddle. He felt his quad muscle spasm and his ability to get back to the huddle was now turn ing in to a limp off the field. As the minutes continued his thigh became tighter and tighter and finally his abil ity to bend his knee was significantly limited.

The above scenario is common with a noneventful tackle on running back. Unfortunately when an athlete sustains a hard blow to the thigh a quad contusion can occur. In this ar ticle I will discuss what a quad contu sion is, how it occurs, how it should be treated and what major complication can occur.

Quad contusions happen with a

direct impact to a relaxed quadriceps muscle. The muscle is compressed against the thighbone or femur with the impact. The more relaxed the quad is during impact or the more forceful the impact can lead to greater degrees of injury. We grade the quad contu sion from level 1 or small bruising with little pain to a grade 4 where there is deep hematoma and muscle hernia tion. Most quad contusion fall into the grade 2 or 3, where there is significant swelling, muscle spasms and inability for the athlete to bend the knee past 90 degrees. The area of the quad that is effected most is just outside the thigh pad. Also, ill-fitting pants that allow the pads to slide or move, incorrect sizing of pads and even choosing not to wear pads can contribute to the like lihood of an injury.

After sustaining a quad contusion the athlete needs immediate treatment to decrease the symptoms and possible complications from the injury. The sports medicine personnel should help to get the athlete comfortable and ap ply ice and compression to the thigh in a flexed knee position. The impor tance of the flexed knee icing can not

be overstated, this helps to maintain motion in the thigh. A large ace wrap used first to secure the ice pack and finally secure the knee in a bent posi tion is beneficial. The athlete should be placed on crutches to avoid limping and the application of ice in a flexed knee position regimen should con tinue multiple times over the first 48 hours post injury. Compression shorts or a sleeve can be utilized as an ice bar rier and to decrease swelling.

After the first couple of days the athlete should begin to focus on re turning quad strength and flexibility with gentle range of motion and pro gression of strengthening exercises. The return to full participation is based on full return of motion and strength of the lower extremity. The athlete will also have to pass return to competition testing provided by their sports medi cine staff to safely return.

The biggest complication to this injury is by aggressively stretching, massage, heat or ultrasound to the ath lete too soon after the injury. These interventions will lead to increased swelling, tissue damage and a com plication call myositis ossificans. This

will occur as the irritated tissue pro duces calcified formations that will resemble cartilage or bone. These can be seen via x ray within a month after the injury. When present the athlete will complain of chronic pain, swell ing, weakness and decreased motion in the effected lower extremity. On a positive note, most myositis ossificans resolves with gentle conservative care with gradual progression to full func tion and return to sport.

A Quad contusion is an injury that is often seen on the football field but with immediate and appropriate treat ment with your sports medicine pro vider, athletes are able to work through the injury and return back to the play ing field in a safe and timely fashion.

Eric is a Board Certified Or thopedic Clinical Specialist, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He practices at St Cloud Orthopedics in Central Minnesota and is an ad junct professor at The College of St. Benedict/St John’s University. He can be reached at ekohn@stcloudorthope dics.com

MIAC leading rusher carries ball 51 times for 270 yards

Jordan Embry scored three touchdowns in a 33-28 win over St. Scholastica to help improve St. Olaf to 3-2 in the MIAC and 4-3 over all. The senior from Alabama leads the MIAC with 772 yardson 114 rushes. PHOTO BY KEVIN HEALY

Bemidji State makes statement against UMD

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Bemidji State University Football “Gang-Green” defense made a statement against the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Confer ence’s third highest scoring offense in University of Minnesota Duluth and held the Bulldogs to just 16 points en route to a 41-16 win.

The Beavers (6-2) now sit alone atop the NSIC North Division standings with a perfect 4-0 divisional record.

