Off and Running - High School Season in Full Swing

High School football season is in full swing

INSIDE

• Cherry on top .................................... page 4

• Centennial run dominance .............. page 5

• 0-3? Now what? ................................ page 7

• Alexandria soaring at the start ........ page 6

• Park-CG leads way in safety............page 7

• Becker off to good start.................. page 8

• Air Ahrens.........................................page 9

• Prep Spotlight Highlights ......... page 10-11

• Week 3 Top Performers..................page 12

• 72 teams remain unbeaten.............page 13

• A classic look, a purple identity....page 14

• Remembering Bud the jokester....page 15

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Cherry...on top

Revitalized program is getting taste of success in 9-man

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

In the fall of 2015, four players signed up to play 9-man football at Cherry High School.

At the time, Jason Marsh was coaching the junior high program. He took the ninth graders who signed up so they had a chance to play.

In 2016 the program had 10 kids on junior varsity and 16 in junior high.

Slowly, the program was rebuilding.

“When the program was struggling, too often, young kids had to play,” said Marsh. “It’s hard if you are in ninth grade to line up against a senior in a varsity game. It’s hard physically and mentally. Kids have to play at their level.”

The administration supported Marsh’s stepped approach so kids were playing against others their age. With some success playing at their age level, more kids have joined the program. This year there are 29 varsity players and 20 junior high players.

“The total amount of kids in the program has grown each year,” said Marsh.

So far this season the Tigers are 3-0 and have outscored opponents 190-26. They are coming off an 8-2 season with both losses coming to eventual state champion Mountain Iron-Buhl, who beat the Tigers 56-24 in the section playoffs. They also lost to them in the regular season 34-24. The two will square off Oct. 12.

“We have to stop them defensively,” said Marsh. “They score a lot of points and it will likely be a shootout this year. But we can’t give up as many points as we have in the last couple years.”

While Cherry’s rise back to relevancy is an interesting one, so is Marsh’s. He and his family live near Esko, about 70 miles from Cherry in the northeastern part of the state. He makes a daily commute to teach science and coach football. They built a house on a lake south of Esko. His wife teaches science at nearby Cloquet and they have three children. Their son, Broderick, is a 9th grader in the Esko football program.

“We love the area and Esko is a great school district,” said Marsh. “All three of our kids are active in sports and Broderick loves being a part of the Esko football program. The coaching staff is outstanding.”

Marsh grew up in central Minnesota and attended high school at Sauk Rapids where he played football. He attended St. John’s University and played under legendary coach John Gagliardi. He played a year of semi-pro football for the St. Cloud Thunderbirds and got his first teaching and coaching job in Moose Lake where he served as a junior high coach under Dave Louzek.

He came to Cherry in 2013, took over coaching in 2015 and fielded their first varsity team in 2019.

He has been able to build a solid program through a simple philosophy that focuses on five words that hang in the locker room: hard work, commitment, respect, team, and school.

“Everything we do goes back to those core values,” he said. “If we as coaches can help kids become more committed, hardworking, respectful, team oriented young men who value education then we’ve done our job.”

Early on the staff had to prove themselves to the kids and build trust, but once a few signed up and had a good experience, others followed.

Marsh credits his assistants and the

ability to have a consistent coaching staff without much turnover. Assistants are Clayton Koskela, Nick Stevenson and John Sikkila.

“They are extremely knowledgeable and dedicated,” said Marsh. “They take a lot of things off my plate and all of them have or have had players come through our program.”

While the program is on the up, there is still plenty of work to do. Every week presents a challenge. This year’s team, however, could be a special one, led by University of Minnesota basketball recruit Isaac Asuma. Asuma joins the ranks of other top players that include Noah Sundquist (QB/DB), Andrew Staples (E/ DE), Noah Asuma (TB/DE), Ty Sikki-

la (G/LB), Mason Heitzman (WB/CB), Carson Brown (E/CB), and Zach Sikkila (C/DT).

Marsh said the players have taken on a leadership role that has really allowed them to take the next step toward success.

“There is an old adage that good teams are coach led and great teams are player led,” he said. “The past few years we have had really good player leadership. We have it again this year.”

Marsh said playing in the state basketball tournament last season also helped. Asuma, a 6’3” guard was ranked the No. 2 recruit in Minnesota in the Class of 2024.

“Isaac is a special athlete,” said Marsh. “If he hadn’t made his intentions

known about basketball he would be getting a lot of looks for football. He would make an excellent receiver in college.”

Asuma plays pretty much everywhere on the field for Cherry – wherever they need him.

“In 9-man kids have to do everything so we line Ike up wide in our passing game, he runs the ball form the backfield, plays safety on defense and plays on special teams,” Marsh said. “He runs great routes, has a high sports IQ, and turns 5050 balls into 90-10 ones for us.”

With Asuma leading the way, there’s a good chance the Tigers can make a deep run.

With the program back on track, now the goal is to get Cherry back on top.

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Isaac Asuma is the No. 2 recruit in Minnesota in basketball and signed with the University of Minnesota. He is also a star on the football field and has helped lead Cherry to a great start so far this season.

Head Coach Jason Marsh (left) and assistant coach Jon Sikkila during recent action. The coaching staff has helped rebuild a Cherry program that couldn’t field a varsity team until 2019.

Noah Sundquist cuts into the end zone to cap off a 25-yard touchdown run. Sundquist is part of a group of 29 players on this year’s varsity roster who are off to a 3-0 start in 9-man football.

Centennial showing dominance early with run-heavy offense

by MALIK MITCHELL

The Centennial Cougars have begun their 2023-2024 season in dominant fashion and were 2-0, beating both teams by 25 points or more before running into reigning state champion Maple Grove. The Cougars have been utilizing a smashmouth offense in which they have already put up over 975 total rushing yards.

“We are a team committed to each other, our coaching staff and our community,” said senior running back Maverick Harper. “Message has been the same all year every game. Play physical, have great character, be a committed Cougar, compete every play, and every game. Just play Centennial football.”

They hosted Coon Rapids at Centennial High School in Circle Pines and defeated the Cardinals 48-22 in their season opener.

Wasting no time, Maverick Harper capped off the Cougar’s first offensive drive, putting the Cougars up 7-0.

But it was far from over. Coon Rapids receiver Kai-John Cummings Coleman caught a pass and broke free, scoring a 47-yard touchdown to help the Cardinals go up 8-7 in the last minute of the first quarter.

At the top of the 2nd quarter, Harper powered his way in for another score to put the Cougars back up 14-8. After the Cougars’ defense forced a 4th and goal stop, Harper found himself in the end zone again as he went up the middle and steamrolled past blocks for his third touchdown of the night.

In the third quarter, Cummings-Coleman struck again, catching a pass and shaking off a tackle before rolling all the way for a 69-yard touchdown. However, Centennial continued to be a force on the ground, this time with Marcus Whiting finding the end zone. The Cou-

gars were now up 34-22. Lastly, in the 4th quarter, Harper scored his fourth and final touchdown of the night in his 2023 debut, extending the Cougars lead to 19 points. Not long after, Daylen Cummings capped the game off with his second rushing touchdown of the night to seal the victory, 48-22.

Harper finished the game with 28 carries for 170 yards and four touchdowns while Daylen Cummings finished with 12 rushing attempts for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

“It just felt so good to run the ball in game one this year,” Harper said. “We are here to put in the best effort we can as a team and as individuals. Get better every day. Daylen has been great all season at QB and the O-line has been solid up front and has been creating space for the run game.”

They continued to build on this mo-

mentum by hosting Blaine in Week 2 for their cat clash rivalry game, and they didn’t disappoint at home.

The Cougars got to work right away in the first quarter, with Cummings keeping the option and pounding his way through the goal line to give his team an early lead. A short while later, Harper took a handoff across the middle, found some space, forced a defender to miss, and then sprinted toward the end zone. Centennial was up 14-0.

Blaine, looking to reply, called on junior quarterback Sam Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy rolled to the right, but with nobody open he took off on the ground, turning on the jets as he sprinted untouched all the way to the end zone.

Ty Burgoon took a handoff to the left side, found a hole, and showed off his speed with nobody in his way as he scored to put them up 21-7 in the last sec-

onds of the first quarter.

Centennial continued to have the upper hand in the 2nd quarter. For his second touchdown of the evening, Harper demonstrated brute strength by lowering his shoulder and charging in. At the break, Centennial was ahead 28-7. Blaine, still trying to hang in there, gave the ball to Michael Douglas, who made a series of moves, shed a man off, and found the end zone.

Still unfazed, Centennial continued to control the run game. Harper rammed his way in at the goal line to score his third and final touchdown of the game and his seventh in just two games.

