September 2022 Volume 4 • Number 1 • Issue 16 PARTNERPROUDOFTHE Are youforreadysome Football?Bestofthe Best a look at Minnesota’s top...pageplayers8 Inside: Prep Spotlight...Page 3 The meaning of football...Page 4 From underlooked to Power 5 commit...Page 10 Girls flag football league debuts...Page 11 The path less taken...Page 12 A closer look at the Vikings draft...Page 13 Tommy Time...Page 16 Developing grit in youth athletes...Page 18 Vikings Schedule...Page 19
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streamed through Neighborhood Sports Network at NSPN.TV.Formedia requests and information contact Taylor Garner, Vikings Com munications Coordinator (garnert@vi kings.nfl.net). VIKINGS PREP HISTORY:SPOTLIGHT 2018 (*MSHSL quarterfinal play offs)9/28 Farmington 41, Eagan 28 10/12 Lakeville North 38, Prior Lake11/9*3 Lakeville North 35, St. Mi chael/Albertville 8 11/10* Owatonna 42, Chaska 27 11/10* Elk River 23, Spring Lake Park9/20201921 Eden Prairie 14, Shakopee 6 9/27 Chaska 21, Apple Valley 0 9/28 Mankato West 58, Rochester Mayo9/10202121Waconia 20, Robbinsdale Coo per 149/17 St. Thomas Academy 21, Cre tin-Derham Hall 14 Vikings to host two Prep Spotlight games at TCO Stadium
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The Minnesota Vikings will host a pair of high school football games this season at TCO Stadium as part of the Vikings Prep Spotlight series presented by Twin Cities Orthopedics. The 2022 games will be the 11th and 12th prep games played at TCO Stadium. Thursday, September 15 – Hopkins vs. East Ridge (home team) at 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 18 – Chanhassen vs. Bloomington Jefferson (home team) at 7 Vikingsp.m. Prep Spotlight began with the opening of TCO Performance Center and TCO Stadium in 2018. The ability to host high school and youth football events at the facility was a primary focus in the design of the campus. The Vikings have hosted seven Prep Spotlight games since beginning the program in 2018 and three state playoff games in 2018. Ticketed student fans will be of fered discounted admission to the Min nesota Vikings Museum ($10). Parking is free, and fans can access lots via Vi kings Parkway or Ames Crossing, using the 2600 Vikings Circle address. Walkup tickets will be available at TCO Sta dium and ticket pricing will be at the regular home team rate- $8 adults/$5 students for East Ridge and $7/$5 for Jefferson. Tickets are available ticketmaster.com/vikings/PrepSpotlightBloomingtonVSChanhassenam.am.ticketmaster.com/vikings/PrepSpotat:
Let’s Play Footballwww.letsplayfootballmn.com September 1, 2022 3
Don Swanson Scholarship: Daniel Avre (Minneapolis South)
Several high school seniors received scholarships through the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and talked about their experience. Here are those players and what they said (courtesy of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association). continued on Page 5__________________
Dave Hylla Scholarship: Alex Mcphee (Proctor)
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Andy Nelson Scholarship: Drew Sagedahl (BOLD)
“In the Murray County Central Rebel football program we operate under five core values: Toughness, Effort, Discipline, Commitment, and Family. These values guide our actions on the field, but more importantly can be implemented off the field to make us better men as well. Finally and most importantly family, or as we call it, the glue. Fami ly is the people around us who suffer when we suffer and flourish when we flourish.”
“As I grew, I learned that football not only teaches athletic skills but also teaches team work, discipline, perseverance, goal-setting, time-management and many more invalu able life-skills. Football has taught me leadership skills and I put those skills to work by being named a 3 year captain. My favorite part is the team bonding and becoming life-long friends with kids from many types of backgrounds.”
“I have always been a little on the smaller side, especially out on the football field, but I learned that physical attributes can only take you so far. The bigger, stronger, faster kids start with an advantage, but it’s those who are willing to give the most effort who will be the most successful in the end. Determination is a lesson that I will take with me for the rest of my life, and I have football to thank for that.”
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“I have made some unbreakable bonds with many guys I normally wouldn’t come across. Football taught me how to work through the toughest of times and the power of working together. It showed me how to trust people with everything I’ve got. I learned through this sport, that the size of your heart matters a lot more than the size pads you wear.”
“My senior season, my coaches asked if I would lead the team as the quarterback. I said yes and never looked back. This position has helped me with my leadership skills, men tal toughness, and confidence. I am proud to say I am a three sport athlete with football making more of an impact on who I am today as an athlete and individual.”