The Beavers’ offense dominated as well and as the league’s top scoring of fense and seventh in DII, scored over 40 points for the fifth consecutive game. Bemidji State gained 464 yards on of fense to record 400 or more total yards in every game this season. The Beavers gained 177 yards on the ground while totaling 287 yards through the air.

The Gang-Green defense forced a season-high three interceptions in the game and totaled five sacks.

The Beavers got off to a slow start in the game but held the Bulldogs to just three points in the first quarter while BSU was held off the scoreboard.

Bemidji State broke through 2:27 into the second quarter when Prince ton Harris intercepted a Bulldogs pass at the Beavers’ own five-yard line. BSU then traveled 95 yards over 12 plays and scored from a Jalen Frye four-yard touchdown run, his seventh score of the season.

After the Beavers forced a long field goal attempt that was missed on UMD’s ensuing drive, BSU extended its lead to 14-3 after junior Brandon Alt hit Bren dan Beaulieu for a 34-yard touchdown pass for his ninth touchdown of the sea son the 28th of his career to set a new program record for most career receiv ing touchdowns.

The Beavers would add another score before the half’s end after another interception by the defense this time by Jarrett Klein who returned it all the way to the Bulldogs’ 12-yard line. The Bea vers then scored six more points when Superior, Wis., native Jarrett Gronski scored on a six-yard rush with just 57 seconds left in the second quarter.

Bemidji State received the ball in the second half and scored on its open ing possession that started on their own 18-yard line. Sam McGath put the Bea vers up 27-3 with a one-yard touchdown rush.

The Bulldogs then responded with a 31-yard touchdown run from Kyle Walljasper to make it 27-10 but BSU an swered right back when Alt connected with senior Dhel Duncan-Busby for a 42-yard touchdown pass.

UMD would add a late touchdown in the fourth quarter as well as the Bea vers, a 22-yard scamper by Gronski, and the Beavers would claim victory by score of 41-16.

Groski led the Beavers on the ground by rushing for a career-high 90 yards on 11 attempts and scored two touchdowns. He was followed by Sage Booker with 65 yards on seven attempts.

Alt finished the game complet ing 11-of-21 passes for 287 yards, two touchdowns and three one interception.

His main target was Duncan-Busby who caught four passes for 140 yards and one touchdown. He was followed by Beau lieu with 72 yards off two catches and one touchdown while Andrew Manuele caught one pass for 32 yards.

Harris caught two interceptions for the first time in his career while Klein caught the other for his second inter ception of the season. Harris now leads

the Beavers with four interceptions this season.

Colton Herman led the Beavers with 13 tackles including six solo while Colbey Wadsworth followed with 10 and had 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Max Buduris led the Beavers with 2.5 sacks and totaled five tackles.

The Beavers have now won six con secutive games and will attempt to keep

their streak alive next Saturday when they travel to Marshall, Minn., to take on Southwest Minnesota State Univer sity. Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

For more information on the Be midji State football program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/ BSUBeavers) and follow them on Insta gram (@BSUBeaversFB).

Bemidji State cracks national rankings

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – In the first NCAA DII Football Regional rankings of 2022 announced by the NCAA, the Bemidji State University football team is one of 10 teams featured in the Super Region Four rankings. The Beavers are one of six teams from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference to be listed as a team under consideration.

New to this year is teams will be an nounced as under consideration for the first week and listed alphabetical order instead of the traditional ranking sys tem.

For the complete rankings, click here.

Bemidji State owns a 6-2 record this season and is receiving votes in the latest American Football Coaches’ Association national poll after winning its sixth con secutive game Saturday.

The NSIC, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), the Lone Star Conference (LSC) make up the 34team NCAA Super Region Four this sea son.

The Division II Football Champi onship provides for a maximum field of

28 teams. 12 first-round games will be conducted on the campus of one of the competing institutions. The top seed in each selection region (super region) will receive a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

The NCAA DII Football selection show is set to air on NCAA.com on Sun day, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. (CT).