“It feels good to have success,” he said. “But it takes 11 players on the field to reach the end zone. Just like it takes an entire team during the week to prepare for every game.”

Blaine, trying to get something going, looked for Douglas once more to make it happen. Douglas took a draw play up the middle and scored after fighting for extra yardage, narrowing the lead to 18 points.

Moving on to the fourth quarter, Cummings found a wide-open Kellen Binder downfield and floated one to him for a 27-yard touchdown putting the game away for good, 45-20.

But their success was short-lived as they had to face defending state champion Maple Grove Sept. 15.

Maple Grove showed they are still a team to be reckoned with as they scored the first three touchdowns for a 20-0 lead. However, Centennial stormed back with two touchdown runs from Cummings and another from Whiting to lead 21-20. But Maple Grove put the game away in the fourth quarter to win 48-21.

Despite the loss, the Cougars from Centennial have proven they have the roar to compete with anyone, and the bite to make a late-season push to be one of the better teams in their class.

Your team has started 0-3, now what?

by MIKE SONNTAG

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Following week three of the Minnesota high school football season, unofficially there are 71 teams who started their seasons with three losses. In a society that seeks instant gratification, it can be easy for a teenager who maybe did not miss an offseason workout or preseason practice to question whether everything he has done to prepare was for naught. Welcome to life young football player, but you have so much left to play for.

No one likes to lose, obviously that is not what you nor your coaches signed up for. On the bright side, with plenty of season remaining, your team still has the same opportunity as teams that are currently undefeated.

So, what can you do to salvage your season when things seem bleak? There are the common answers such as watch more film, spend more time studying the playbook, condition harder – but remember, football is a team game requiring everyone to row the boat in the same direction.

Here are some ideas for you, the football player to help your team out of the early slump.

• Be a leader. You do not have to be the starting quarterback, a captain, or even a senior to assert your-

self as a leader. It starts with your attitude. Are you showing up to practice with the same excitement and energy as you did when the preseason started, or are you just going through the motions. Avoid developing a “loser’s limp.” Pick yourself and your teammates up when you are down.

• Be grateful. Football, like every other team sport, does not last forever, which is why when your parents, coaches, or former players tell you “it goes fast” and “embrace the opportunity you have,” listen to them! Forget your team’s record and show up every day thankful that this is your time to wear the team colors with the whole community cheering for you under the Friday night lights in the fall.

• Gain perspective. Football is a metaphor to life. Things will not always go your way in life so how you handle adversity from a game or a season will go a long way in your development as a human being. There are kids and adults alike who would trade spots with you in a heartbeat.

• Make memories. Team dinners, movies, or just hanging out with the fellas will be times that you will never forget. Listen to the song “Boys of Fall” by Kenny Chesney, even play it in the locker room. The words will remind you and your teammates that together you are

a brotherhood working towards a common goal.

• Watch football. Between college football and the NFL, you can find a football game on TV almost every day of the week. Spend a couple series focusing on the position you play, spend the rest of the games just enjoying them. From the excitement of pregame coverage like ESPN’s College GameDay or Fox’s NFL Sunday, to the sights and

sounds of the game, there is nothing better than knowing you get to compete that way when your next game rolls around.

Best of luck with the remainder of your season. Enjoy the journey, and remember, wins and losses are part of the experience of playing football not the definition of you or your team.

Let’s Play Football Contributor

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Cougars running back Maverick Harper has ran for a total 448 yards and 7 touchdowns in the first three games of the season,.

Alexandria Cardinals off to soaring start

by JACKSON BOLINE Let’s Play Football Contributor

Alexandria has gotten off to a hot start, soaring to 3-0 and sitting with Brainerd as the two remaining Section 8AAAA undefeated teams. The Cardinals have outscored their opponents 99 to 18, defeating Chaska in the opening game 42-7, taking down Monticello 20-18, and blowing out St. Cloud Tech on Homecoming 37-14.

The Cardinals have flipped the script from last year, as they started the 2022 season 1-5. They finished the season with a 4-6 record, ending with a loss in the section 8AAAAA semifinals to Moorhead.

The Cardinals biggest loss heading into the 2023 season was wide receiver Kelly Johnson who led the team in receptions and 596 yards through the air. Alexandria did retain most of its returning cast, however. Two significant returning starters include Junior QB Chase Thompson, and running back Walker Hennen, as well as their leading tackler Jacob Lanoux who mans the middle of the field at linebacker.

“Lanoux has been an anchor on our defense the last two seasons now, he is a leader on the team,” said head coach Mike Empting.

Empting has been at the helm with AAHS for the last 16 seasons. He has coached many great players, one including Bethal star quarterback Jaron Roste. Being the coach for 16 seasons, Empting has great experience in developing young starters from years one to years three of their career, and it’s no different with this 2023 Cardinal squad.

“It’s been a blast to see these kids develop into great athletes on the field,” said Empting.

The Cardinals have found success in every aspect of the game thus far. Offensively they’ve thrown for well over 500 yards. Chase Thmpson has been under center for every play and has thrown six touchdowns.

“It’s been fun to watch Chase’s development and growth on the field from last year, he makes very smart decisions with the ball, and is a great athlete and leader,” said Empting.

They’ve also ran the ball for 340 yards this season, splitting the rock between multiple players with Andrew Flatten leading the team with 128 of the 340 yards.

Defensively they’ve been stingy and aggressive, with a team sack total of six, and already snagging five interceptions.

“We force turnovers with our pressure up the middle. A big reason is Staples and Lempka who are a dynamic duo,” said Empting.

Offense and defense are of course the two most important and prominent aspects of football, but Alexandria is dangerous from another aspect…special teams. Sophomore kicker Daniel Jackson has been a star on this Cardinals team. Jackson is 7-for-7 on the year, making multiple 40-plus yard field goals and one being a game winner against Monticello. Jackson spends the off-season going to camps around the country, including Texas, where it is invite only.

“It’s great to watch this kid, he works so hard on his craft all year long. He’s an outstanding kicker who has such a bright future,” said Empting.

In high school football, you rarely see teams game-planning on defense

about an opponent’s kicker, but with the strong leg Jackson brings, teams have been doing just that.

“We have other defenses aware of Jackson’s leg, so when we’re around the opponents 40-yard line they try to contain so we don’t get a chance for three points, and with Jackson’s leg power, it could be the 50,” said Empting.

So much of kicking field goals is mental, so good kickers have to be mentally strong, which is something Jackson has learned to be.

“He’s so mentally aware of how to be a kicker,” Empting said. “He studies the great ones and learns to be great.”

Jackson is a weapon on a team that can attack in so many ways, but having someone who can go out and win the game with his leg could pay dividends down the road.

The Cardinals were a younger team a season ago, a likely cause for their under .500 record, but don’t be fooled by their growth and development this year as they are still a young squad.

“We have some seniors on the roster but we have a great mix of juniors and sophomores as well, so we still have a young team,” said Empting.

“That being said, they’ve shown so much development from year one to year two, I’m excited to see how much growth there is in the playoffs.”

The Cardinals look to play Homecoming spoiler in week four, facing a familiar foe in Sartell. The Sabres are

0-3, coming off a 65-6 loss against Brainerd.

“They’re looking for their first win, they’ve played great teams to start the year and have lost a couple of close games,” said Empting. “They are a good team, better than their record indicates and they always fight with us until the end every year.”

The Cardinals took down the Sabres last season 15-6. Thompson threw for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Junior cornerback and wide receiver had an interception in the win.

If both Brainerd and Alexandria

win (Brainerd takes on 2-1 Moorhead), they will meet up Sept. 29 in Brainerd in what could be a pre-cursor to the section final.

In Week 2 Brainerd defeated reigning state champion Elk River 3835. Last season they defeated Alexandria 15-14 in Alexandria.

But this is a new year and it’s a different team for the Cardinals. With a strong offfense, defense and perhaps the best kicker around, Section 8AAAAA could be theirs for the taking.

PHOTO BY JACKSON BOLINE

Evan Kludt goes airborne to pick off a pass against Chaska in the team’s home opener in which they won 42-7. The Cardinals are off to a raucous 3-0 start as they head into Week 4 of the high school season.

PHOTO BY JACKSON BOLINE

With three touchdowns on the ground and six in the air, Alexandria QB Chase Thompson has shown he can beat teams with his legs and his arm.

Leading the way

Park-Cottage Grove is first team in state to wear protective Guardian Caps

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Park-Cottage Grove players took the field this season in an entirely different fashion.

While still wearing traditional helmets, the players also wore the Guardian Football Cap.

The Guardian Football Cap is padded, soft-shell layers designed to reduce impact to the hard shell and thus reduce overall impact to the player’s head. NFL players wore the caps in practices during the 2022 season and found a reduction in general impact and concussions.

