9 minute read
Minneapolis Henry making a turnaround
by MALIK MITCHELL
Let’s Play Football Contributor
After having back-to-back losing seasons, the Minneapolis Henry Patriots have made a huge turnaround currently (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 motivated us.”
They kicked off their season with a huge victory against Minneapolis Roosevelt (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 matter, we were working. All the hard work we put in shows on Friday nights when we strap up those helmets and play the game we play.”
Henry hosted the Minneapolis 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 Monger punched in a 4-yard touchdown. Not backing down, Henry replied with a 4-yard touchdown from senior Newmann 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 managed 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 pocket and delivering but I took what the defense 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 playoffs.
“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.”
Minneapolis Henry Regular Season Results
Sep 02 4AAA
at Minneapolis Roosevelt Sep 13 4AAAA vs Brooklyn Center Sep 16 4AAAA vs Minneapolis Edison
W 54-0 W 35-28 W 17-14 Sep 23 4AAAA at Columbia Heights W 32-14 Sep 30 4AAAAA at St. Paul Harding/Humboldt W 13-6 Oct 07 5AAAA vs Minneapolis South W 25-14 Oct 14 4AAA at Breck L 21-16 Oct. 19 3AAAAA vs Bloomington Kennedy L 32-8 Section 3AAA Standings
Seed Team
Section Overall For Agst 1 Breck 1-1 3-5 18.6 26.5 2 Minneapolis Henry 1-1 6-2 25.0 16.1 3 St. Croix Lutheran 1-0 3-5 25.2 22.6 4 Minneapolis Roosevelt 0-1 0-8 10.5 45.8
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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 success 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.
After growing up playing hockey and being a left-footed kicker in soccer, Bohmert got his first taste of football 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 reverse and I would gain like 40 yards every time so in 8th grade Mr. Rollinger, 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 athlete says he loves how football works like a puzzle, need everyone to fit together 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 season in 2021, a season that ended with a 24-10 loss in the state 5A championship 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, hockey, 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 complain, 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
Fuel to Burn
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
- 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.
who always gives 100 percent,” Tracey Bohmert said.
One may consider Corey Bohmert a throwback as he focuses fully on football before turning his attention to the winter sport.
Mahtomedi last won a state football 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 opportunity to play at the next level” Muetzel said.
Based on his success since the 6th grade, Bohmert has quietly but surely created his own hype and would be a great addition to a college football team’s offense