For more information on the Be midji State football program, follow the Beavers on Twitter (@BSUBeaversFB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/ BSUBeavers) and follow them on Insta

gram (@BSUBeaversFB).

Nestled in Northern Minnesota’s wooden region and located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, BSU sponsors 15 var sity athletic programs with NCAA Divi sion I men’s hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and women’s hockey membership in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).

Juniour quarterback Brandon Alt (Cottage Grove, Minn./Park H.S.) makes a throw in Bemidji

State’s win over UMD. Alt complet ed 11 passes for 287 yards. Photo by BSU Photo Services

Sophomore Sam McGath turns upfield against UMD. Photo by BSU Photo Services

Welcome to the RING

Jared Allen becomes latest member of the Ring of Honor

“When we traded for Jared, his im pact on the team was immediate,” said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “His talent as a pass rusher was a per fect addition to the defense and helped make us one of the best units in the NFL. The type of teammate he was in the lock er room and person he was within the community were as equally important as his play on the field. He belongs in the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor.”

“Jared played with a passion, ener gy and drive that few players are able to match for as long as he did,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “He raised the level of play for everyone around him with his relentless approach, and he set a positive example with his engage ment in the Minnesota community. We are excited he will join the Vikings Ring of Honor and forever be remembered as

a Viking.”

Allen spent six seasons with the Vikings (2008-13), earning three Asso ciated Press 1st-Team All-Pro honors and four Pro Bowl berths. Allen set the Vikings record for sacks in a season with 22.0 in 2011, a mark that ranks tied for 3rd in NFL history. He ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in sacks in each of his six Vikings seasons, and his 136.0 career sacks rank as the 12th-most in NFL his tory. Allen is tied for the NFL record with four career safeties, all coming with the Vikings, including an NFL season re cord-tying pair in 2008.

During his Vikings tenure, Allen av eraged .89 sacks per game played (85.5 sacks/96 games), the highest average in Vikings history. Allen was a cornerstone for three consecutive Vikings defensive

units that ranked in the NFL’s top 10 from 2008-10 (#6, #6, #8). Allen was acquired via trade with Kansas City in 2008 after spending 2004-07 with the club.

Allen is the seventh former Vikings defensive lineman to earn his place in the Ring of Honor. His addition brings the Vikings Ring of Honor to 27 mem bers. Current members include: Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page, Jim Finks, Bud Grant, Paul Krause, Fred Zamberletti, Jim Marshall, Ron Yary, Korey Stringer, Mick Tingelhoff, Carl Eller, Cris Carter, Bill Brown, Jerry Burns, Randall Mc Daniel, Chuck Foreman, John Randle, Scott Studwell, Chris Doleman, Matt Blair, Joey Browner, Ahmad Rashad, Randy Moss, Dennis Green, Steve Jor dan and Kevin Williams.

Wright earns NFC Special Teams Player of the Week

Vikings P Ryan Wright has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week, the NFL announced today.

In the Week 6 victory against the Dol phins, Wright punted 10 times for 441 yards for a gross average of 44.1 and a net average of 43.9. With six minutes remaining in the first quarter, Wright booted a career long 73yard punt, marking the seventh longest punt in franchise history and tied for the third longest in the NFL this season. His 441 punt yards in a single game is the third-most in team history. Wright also placed six of his punts inside the 20, the most of any punter in the NFL this week and the most by a Vi king since 2000.

Through the first six weeks of the sea son, Wright has recorded 27 punts for 1,216 yards, a gross average of 45.0, a net average of 43.1 and 15 punts inside the 20. His 15 punts inside the 20 is tied for the most in the league this season.

Wright is the third punter in franchise history to win NFC Special Teams Player of the Week and the first to do so since P Chris Kluwe won the award in 2010. This will also mark the sixth time a Vikings punter has won NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Wright is the second player to win NFC Player of the Week honors under Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, joining K Greg Joseph who won the award in Week 4.