Park-Cottage Grove became the first high school team in the state to wear the caps during a game. When they ran out of the tunnel in Week 1, there was a different look, but the same feel.

“The kids don’t really notice it at all,” said Park-Cottage Grove Head Coach Rick Fryklund. “Even fans or chain gangs will say they noticed right away but after about three minutes it was just watching the game.”

When asked if players felt more confident in engaging with other players due to the extra protection, Fryklund said kids played the way they always play.

“They don’t play any differently and we don’t coach any differently because we wear them,” he said.

Fryklund said he feels it minimizes impact and risk.

“If I can do something to keep this great game going, and if I can keep my student-athletes safer then I will,” he said.

Fryklund said he has received questions about the caps, but no negative feedback.

“Every coach I speak to is very curious to hear about it and wants to learn more,” he said. “I also have been hearing from multiple 6A coaches who believe there will be more schools wearing them in games next year.”

While the caps are proven to minimize risk, it doesn’t mean they don’t come without a cost. The Park-Cottage Grove football program funded $11,000. The program received generous contributions from the St. Paul Park and Newport Lions’ Clubs.

“It is a significant investment, no doubt,” Fryklund said. “And one made purposefully because it keeps the game going, it keeps student-athletes safer, and it allows us to show our community another tangible way we are leading the movement to keep this game and their participants safer.”

According to a study done by the NFL, positions where a Guardian Cap was worn saw a 52 percent reduction in concussions. They are currently researching position-specific helmets. For example, a quarterback would have extra protection in the back of their helmet because they are usually hit from behind. Research on improving safety and continuing to reduce concussions is said to be promising, according to an NBC Sports article.

“If the NFL did not see such convincing data on player safety and the usage of this, I sincerely doubt they would have increased their mandate on using these in practice for all positions this past year,” said Fryklund.

For Fryklund, player safety is at the forefront. Currently all players between grades six through 12 wear the protective caps. Next year that will include third through fifth graders as well.

“What is great about this is I can look any mom in the eye in our community and show them, in tangible ways, how we keep kids safer and lead the way in the state of Minnesota with this.”

NFL Studies have shown a 52 percent reduction at positions that wore the Guardian Cap during preseason practices. They are currently researching position-specific helmets. According to GuardianSports.com:

Physics say that an outer “soft” material of the proper density, stiffness and energy absorbing properties reduces the initial severity of the impact. The hard shell then has lower forces transmitted to it, and in turn conveys lower forces to the interior soft helmet padding and then lower forces to the head. Very similar to a NASCAR driver and the soft wall technology that tracks have adopted or even automobiles and the soft bumpers and airbags that are now required. The Guardian Cap serves the same purpose for an athlete’s head – a soft shell barrier between it and impact.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Junior quarterback Miskir Esayas breaks through the line in a recent game against East Ridge wearing a protective shell over his helmet known as a Guardian Cap. Studies show the cap helps reduce the risk of concussions.

Park-Cottage Grove lines up against East Ridge. Park-Cottage Grove players wear a special cap that helps protect them on impact. More and more schools are expected to wear the caps in the future as player safety stays at the forefront of high school football. Park-Cottage Grove is the first Minnesota High School team to wear the caps.

Becker football off to a hot start to 2023 season

by JACKSON BOLINE Let’s Play Football Contributor

The Becker Bulldogs are off to a scorching start to the 2023 high school football season.

Dwight Lundeen, head coach of Becker, is going into Week 4 undefeated after three convincing wins, starting with a 40-14 Week 1 win over Hill-Murray. Senior quarterback Zachary Bengtson had a great day in the air, throwing for 250 yards on 30 attempts. All five touchdowns for the Bulldogs came from the hands of Bengtson. The top receiver for Becker was senior Kyan Blomquist who caught 10 passes for 127 yards and two scores.

Other Bulldog receivers who caught a touchdown were Isaac Daluge, Mitchel Soltau and Carter Reckelberg. The Bulldogs defense was stingy, allowing just two scores. The leading tackler was sophomore linebacker Landen Kujawa with 11 total tackles.

Week 2 was the home opener for the Bulldogs, hosting Providence Academy, and it was a similar performance for Becker, routing the Lions 53-21.

The Bulldogs got off to a fast start, scoring the first 36 points before halftime. Contrary to the week one passing clinic by Becker, it was the ground game that took over.

Bengtson threw for 98 yards and two scores but only threw the ball 15 times. Junior running back Owen Angell ran for a team-high 108 yards on nine carries. The four rushing touchdowns came from Bengston, Daluge, Grayson Kipka, and Cody Klatt.

Defensively, the Bulldogs were active on the line, racking up three sacks. Kujawa had another good game at linebacker with two sacks and three total tackles. Linebacker Josh Miller added another sack which was his only tackle. Daluge, playing both sides of the ball, picked off Lions quarterback Charlie Willihnganz once in the contest.

Week three for the Bulldogs was pure dominance against the Academy of Holy Angels. Becker scored two quick passing touchdowns from Bengtson –the first one a 41-yard pass to Owen Angell and the second one to Blomquist for 19 yards. The scoring didn’t stop there, this time it was the run game coming through for the Bulldogs. Klatt found the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown run, giving the Bulldogs a 21-0 lead heading into halftime.

The second half started the same way as the first half ended, with Becker finding the end zone with Kipka running in for a 41-yard touchdown. With a 28-0 lead the Bulldogs kept on the throttle, scoring two more times in the third, one through the air and another on the ground. The passing touchdown was an 8-yarder from Bengtson to Blomquist, which was his second receiving TD, and the rushing score was a 42-yard run by Isaiah Gardner. Gardner added another rushing score to finish out a blowout 48-0 win and keep their undefeated season alive.

Becker is coming off of a great season in 2022 going 8-2 and advancing to the Section 8AAAA Championship, losing to Rocori in a close game 22-20.

The Bulldogs lost 15 seniors from last year, including their starting quarterback who had over 1,700 yards, 19 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

They also lost their leading rusher with Adam Jurek who had 475 yards on the ground and eight touchdowns.

Although the Bulldogs lost two key offensive players, it looks as if they found two players to fill those shoes with Bengtson throwing the ball and

Angell running the rock.

The Bulldogs defense was excellent a season ago, having just three games where they allowed more than 22 points. With the leading tackler, sack leader, and leader in interceptions being underclassmen last year, they have all three back this season.

Kujawa, who led the Bulldogs in tackles with 65 last season, has been a key piece to the defense again this season. Kujawa has 14 total tackles and

two sacks in the first two games.

Every year Becker seems to be in the mix in 8AAAA with having a winning mentality, starting with the head coach. With an overall record of 360166-3 in his coaching career, Dwight Lundeen has built a winning pedigree in Becker. He’s won three state championships, 19 section titles, and 24 conference championships. Lundeen was a large part of starting the Becker High School football team in 1970, becom-

ing the first head coach and the only one ever since. In addition to football, Lundeen has been the head track coach, golf coach, assistant basketball coach, and assistant girls’ lacrosse coach at Becker High School. The legend of coach Lundeen continues.

Lundeen has many winning seasons but he’s also made a huge impact in the community, and rightfully so, he’s been awarded for it.

Lundeen was the recipient of the 2022 AFCA/AFCF Power of Influence award. He was nominated by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association. This award is described as follows:

“The Power of Influence award was created as a way for the AFCA® and AFCF® to honor a deserving high school football coach. Coaches who receive this award are recognized for their impact on their team, as well as the legacy they leave with the school and surrounding community. This award is not based on wins and losses; however, it should be noted that coaches of powerful influence have longevity and success. This is the first AFCA award specifically designed to honor a high school coach.”

This is one of many awards Lundeen has achieved during his 53 years in coaching. He’s been inducted into the National Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2019, the Minnesota Activities Directors Hall of Fame in 2014, the Minnesota High School League Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Minnesota Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 2009. Other accolades include four-time Minnesota Football Coach of the Year and Minnesota Football Coaches Association Man of the Year in 2015.

This Becker Bulldogs football team is off to yet another hot start, scoring over 40 points in each game and having strong defensive efforts to match.

The Bulldogs are looking to get back to the Section Championship again this year, but they want a different result to last year’s loss. There hasn’t been a state title banner raised in Becker since 2015 when they achieved back-to-back championships. This year’s Bulldog squad is looking to create their own legacy.

Becker will look to maintain their undefeated season when they travel to Willmar to face the 1-2 Cardinals Sept. 22.

PHOTO BY ANNA KOSTE

Becker junior, Cody Klatt, breaks a tackle in a recent game for the Bulldogs who are now 3-0 on the season.

PHOTO BY ANNA KOSTE

Becker senior quarterback Isaiah Gardner looks for a hole in recent action for the Bulldogs who will look to go 4-0 when they take on Willmar this week.