Fan favorite Jared Allen is the latest member to be inducted into the Ring of Honor. Allen spent six seasons with the Vikings from 2008-13. PHOTO COURTESY OF MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Answers

Q: Jared Allen ranks 12th all time in the NFL with 136.0 sacks. Who is the all-time NFL leader in sacks and how many did he have?

A: That would be the legendary Bruce Smith. Smith played 19 sea sons in the NFL and played in 279 games and recorded 200 sacks, or 0.71 sacks per game. By com parison, Allen recorded 136 sacks in 187 games, an average of 0.73 sacks per game.

Q: Allen recorded 4.5 sacks in a game against Green Bay in 2009. But that’s only second most for a Viking. Which player had 5 sacks in a game in 1984?

A: Randy Holloway recorded 5.0 sacks against Atlanta on Sept. 16, 1984. Holloway, a defensive end, was a first round pick (21st overall) out of the University of Pittsburgh in 1978 by the Vikings. He had his big game in his final season with the Vikings and ended his career that same season with the St. Lou is Cardinals. He finished his career with 28.5 sacks in 103 games.

Q: Allen is one of two Vikings to record a sack in eight consecutive

VIKINGS SACKS IN A GAME

games. Who is the other player?

A: Legendary Viking Jim Marshall is the only other player to have a sack in eight consecutive games, doing so in 1969. Allen accom plished the feat in 2011. Marshall played 19 seasons for the Vikings and recorded 128 career sacks.

“He’s the fastest guy on our team,” said Waling. “He has the physical tal ent, is strong and is just a sponge, al ways learning. He’s got so much up side.”

With Folland up front and the likes of Vig, and senior offensive guards Teddy Webster and Hogan Mortensen, senior running back Chi sum Schmiedeberg has put up monster numbers from the backfield. He cur rently has 1,631 yards rushing, averag ing 10.7 yards per carry. He has rushed for 3,105 yards in his career and now holds the record for rushing yards in the coop school’s history.

“Chisum sees the field so well,” said Waling. “As far as reading blocks and seeing the field, it’s crazy to watch.”

Waling said Schmiedeberg, at 5’8” and 155 pounds, is a very smart run ner.

“Sometimes you have a back who can shed off a tackler or stiff arm a guy,” said Waling. “Chisum weaves and bobs, but sees the field so well he will drag a defender into a blocker. He is just so good.”

Waling stresses the importance of the senior group with guys like Web ster, Mortensen, Andrew Knutson (LB/TE) and senior quarterback and three-year starter Braden Faken.

“He’s got a way about him,” said Waling of Faken. “He handles the ball and gets it where it needs to be. He’s a big part of what we do.”

Another big part of the team is the leadership of Waling. A native of nearby Grygla, Minn., he played some community college football in Thief River Falls before furthering his edu cation at Bemidji State University. He has been coaching for 18 years, and is in his 13th as a head coach. He got his start in Lancaster where he still teach es social studies and coached as an

assistant under longtime coach Brad Holmstead. The program eventually cooped with Hallock in 2008 becom ing KCC where he served under long time Hallock coach Terry Ogorek. In 2010 he became head coach.

“My first six years of coaching I had two hall of fame coaches to watch and be a part of their programs,” he said.

He also credits longtime assistant Terry Kent, who has bene coaching for almost 40 years. Waling said he hasn’t changed much from what he learned from those coaches.

“The coaching philosophy was already there,” he said. “I just put my personality into it.”

The biggest benefit has been con tinued participation. The players and families have bought into the philoso phy of Bearcat football.

“Football is a big deal here,” said Waling. “We get very good partici pation and they take it serious. They know what the expectations are and they want to be pushed.”

It’s the collective commitment, even when things weren’t going well, that showed this special group there are always better days ahead if they kept working towards a common goal.

“When we didn’t have the num bers we had to throw these kids out onto the field when they weren’t nec essarily ready,” said Waling. “They all took their turns with that. They’ve been through a lot together and have shared experiences.”

That early start, and those early lumps, have proven beneficial in the long run.

“We have a strong core group who has been through a lot,” said Waling. “If it’s anybody’s time, it’s our time.”

Randy Holloway 5.0, vs. Atlanta (9/16/84) Jared Allen 4.5, vs. Green Bay (10/5/09)

VIKINGS CONSECUTIVE

John Randle 8 (1993-00) Alan Page 6 (1961-66) Jared Allen 6 (2008-13)

Jim Marshall 8 (1969) Jared Allen 8 (2011)

279 200.0 2/15

Reggie White 232 198.0 3/20

Kevin Greene 228 160.0 5/26

Julius Peppers 266 159.5 11/21

Chris Doleman 232 150.5 8/24

Michael Strahan 216 141.5 4/15

Jason Taylor 233 139.5 8/29

Terrell Suggs 244 139.0 7/15

DeMarcus Ware 178 138.5 3/8

Richard Dent 203 137.5 8/13

John Randle 187 137.5 1/11

12) JARED ALLEN 187 136.0 6/19 13) John Abraham 192 133.5 1/6

NFL CAREER SAFETIES

Jared Allen 4 Ted Hendricks 4 Doug English 4 Justin Houston 4

NFL SACKS 2004-13

Jared Allen 128.5 DeMarcus Ware 117.0 Robert Mathis 107.5

“Football is a big deal here. We get very good participation and they take it serious. They know what the expectations are and they want to be pushed.”

- Coach Cory Waling

Chisum Schmiedeberg leaves a defender in his wake, a common sight at Kittson County Central games. Schmiedeberg is averaging 10.7 yards per carry this season and has 22 touchdowns.

Vikings to host Indigenous Bowl Dec. 11

Team partners with 7G Foundation, NFL to host game for second consecutive season

The 7G Foundation, in partnership with the Minnesota Vikings, will host the 5th Indigenous Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadi um on Sunday, December 11. The game began in 2017 and creates opportunities for Native American athletes to compete at a high level, instills the values needed for multi-generational change and devel ops the next generation of leaders in their communities.

High school football players are cho sen to compete in the game through an ap plication process open to members of fed erally recognized tribes across the United States. Players can submit applications at www.indigenousbowl.com.

“Over the years of our ownership of

the Vikings, support and partnership with the Native American community in Min nesota and surrounding states has been important to us,” said Mark Wilf, Vikings Owner/President. “We’re proud to wel come the Indigenous Bowl back to U.S. Bank Stadium again this season to provide a memorable game and experience.”

“The 7G Foundation is proud to part ner with the NFL for this year’s 5th Annu al Indigenous Bowl, which will be hosted again by the Minnesota Vikings,” said Bennae Calac, 7G Foundation President and Founder. “This is a continuation of the exposure from earlier this year when the 7G Foundation and the NFL took their partnership to a new level. During

the 2022 NFL Draft, Edward Onoo Po Hill presented Commissioner Roger Goodell with his 7G All Team Medallion. Commis sioner Goodell made the promise to wear the 7G Medallion on stage and during the Vikings’ draft pick, he wore the gifted 7G Medallion in front of 80 million viewers and 200k attendees. That is true partner ship.”

“The National Football League is pleased to join with the Minnesota Vikings for a second year in a row in supporting the 7G Foundation’s Indigenous Bowl,” said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “We’re heartened to promote and celebrate the nation’s top Native American high school

football student-athletes as they further develop and showcase their skills on this world-class stage.”

The 7G Foundation’s vision is to fo cus on building a more modern education system for our Indian Country and our Indigenous Communities, fundamentally incorporating the power of technology to forge a brighter future. We will also pro mote an education that teaches the depth of our deep history, using that knowledge to create economic mobility, communi ty development, and multi-generational change for all Indigenous people.