Air Ahrens

Sauk Centre quarterback

Damian Ahrens breaks school record in just second game as the team’s starting QB

by EVAN MICHAEALSON

Damian Ahrens set a lofty goal for himself individually before his first year as the starting quarterback for the Sauk Centre Streeters football team.

With the eyes of many on him to step up and lead a productive passing attack, the junior wanted to break the school’s single-game passing touchdowns record. The mark to reach was six, as Paul Kane and Simon Weller each established the longstanding bar to clear with five-touchdown performances in 1986 and 2016, respectively.

Despite his determination and confidence, however, nothing could have prepared Ahrens for what he accomplished on the football field Sept. 8, as the strongarmed signal-caller threw six touchdown passes in a 46-8 win over Minnewaska Area.

“The thing that’s going through my mind the most after having such a good game is all of the confidence I have in my team so we can carry it throughout the season and win more games like that,” said Ahrens, who passed for 202 yards in the victory, Sauk Centre’s first of 2023.

Ahrens maintained a belief he could produce positive results when he stepped under center, but the start of his varsity career naturally also included nervousness. After the Streeters fell 28-16 to Holdingford in their season opener Aug. 31, he saw it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

“Coming off the first game, we had some big connections and I think that showed me what our offense can do and what I can do with the talent we have,” Ahrens said. “I got all of the first-game nerves out of the way and brought that into the next game.”

TOUCHDOWN NO. 1

It took almost 30 minutes of game time for Sauk Centre to find the scoreboard in its loss to the Huskers. Ahrens and the offense were far more active early against Minnewaska Area, finding the end zone less than five minutes in. The gunslinger rolled to his left and made an impressive throw on the run to find wide receiver Jay Neubert for the first score of the prolific performance.

Making that caliber of throw was not always a guarantee for Ahrens.

“The first week of practice, it took me time to get used to it,” he said. “I would hit that drill and really give it 100% each time to get it down. Recently, it’s been working well for me.”

TOUCHDOWN NO. 2

Ahrens’ second touchdown throw was simpler but came in a more stressful situa-

tion: 4th-and-5 in the red zone. Not wanting to come away from the drive empty, Ahrens connected with Jeric Schloegl on a crosser near the sticks. Schloegl decisively sprinted to the outside around a pair of defenders for the first down and a 14-yard touchdown.

“Our read on it is where the backers were at and right away, they brought almost everybody and he was there wide open,” Ahrens said. “It was an easy read and he had enough space to get around everybody and into the end zone.”

TOUCHDOWN NO. 3

The next touchdown was a test of game management and execution with limited clock availability. Ahrens was the backup quarterback behind Matthew Warring in 2022, and one important trait Warring imparted on Ahrens was situational awareness, knowing how to approach a given scenario. Sauk Centre sat at the Minnewaska Area 47-yard-line with 13 seconds remaining in the first half when Ahrens

hurled a precise deep ball down the left sideline to Neubert, putting the Streeters in a goal-to-go spot. Ahrens found Neubert again for a 6-yard touchdown as the clock hit zeroes.

“I knew there was not a lot of time left but it didn’t affect how I was playing and running the play,” Ahrens said. “I ran it full-speed like it was a fresh quarter, having the confidence to know even if there was no time left, you’ve got to do what you do.”

TOUCHDOWN NO. 4

Sauk Centre kept up the aggressiveness when the second half rolled around, and it seemed no matter how risky the decision, the Streeters were finding pay dirt. Facing the heat from two approaching pass-rushers a few minutes into the third quarter, Ahrens managed to get the ball out to Schloegl, who broke a staggering four tackles on his way to a thrilling 41yard score.

With athletic playmakers like Schloegl,

Neubert and running back Austin Helgeson at his disposal, Ahrens finds himself as almost the ringmaster of a football circus, creating highlight-reel plays and scoring possibilities out of thin air.

“With high school football, you’ve got to put on a show for the people in the crowd,” he said. “They want to see the cool stuff, the razzle dazzle, as Coach Krump would say.”

TOUCHDOWN NO. 5

It took less than two minutes for the Streeters to score again, with Ahrens hitting his targets at a rapid-fire rate.

Taking the snap out of the shotgun on 2nd-and-goal from the 10-yard-line, the talented thrower this time rolled out to the right for a designed comfort throw. Neubert caught the ball with space in front of him and turned it into his third receiving touchdown of the game.

Ahrens hopes to unlock more success for his team by continuing to utilize his mobility.

“That’s something I’ve worked on in the weight room with agility and moving laterally in practices, just getting good at it,” he said. “It carries into the arm strength I have and the confidence I have to make that throw running each way.”

TOUCHDOWN NO. 6

The record-setting throw was Ahrens’ boldest yet and will be seared into the minds of Streeter faithful for the rest of the year, if not longer.

Up by 30, Sauk Centre had little reason to throw the ball, with working the clock and securing the win coming as a top priority. Ahrens did not think he would receive another shot to break the record. However, when the play call came in, Ahrens made the most of it, heaving a throw on the run into double coverage to Neubert, who came down with the ball standing up in the back of the end zone.

It was a dangerous throw that had a low percentage of working. Ahrens, though, trusted his guy.

“You throw the ball to all of them, I know they’re going to catch it and make plays for me,” he said.

While the high-flying triumph gave Sauk Centre’s field general a chance to leave an individual footprint in the history books, he hopes everyone is ready for what the Streeters as a team can do in the coming weeks.

“We’re getting things going,” Ahrens said. “People better start watching out for Sauk Centre football. It’s on the come up.”

This

article was reprinted with permission from Star Publications and the Sauk Centre Herald. Visit the Sauk Centre Herald at www.saukherald.com

PHOTO BY MARK KLAPHAKE, STAR PUBLICATIONS

Sauk Centre quarterback Damian Ahrens drops back to pass against Minnewaska Area Sept. 8 at Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre, Minn. Whether it was straight drop-backs or rollouts, Ahrens was hitting his targets in a six-touchdown performance.

Sauk Centre Herald/Star Publications

PHOTO BY EVAN MICHAELSON, STAR PUBLICATIONS

Damian Ahrens, a junior quarterback at Sauk Centre High School in central Minnesota, set a school record in just his second game as the team’s starting quarterback. Ahrens threw six touchdown passes in a 46-8 win over Minnewaska, breaking the mark set by Paul Kane in 1986 and Simon Weller in 2016.

Vikings Prep SpotlighT AT TCO STADIUM Two Rivers St. Paul

The Minnesota Vikings hosted their most recent Prep Spotlight game at beautiful TCO Stadium in Eagan on Sept. 16 with Two Rivers taking on St. Paul Harding/ Humboldt.

Two Rivers came out on top between the two metro area schools with a 49-8 win.

Ramsi Rislove got Two Rivers on the board with a 19-yard run and also converted on the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead. It was the first of three touchdown runs for Rislove.

Drew Altavilla put the Warriors up 15-0 when he scored on a 1-yard run with an extra point by Mason Boyken.

The Warriors scored twice more in the second quarter when Rislove ran in from two and 17 yards out for a 28-0 lead.

Altavilla went to the air in the second half, connecting with Adam Suchy on a 20yard score and Johnny Laugerman on a 32-yard score. They finished off their scoring on a 13-yard touchdown run by Mason Krupenny.

St. Paul Harding/Humboldt added a late touchdown by Nate Chea for the 49-8 finale.

Rislove ran for three touchdowns and Altavilla ran for one and threw for two. Boyken was successful on five extra points to help lead the Warriors who are now 2-1. St. Paul Harding-Humboldt fell to 0-3.

The next Prep Spotlight game at TCO Stadium will be held Friday, Oct. 3 when Richfield takes on Hill-Murray.

Playing at TCO Stadium for the Vikings Prep Spotlight game is quite an experience have been hosting games at TCO since 2018. The next game is Oct. 7 between

Two Rivers took home the hardware against St. Paul Harding/Humboldt with a convincing 49-8 win Sept. 16 at TCO Stadium.

St. Paul Harding/Humboldt junior QB Neyo Chea looks for a receiver in action Sept. 16 against Two Rivers.

Jeremiah Pierson (left) and Nate Chea (right) close in on Two rivers running back Mason Krupenny.

Ramsi Rislove scored three touchdowns for the Warriors.

Riley Pearce looks to break

Harding-Humboldt

A Knighthawks player attempts to reach the end zone.

PHOTOS BY Michael Hirschuber/ MN Vikings

Rivers runs through Harding-Humboldt at TCO Stadium

experience for young football players. The Vikings between Richfield and Hill-Murray

Two Rivers quarterback Drew Altavilla threw for two scores and ran in for another to help lead the Warriors to victory.

Warrior receiver Adam Suchy was all smiles on the sidelines. Suchy caught a 20-yard pass from QB Drew Altavilla to help catapult Two Rivers over St. Paul Harding/Humboldt.

break free from a tackler.

The St. Paul-Harding/Humboldt cheerleaders root on their squad.

St. Paul Harding/Humboldt players line up before the game with game officials. Players include (from left) Mu Win, Tyler English, Cypriss Lee, Nate Chea, Pierre Stewart, Zane Shiere.

Janesville-WaldorfPemberton

#11 Wide Receiver

Class of 2024

9/14/23 J-W-P vs. Cleveland

The senior had 6 receptions for 181 yards receiving, breaking the previous school record set in 2003 by Sean Finley with 178 yards. Kronbach currently has 24 receptions for 316 yards.

Top Performers

Malachi

Boadi-Aboagye

Minnetonka Skippers #23 Defensive back

Class of 2025

9/14/23 Minnetonka vs. Edina

Boadi-Aboagye was all over the place on Thursday against the Hornets.

His total stats include:

2 INT - 1 INT TD

1 Pass break up

6 total tackles.

Beau Wiersma

Kingsland Knights

#2 Running Back

Class of 2026

9/15/23 Kingsland vs Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons Wiersma had a massive game on the ground against the other Knights. His total stats included: 12 carries - 245 yds - 5 TD He is currently second in MN in rushing.

Camden Hungerholt

Leroy-Ostrander

#11 Quarterback

Class of 2025

9/14/23 Leroy-Ostrander vs. Houston

Camden Hungerholt rushed for 375 yards and eight touchdowns as LeRoy-Ostrander posted a high-scoring 59-50 win over Houston. Hungerholt was also 14-for-22 passing for 193 yards.

The controversy of icing for injuries

by ERIC KOHN

Let’s

Play Football Contributor

Over the past few years, there has been some rumblings in the rehab world over the true effectiveness of ice for injuries. There are some groups that are touting that icing actually delays healing and we are doing a disservice to our athletes by prescribing immediate use of ice. As we all know, there are always two sides to an argument and we can always find information on the internet to back up our stance on either side. In this article, we will review the stages of the healing process, the research on icing to improve healing and some new trends.

Let’s first talk about the stages of injury healing. After injury our body goes through three phases of recovery. The first stage is the inflammatory response. In this stage, chemical mediators will signal specialized cells to the injury to start removing injured cells. The second phase is the repair phase. During this time, collagen fibers are formed to repair the injured tissue. Skin, tendon, bone ligaments and cartilage are all made up of collagen. Finally, the remodeling phase is a long-term process that breaks down and reforms collagen to increase strength and return to the final tissue composition.

The school of thought against ice during the inflammatory process is that

it would cause vasoconstriction and thus stop the inflow of chemical mediators and the specialized cells that help progress the injured tissue to the next phase of healing. In addition, there is a thought that the vasoconstriction will create a build up of injured cells or waste that would accumulate due to the inability of blood to flow freely.

The research that supports icing has shown that the effectiveness of icing or cryotherapy is based on early application to the injury site. This prevents excessive swelling which leads to limited motion, decreased strength and limited

function of the injury site. In addition, research on early cryotherapy to ankle injuries has shown to return the athlete back to activity faster compared to heat or no treatment.

One area that cryotherapy has not shown significant improvements is for the treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS. This occurs with aggressive strength training and eccentric work. This was tested by ice baths directly after hard workouts. The results were athletes noted some decrease in immediate pain with the numbing effect of icing but athletes did not improve func-

tion and a quicker recovery was not seen with the ice bathing compared to the control group. This has also been seen in baseball pitching. The days of pitchers using ice for hours after throwing are gone. Active recovery or movement to the shoulder has been shown more beneficial for rehab/recovery than cryotherapy.

So what should we make of all of this? The research points toward use of ice immediately to injuries to joints like ankles, knees, shoulders, fingers to limit excessive swelling, pain and loss of motion. However, we may need to question our old philosophy of the blanket use of ice for muscle injuries and post competition icing where active movements might be more beneficial.

Always learning and improving, that is what your sports medicine team is doing to keep you on the field. Always report injuries to your training staff and they will provide you with the best care. Keep up the hard work and good luck this week.

Eric is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He practices at St Cloud Orthopedics in Central Minnesota and is an adjunct professor at The College of St. Benedict/St John’s University.

Ryan Kronbach

Undefeated ranks includes 72 schools

9-player football

Minnesota AAA football

Minnesota AAAA football

Minnesota A football

Minnesota AAAAA football

Minnesota AA football

Minnesota AAAAAA football

A Classic look, a purple identity

by CRAIG PETERS Let’s Play Football Contributor

There was no way C.J. Ham would consider a post-game jersey swap after Week 1.

Not after having worn the Vikings Classic uniform.

“Y’all know I’m keeping this, right? So, you can charge me now,” Ham told Vikings assistant equipment manager Adam Groene when he first saw the uniform. “No jersey swapping for that one. I’ll say, ‘I’ll send you one later.’ ”

The Classic borrows design elements from some of the Vikings earliest uniforms, but seeing the look brought back Ham’s memories of watching the likes of Adrian Peterson in a Vikings throwback jersey worn in 2009. The Duluth native was just 16 that season.

The young running back who became a fullback wound up teaming with Peterson. Ham wears many hats for the Vikings and is a special teams captain, much like Vikings Ring of Honor fullback Bill “Boom Boom” Brown. The four-time Pro Bowler donned the No. 30 in 180 regular-season games and 12 playoff contests from 1962-74.

The era was part of a transformative period for the team and its fans who stretched across the state, the region, the country, creating a ripple effect for generations.

An Exceptional Time

Bud Grant knew 1972 should be the exception and not the rule.

If the 1973 Vikings eliminated the mistakes that turned up large in five losses decided by three or fewer points on the way to a 7-7 record, better days could be ahead.

Icons like Bud, who become onename famous, tend to be visionaries –but he thrived on common sense realities.

From 1969-71, his squads were a combined 35-7 in regular-season games. The run featured two playoff wins for the first time, including the 1969 NFL Championship, but falling in Super Bowl IV and in the Divisional Round the next two years.

Sir Francis Tarkenton returned to Minnesota in 1972, providing the team with the elite QB that many believed would be the final piece to winning it all. It was Tarkenton, after all, who had dazzled from 1961-66 for the team that drafted him in the third round before its inaugural season.

Trading Tarkenton in 1967 just days before Grant’s hire enabled the Vikings to load up draft picks that helped transform the franchise from fledgling to formidable. Bringing him back did not yield results that year.

But these were the Minnesota Vikings. Resolute. Stubborn. Strong-willed. Determined. Relentless.

So, in the series of quotes that Bud provided for the 1973 Prospectus (created by the team’s PR staff after the draft), he surmised, “The teams that wind up on top are the teams that win the close games.”

“We have the knowledge, the experience, the knowhow to get us almost to the top; we don’t want to sacrifice that to try out something for the sake of change.”

Fifty years later, we asked Alan Page why ’72 was such an albatross that landed between the emerging Vikings of 1968-71 and the dominating squads that made the playoffs every year from 1973-76, winning the NFC Championship three times in four seasons.

“It wasn’t very pretty, was it? But my recollection is we were pretty optimistic,” Page said. “As a team, and particularly defensively, we – I think all of those years – believed we were the best around and we could be successful no matter what. Even in the face of having not been successful the previous season.

“We were thoroughly disappointed with the way things went in 1972, and we just felt that was an aberration and we would be back to doing what we did best, which was to perform well enough to win,” Page added.

Known as the Purple People Eaters to many but referring to themselves as the Purple Gang, the defense was up to its snuff, limiting 11 of 14 opponents in the regular season to 16 or fewer points.

The offense got an electric jolt from running back Chuck Foreman, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. “The Spin Doctor” wheeled his way through defenses as a dual threat for an offense coordinated by Jerry Burns that never really got full due for its innovations that impact today’s game.

“I think it was a year where things started out relatively good and continued to get better,” Jim Marshall recalled recently. “Mistakes were our biggest enemy, and we wanted to eliminate as many enemies as possible, so mistakes were first on the list.”

1-0. 2-0. 3-0. 4-0. 5-0. 6-0. 7-0. 8-0.

9-0. Had current “Voice of the Vikings” Paul Allen been looking, he would not have seen Minnesota’s first loss that season until Nov. 19, a 20-14 decision at Atlanta on Monday Night Football, the series that first aired in 1970.

When did Page, Marshall, Carl Eller, Gary Larsen, et al, believe a return to the Super Bowl was possible that season? Before the first kickoff.

“Let me put it this way: We were really good at focusing on what was in front of us, so we always believed we were going to win the next game,” Page said. “We always believed that because we were going to win the next one, we were going to make it to the playoffs, and obviously if you make it to the playoffs, you can stand a good chance of getting to the Super Bowl.”

Minnesota did return that season after defeating Washington at home in the Divisional Round and Dallas in the first road playoff victory in franchise history.

Marshall celebrated his 36th birthday by sacking Roger Staubach. Teammates Larsen and Wally Hilgenberg also sacked the Cowboys QB, who was intercepted twice by Bobby Bryant and once each by Jeff Siemon and Jeff Wright.

Bryant’s 63-yard interception return touchdown put the game away in the fourth quarter and joined a 5-yard run by Foreman and a 54-yard passing touchdown from Tarkenton to John Gilliam. Kicker Fred Cox started the big day in “Big D” with a 44-yard field goal and capped the scoring with a 34-yarder.

Minnesota was unable to complete a Texas two-step two weeks later when Houston hosted Super Bowl VIII at Rice Stadium. The Dolphins ruled the day to win their second consecutive title.

The ultimate goal remained unreached.

In the 1974 Prospectus, Bud said, “We really didn’t change much from 1972 to 1973. ‘Evolve’ might be a better word. We had a veteran team, a veteran

coaching staff; we didn’t have to assimilate a lot of new people, although there were some rookies who came in and helped us.”

With anticipation, he added: “We’ll go into 1974 with the same formula as a year ago, and with the same goal. We hope we’re as successful and get back into the Super Bowl.”

A 10-4 mark was followed by wins over the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, setting up a return to the Super Bowl, but Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain closed on that season’s show.

The ultimate goal remained unreached.

Apparently, Super Bowl hangovers were not as fashionable as the polyester of the era. The 1975 team opened 10-0 on the way to a 12-2 mark with losses of just 1 and 7 points.

But on the afternoon of Dec. 28, at Metropolitan Stadium, Staubach birthed the Hail Mary with a 50-yard pass to Drew Pearson in the waning seconds. A no-call of pass interference by Pearson — He clearly pushed off! — halted title dreams in the cold.

The ultimate goal remained unreached.

The 1976 Vikings finished 11-2-1 in the regular season, with their only losses occurring by 1 and 4 points. Minnesota prevailed again in the first two rounds of the playoffs, but Super Bowl XI ended the run unceremoniously.

The ultimate goal remains unreached.

A Tale of 2 Steves

The Vikings went 45-10-1 in regular-season games from 1973-76, for a win percentage of 81.3 that ranks second to any NFL franchise’s four-season run during the Super Bowl era. Only the 1971-74 Dolphins produced a better mark (47-8-1; 84.8 percent).

Minnesota didn’t just defeat opponents. They beat them up with an intimidating defense and beat them down on the scoreboard.

The Vikings scored 1,288 points and allowed just 719 over the course of those four seasons, for a positive margin of 569 points.

“We expected to win, and Bud told us, ‘Winning is a habit,’” Marshall explained. “He said, ‘The more you believe you can win, the more chance, the more opportunity you’re going to see to do something to win the football game.’”

It was generally a great time to be a Viking and even better for young Vikings fans.

Sports journalists Steve Wyche and Steve Rushin were born in 1966.

Wyche grew up in a North Minneapolis home on Xerxes Avenue until his family moved to St. Louis when he was almost 9. Prior to the relocation, Wyche took advantage of his proximity to Eller’s residence by trick-or-treating on Halloween.

What did “Moose” hand out?

“Autographed pictures of himself,” Wyche laughed when back in Minnesota to cover the start of this year’s training

camp for NFL Network. “It was back when they’d have kind of monster pictures. Carl is the greatest. I didn’t see him often, but just to be able to knock on his door.”

And after his family relocated, Wyche kept carrying the banner.

“I got to captain my after-school flag football team. We were the Vikings. Everything was the Vikings,” he recalled. “There were two or three people at my school from Edina or places like that. We all wore Vikings colors. Purple was it, so I just loved being treated to those teams. When they lost the Super Bowls, I was wrecked, so I know how teams feel. I’m not a fan anymore, but I know how fans feel when their teams don’t finish it after having a great season.”

Rushin’s family moved from Chicagoland to West 96th Street in central Bloomington before he turned 3. Instead of saving up money for a Tarkenton or Foreman jersey, he cajoled his mother into making a custom No. 88 in homage to Page.

One September Saturday in 1974, a friend enabled Rushin to stay at the Holiday Inn where Vikings players encamped the night before home games. Rushin wore his jersey as he stood in the lobby. He couldn’t find the words as Page strolled by, but the 1971 NFL MVP circled back, borrowed a pen, palmed Rushin’s head for a quick second and ascended the stairs.

It was an encounter Rushin deftly retold when writing a feature on Page for Sports Illustrated in July 2000.

“It’s just something that when I’m, knock on wood, 90 and my memories are fading, that will be one of the last five or six core memories I have: Alan Page walking through the doors of that Holiday Inn and me losing the ability to speak,” Rushin said almost another quarter century after becoming acquainted with Page while writing his feature.

With three television networks and no internet or smartphones, it was bigtime to be talked about by Howard Cosell on Monday Night Football. Rushin and friends thought the TV medium was so powerful they’d create signs to hold in front of a set in their living rooms.

“It was hard to square that Howard Cosell, on Monday Night Football, is talking about my hometown. To the icebox in Bloomington, Minnesota. Then you see on NFL Films, in slow motion, steam rising off Alan Page’s Afro after he removes his helmet. They were just larger than life, but then they were also at the hardware store. It was pretty mind-blowing as a kid.”

Come game day at the Met, however, the errand-running citizens transformed into mythic figures.

“Marshall and Eller and Page and Larsen, it was like the color of frostbite,” Rushin said. “It was like frostbite was coming to get you in the form of these guys in Purple.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LETS PLAY FOOTBALL

The Vikings wore their new jerseys for the home-opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Vikings honored the late Bud Grant before the game.

Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor

Chuck Foreman

*Fran Tarkenton, Quarterback (1998)

*Alan Page, Defensive Tackle (1998)

*Jim Finks, Administrator (1998)

*Bud Grant, Head Coach (1998)

*Paul Krause, Safety (1998)

Fred Zamberletti, Athletic Trainer (1998)

Jim Marshall, Defensive End (1999)

*Ron Yary, Tackle (2001)

Korey Stringer, Tackle (2001)

*Mick Tingelhoff, Center (2001)

*Carl Eller, Defensive End (2002)

*Cris Carter, Wide Receiver (2003)

Chuck Foreman was selected as the 12th overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Vikings out of Miami. His 8-season career consisted of seven seasons for the Vikings (1973-79) and one season for the Patriots (1980). He was known for dominating defenses with his quick reflexes as a running back. He was named NFC Rookie of the Year in 1973. He once held the Vikings all-time rushing record with 5,879 yards and tied for team record with 52 rushing TDs. He also posted 17 career 100 yard games. He was an integral part of the Vikings appearance in three Super Bowls. The Vikings inducted him into the Ring of Honor on Sept. 30, 2007.

Jerry Burns

Bill Brown, Running Back (2004)

Jerry Burns, Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator (2005)

*Randall McDaniel, Guard (2006)

Chuck Foreman, Running Back (2007)

*John Randle, DT (2008)

Scott Studwell, LB (2009)

*Chris Doleman, DE (2011)

Matt Blair, LB (2012)

Joey Browner, S (2013)

Jerry Burns coached for the Vikings for 24 seasons. He was Offensive Coordinator for 18 seasons from 1968-85 and Head Coach from 1986-91. He is the first coach in Vikings history to have a winning record in his first season (9-7 in 1986). He led the Vikings to the NFC Championship in 1987, earning upset wins over New Orleans and San Francisco along the way. As offensive coordinator, he helped the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances and 11 Central Division titles. Burns was part of 15 playoff teams during his 24 seasons with Minnesota. He was inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor on Nov. 6, 2005.

We want your youth stories!

Let’s Play Football is committed to covering the great game of football at all levels. We would love to feature your youth association in a future issue of Let’s Play Football.

Email editor@letsplayfootballmn.com.

Be sure to check us out at: www.letsplayfootballmn.com

Remembering Bud Grant: Bud the jokester

Bud Grant had the exterior of a drill sergeant, but underneath that tough guy look was a man who had a great sense of humor who loved to prank others.

According to Sports Illustrated, Bud loved to play April’s Fools jokes on the women in the office. He would often bring animals into the offices as well includ-

ing a chicken in the women’s restroom. He would often hide salamanders in desk drawers.

An avid hunter, we know how much he loved animals and creatures. He also loved being a jokester, even though once on the field, Bud was all business and football was no joke. Thanks again Bud for all of the great memories.

The Ring of Honor recognizes Vikings legends for their contributions to the success of the team on and off the field.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIKINGS.COM

Chuck Foreman played seven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIKINGS.COM

Burns led the Vikings to the NFC Championship in 1987 as head coach.

Bud Grant and Matt Blair at Wembley Stadium in 1983. Grant had a tough exterior and always a stern look on the sidelines, but he was one who loved to make people laugh off the field.

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

NSIC football Players of the Week

with 152 yards and a touchdown

- Averaged 5.2 yards per carry

- Has now rushed for more than 100 yards in a game twice this season and eight times in his career

Jack Strand (MSUM)

- Completed 30 passes for 299 yards and five passing touchdowns in MSUM’s 56-14 win over Minot State

- Had a completion percentage of 68.2 for the contest, finding six different receivers in the game

- Threw four touchdown passes in the first half and is one of only five quarterbacks in school history to throw five or more touchdowns in a game

and-out

- Right before halftime, had a strip sack stopping a late drive in the red zone

Khai West (MSU)

- Intercepted two passes against Wayne State

- One of his interceptions set up the Mavericks on the WSC 36, which led to a Maverick touchdown

- Recorded three tackles

Jack Bungarden (MSUM)

- Led the Dragons in tackles in their 56-14 win over Minot State on Saturday, tallying eight total tackles, including six solo takedowns

NSIC Offensive Player of the Week

#12 Kyle Walljasper (QB, 6-1, 232, R-So., Fond du Lac, Wis. / Fond du Lac HS) - Minnesota Duluth

- Led the NSIC in offensive touchdowns with six in a 41-21 win at NSU

- Turned in the third most rushing yards in the league with 110

- Ranked second in the NSIC with a 7.33 yards per rush average on 15 attempts

- Tied for the most rushing TDs (2), and the second most passing touchdowns (4)

- Had 120 passing yards for a total of 230 yards, and has now had back-toback games with five or more touchdowns

NSIC Defensive Player of the Week

#5 Griffin Wiegel (DB, 6-0, 185, R-So., Combined Locks, Wis. / Kimberly HS) - Winona State

- Recorded two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown, to go with four tackles (2 solo) in a 33-8 win over CSP

- The pick six came under a minute into the contest

- Notched his second pick of the day, denying CSP a touchdown opportunity with an interception in his own end zone

- One of three NSIC players to have two picks on the year

NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week

#8 Jacob Scott (K/P, 6-1, 180, Jr., Flower Mound, Texas / Marcus HS)Winona State

- Tied a Winona State placekicking record with four made field goals in Saturday’s 33-8 win over CSP

- Tied a career long when he hit a 48 yarder with 1:07 left in the first half

- Went 4-of-5 on field goal attempts in the game, hitting from 48, 37, 27 and 18 yards out

- Had 8 kickoffs, good for 450 yards and was 3-of-3 on PATs

- Lead the NSIC in scoring last week with 15 points

Others Under Consideration OFFENSE

Shen Butler-Lawson (MSU)

- Led the Maverick rushing attack

Dean Camden (USF)

- Went 12 of 14 for 187 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 36-17 win at UMary

- Also rushed four times, including one for a touchdown

- Hit Christian Janis for a 75 yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage

DEFENSE

Sherman Gradee (AUGIE)

- Recorded three sacks and four tackles for loss in Augustana’s 27-3 win at Chadron State

- The three sacks are a national single-game high in 2023

- The four tackles for loss are ranked fourth in the nation for a single game in 2023

- Was responsible for 23 lost yards for Chadron State

- Ranks sixth in the nation with an average of 1.5 sacks per game in 2023

Marcus Hansen (BSU)

- Had five tackles (four solo), three tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble

- The first sack forced a quick three-

- Also registered three and a half tackles for loss, accruing 13 lost yards on those plays

- Scored a touchdown by recovering a blocked punt, putting MSUM up 42-7

SPECIAL TEAMS

Devon Jone (AUGIE)

- Reset the school record he broke last week with an 89-yard punt return for a touch-down

- Marked his second punt return touchdown of the season

- Ranks first in all of NCAA football (regardless of division) with two punt return touch-downs

- His punt returns this past Saturday at Chadron State resulted in an average of 47 yards per return

- His average of 41.1 yards per return leads NCAA Division II

Tate Gustafson (MSUM)

- Blocked a punt in MSUM’s 56-14 win over Minot State on Saturday with the block resulting in a Dragon touchdown.

- Tallied seven total tackles, including five solo stops in the win.

UMD defeats Northern State 41-21 in Aberdeen

line, essentially setting up Walljasper’s eventual 1-yard rushing TD a little over a minute later to give the Bulldogs a 4114 lead.

On the road for the first time this season, the University of Minnesota Duluth football team used a 35-point first half to overwhelm Northern State University 41-21 at Dacotah Bank Stadium in Aberdeen, S.D.

UMD, appearing in its first Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference game of the season, was again led again by redshirt sophomore quarterback Kyle Walljasper, who compiled four passing touchdowns in addition to a pair of rushing TDs for his second-straight game with five or more touchdowns. Overall, the Bulldogs recorded a total of 313 yards on offense, including 193 rushing yards. The win not only puts UMD 2-0 on the young season, but also marks the 99th career win for head coach Curt Wiese.

The Bulldog offense took almost no time to ignite, and within four minutes, UMD marched down the field off the opening kick and scored on a 8-yard pass up the middle from Walljasper to redshirt sophomore tight end Sam Pitz.

After NSU picked up a 2-yard rushing touchdown at the 8:54 mark, UMD responded quickly with a shotgun pass from Walljasper to sophomore wide receiver Jimmy Durocher in the back of

the endzone for a 22-yard touchdown. An extra point by Curt Cox made it a 14-7 game, but the Bulldogs were far from done.

With 55 seconds left in the opening quarter, Walljasper pitched to Cooper Yeary on a sweep, and Yeary rushed to the right for a six-yard touchdown for UMD’s third in the first 15 minutes.

The Wolves struck on another rushing TD by quarterback Colton Hackel less than two minutes into the second quarter, but it was all UMD from there. Walljasper threw 17 yards to the back right of the endzone to Pitz again, and the TE managed to get his foot down for

his second TD of the night and third in two games at 10:27.

UMD added one last touchdown run with 11 seconds left in the second quarter, a 1-yard run by Walljasper for the Bulldogs fifth TD of the half. Cox hit his fifth extra point through the uprights, and UMD owned a 35-14 lead at halftime.

After a scoreless third period by both sides, UMD’s defense delivered its second interception of the night off a red zone stand that was completed with a pick by Tim Pokornowksi at 14:35.

Pokornowski returned his interception a whopping 95 yards to NSU’s 4-yard

The Wolves scored with 5:57 left in regulation, but would get no closer to the Bulldogs, who have now tallied more than 40 points in back-to-back games after putting up 47 against Northern Michigan University in the season opener.

On the defensive side, redshirt sophomore defensive back Alex Sylvester led with six solo tackles, while Pokornowski and Landon Carter both turned in interceptions for UMD, which has grabbed four picks in its first two games. Three players logged solo sacks in the outing – Drew Hennessey, Mason Wilson and Caden Osmonson.

Offensively, Walljasper was 8-12 in the air for 120 yards, and a UMD-high three of those receptions were hauled in by Pitz, who logged 35 yards with his two TDs for a 11.7 yard per catch average. Outside of Walljasper’s 15 carries on the ground for 113 yards and two touchdowns, senior running back Daniel Mitchell had seven carries for 39 yards, while Chamere Thomas had 40 yards over four carries, including a team-long 25 yard run. In all, UMD outran NSU 193-171, but the Wolves had 224 passing yards to the Bulldogs 120.

UMD will return to James S. Malosky Stadium next Saturday to host its 10th annual Military Appreciation Day during its NSIC showdown against Sioux Falls University. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF UMDBULLDOGS.COM/KORY BURDICK

University of Minnesota Duluth had a massive first quarter, putting up 21 points.

Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

SJU’s Buck named to 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John’s University senior wide receiver Jimmy Buck (Orono, Minn.) is one of 22 student-athletes across all divisions of college football named to the 2023 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

This year marks the 32nd anniversary of the award, which was established in 1992 to recognize a select group of college football players who have made a commitment to service and enriching the lives of others.

A fan vote will run from now until Nov. 22 at www.ESPN.com/Allstate to decide this year’s Allstate AFCA Good Works Team Captain. Fans may cast one vote per device each day.

Buck is one of four honorees from the NCAA Division III level – joining offensive lineman Evan Ginter of Bethel, safety Cameron Bannister of Central (Iowa) and running back Spencer Uggla of Johns Hopkins (Md.) – and one of just two wide receivers (Georgia’s Ladd McConkey).

Buck is the seventh Johnnie to be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team and the sixth in the last seven seasons: defensive lineman Michael Wozniak ‘22, quarterback Chris Backes ‘21, offensive lineman Ben Bartch ‘20,

quarterback Jackson Erdmann ‘19 and wide receiver Will Gillach ‘19. Defensive end Kevin McNamara ‘07 was the first SJU student-athlete to receive the honor in 2006.

The 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team will be invited to New Orleans to participate in a special community service project ahead of the 2024 Allstate Sugar Bowl, where the entire team will also be recognized on the field at halftime on New Year’s Day.

A 2022 All-MIAC selection, Buck started all 12 games last fall and tied for the team lead in receptions (68). He was second in receiving yards (899) and receiving touchdowns (8). He totaled 35 catches for 560 yards (16.0 avg.) and three touchdowns over a five-game

stretch. Buck started his senior season with 101 catches for 1,450 yards (14.4 avg.) and 15 touchdowns in 24 career games at SJU. He suffered an injury in the first half of the season-opening win over Trinity (Texas) Sept. 2 and aims to return soon.

Off the field, Buck is in his second year serving as the president of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University’s St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Club on campus. The club holds bi-weekly meetings and contacts businesses to partner with for fundraising events. He is also the president of SJU Football’s St. Jude committee and has set a record fundraising goal of $50,000 for 2023. The team raised over $47,000 in 2022 and already sur-

passed $62,000 this fall. Buck was introduced to St. Jude’s as a teen committee member in high school, where he was a named a top teen fundraiser in Minnesota in 2018 and 2019.

Since September 2022, Buck has served as a student ambassador for Neolth, which is an external company, not associated with CSB+SJU, that creates programs and app-based tools for teens/young adults to manage stress and promote mental health. He was named a top Neolth ambassador in 2022.

Buck and his family volunteered 10-15 times each year from 2013-2020 at St. Stephen’s Human Services (now known as Agate Housing and Services) in downtown Minneapolis. The family purchased food, prepared and served it for the homeless at the shelter.

A psychology major (pre-medicine emphasis), Buck interned (unpaid) this past summer with Touchstone Mental Health in Minneapolis. Touchstone is a non-profit that provides mental health resources via residential treatment, community services and housing programs for people aged 55+.

No. 9 SJU (1-1 overall) begins MIAC play in two weeks by hosting No. 18 Bethel at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, in Clemens Stadium.

BU’s Ginter named to 2023 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Fifth-year offensive lineman Evan Ginter is the latest Royal to be named to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced that he was one of the 22 players selected from the 136 nominees and was one of 11 chosen from the divisions of NCAA FCS, DII, DIII and NAIA.

Ginter is Bethel’s 17th overall selection as the Royals extend their incredible streak to 11 consecutive years of a student-athlete being recognized, ranking as the second longest streak in the awards 32 years of activation. BU now ranks in a tie for second in all-time honorees with Kentucky and is only behind Georgia (23).

The Lindstrom, Minn., native has put countless hours of community service dating to his time at Chisago Lakes High School. While at Bethel he has been an elementary school tutor for Arrive Ministries which helps refugees and immigrants transition to their new life

in the United States. He also served as a shift leader which aids new students at BU in helping them transition into the college atmosphere. Other community service includes being a Fellowship of Christian Athletes after school leader,

high school and middle school strength and condition coach and helping serve community meals at Zion Lutheran Church.

On the field, he is a two-time All-MIAC honoree and starting center the last

three years for the Royals. He has guided the Royals in their two NCAA Playoff appearances including last season’s quarterfinal run that saw them finish the year ranked No. 5 in the nation.

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. The AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need. Allstate worked to present the award starting with the 2008 season.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) leads all conferences with 84 selections to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team since it began in 1992. The SEC is followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference with 55 selections and the Big 12 Conference and Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, both with 41 selections.

Three receivers eclipse 100 yards in Carleton’s win

took advantage of the opportunity scoring touchdowns on their second, third and fourth possessions of the game.

Minn-Morris 0-3

MORRIS, Minn. – The Carleton College football team got off to an early lead at the University of Minnesota Morris’s Big Cat Stadium and did not look back in a 38-12 win over the Cougars. The Knights tallied nearly 500 yards of total offense, while the defense forced four turnovers. In his third career start, quarterback Jack Curtis was 30-of-38 for 362 yards, and had five touchdowns, setting his new career-high.

The Knights’ defense made their presence felt immediately, forcing the Cougars to punt on all three of the first quarter possessions. Carleton’s offense

“I love this team. We continue to practice and prepare at a high level. It was a very nice road victory with contributions from a lot of people,” said Carleton head coach Tom Journell. “Our coaches had a great plan on both sides of the ball and we executed at a high level.”

The first seven points came on a 4th-and-5 play, when Curtis found Tyler Dimond open over the middle for a 41yard touchdown with 5:36 to go in the first quarter.

On the next UM-Morris possession, Carleton’s defense forced the Cougars to punt from their own 25-yard line following a sack by seniors Michael Carey and Isaac Simons.

Thirty seconds into the second quarter, Curtis hit Ntense Obono in the corner of the endzone for a nine-yard touchdown pass to make the score 14-0.

The Cougars began their next drive

on their own 40-yard line, looking for an answer. But on the first play, Henry Detmer picked off quarterback Marcus Reeb. Taking over at their own 40-yard line following a penalty on the interception return, the Knights needed just four plays to find the endzone for the second Curtis to Dimond touchdown of the afternoon, this one a 31-yarder up the sideline.

The Cougars responded with a promising 69-yard drive, but were shut down by the Knights inside the 10-yard line. UM-Morris was forced to bring out Alex Happ and the kicking team for a 23-yard field goal, that finally put the Cougars on the board.

Each team added a field goal making the halftime score 24-6 in favor of the road team.

The Knights momentum continued into the second half, as Dimond returned the opening kick to the Cougars’ 40-yard line, leading to a balanced drive capped off by a 10-yard touchdown strike from

At the start of the fourth quarter, the Knights’ Sam Chutkow recovered a fumble inside Cougar territory. Six plays later, Streiff pulled in his second touchdown of the day. The 17-yard scoring pass was Curtis’ fifth of the afternoon. UM-Morris scored its lone touchdown of the day as the clock ran out, leading to the final score of 38-12.

For the second consecutive week, the Carleton Knights finished with three receivers above 100 yards: Obono (11 rec, 128 yards, 1 TD), Streiff (9 rec, 104 yards, 2 TDs), and Dimond (6 rec, 103 yards, 2 TDs).

Carey led the way for Carleton’s defense, finishing with nine tackles. He and Simons both tallied 1.5 sacks. Detmer, Josiah Tusler, and Scott Gevurtz each finished with an interception, and cornerback Chutkow recovered the fumble.

The Knights Carleton hosts Hamline University Saturday, Sept. 23, at Laird Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIACATHLETICS.COM

Jimmy Buck started all 12 games last fall and tied for the team lead in receptions with 68.

Curtis to Nathan Streiff.

Ginter is Bethel’s 17th overall selection as the Royals extend their incredible streak to 11 consecutive years of a student-athlete being recognized, ranking as the second longest streak in the awards 32 years of activation.

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VIKINGS HOSTING TWO GAMES FOR 2023 PREP SPOTLIGHT SERIES AT TCO STADIUM

The Minnesota Vikings and Twin Cities Orthopedics are dedicated to supporting high school football in our community. For the past five years, the Vikings have hosted the Vikings Prep Spotlight series, an opportunity for high school teams to play a regular season game at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minn.

Past Prep Spotlight results:

2022

Sept. 15, 2022 East Ridge (54) vs Hopkins (6)

Oct. 18, 2022

2021

Bloomington Jefferson (21) vs Chanhassen (35)

Sept. 10, 2021 Robbinsdale Cooper (14) vs. Waconia (20)

Sept. 17, 2021

2019

Sept. 20, 2019

St Thomas Academy (41) vs. Cretin-Derham Hall (14)

Eden Prairie (14) vs. Shakopee (6)

Sept. 27, 2019 Chaska (21) vs. Apple Valley (0)

Sept. 28, 2019 Rochester Mayo (21) vs. Mankato West (58)

2018

Sept. 28, 2018

Oct. 12, 2018

Farmington (41) vs. Eagan (28)

Lakeville North (38) vs. Prior Lake (3)

Nov. 9, 2018 Lakeville North (35) vs. St. Michael-Albertville (8)

Nov. 10, 2018 Elk River (23) vs. Spring Lake Park (21)