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Al Siegle Scholarship: Jack Novak (New London-Spicer)
“Football has taught me to be tough physically and mentally when faced with adversity in any aspect of life. Another thing football has taught me is to be resilient. Many times throughout a game or a season you can be knocked down and feel hopeless, but no matter what, you need to get back up and fight for the ones around you. There are many lessons to be learned from football.”
“Every fall, nothing would bring more joy than knowing I get to put on that helmet yet again. However, the sport did far more than bring me joy. It has taught valuable lessons about hard word, dedication, determination, persistence, and so much more. Even more, these qualities have pushed me as a student in the classroom, much of which is illumi nated in my nearly perfect grades throughout high school.”
Scholarships
Les Drechsel Scholarship: Trey Feeney (Moorhead)
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Steve Sillianoff Scholarship: Derek Ashland (Lakeville South)
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David Nigon Scholarship: Adam Shaw (Hancock)
“In my football career, after taking their advice and pushing myself, I have 32 football victories. We were state runner-up and ranked first in the state this shortened football season. Football has taught me to keep pushing through hard times, stay committed, and never back down from a challenge.”
The meaning of football 2021 MFCA scholarship winners speak out on what football means to them
Contributors Ryan Johnson, Eric Kohn, Malik Mitchell, Tyler Forness, Tom Fenton, Josh Levine, Tom Ritters. Website/Digital Coordinator Jimmy Burgess Photography Craig Johnson, Libby Auger, Josh Muntifering, Christine Wisch, Greg Nayman
Tom Mahoney Scholarship: Rylan Behnke (Murray County Central)
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“Football has shown me the meaning of hard work, toughness, and leadership.
Valuable Player 2-time
Bob Peterson Scholarship: Beau Burk (Ogilvie) “This opportunity (football) has led me to strive to go to college and just play football, but further my education and work towards getting a degree. Without football, I would not know what I would be doing at the next step of my life, but football has given me the opportunity to set me on a path to succeed in life.”
Honors and Awards: 2-time Team Most Valuable Player 3-time All District selection 2-time District
“One of the biggest lessons that I have learned from football is teamwork. Another impact that football has had on me is teaching me the importance of not giving up. Communication is another thing that has made a huge impact on me. Lastly, football has left me with relationships. The time you get to spend with your teammates and coaches throughout the season is never going to be forgot ten.”
“Football has impacted my life through a few lessons taught by the sport. First, respect from your team and coaches. Earning respect from an authority figure takes hard work, being a team player, and effectively playing your position.
Warren Olson Scholarship: Grant Sussner (Chaska)
“Football impacted my life by teaching me about adversity. Despite difficult sit uations I may encounter, I will need to work through them to succeed. Football’s biggest impact on my life was how it taught me to give one hundred percent effort at all times. My effort on a run play could either lead to a touchdown or a two yard gain, and I learned to enjoy my role in these plays on offense and defense.”
Scholarships continued from Page 4_____________________________________________
“The Chaska Hawks football program has taught me not only how to excel in the game of football but has also taught me the importance of service, commu nity, integrity, and hard work. The lessons football and my coaches have given me has influenced me to become the best version of myself. Without football I would not be the man I am today.”
“Football has taught me what it’s like to be part of a team and how to be a valu able asset and leader. Football will continue to keep me busy and goal oriented, as well as remain healthy and fit. Football has shaped me into what I am today and without it, I am not sure what I would be looking forward to or where I would be in life.”
Emmett Johnson, a running back/ strong safety from Academy of Holy An gels was named Mr. Football for 2021 by the Minnesota Football Coaches Associ ation (MFCA). The award was presented at the Mr. Football Banquet on Sunday December 5 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Park Place Hotel in St. Louis Park.The Academy of Holy Angels Stars are members of the Suburban District, Red Sub-District and MSHSL Class 4A. First presented in 2004, the Mr. Foot ball Award is an annual award recogniz ing Minnesota’s best high school football player. The Mr. Football Award is co-spon sored by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and the Minnesota Vikings. Emmett Johnson is the 18th player to receive the Mr. Football Award and the first from Academy of Holy Angels. His head coach was Jim Gunderson. Here are Jim Gunderson’s comments about Emmett Johnson: “Emmett Johnson is a well-rounded individual who is able to build solid and trusting relationships amongst his peers and was elected a 2-time captain in foot ball, basketball and 1 X captain in Track. Emmett is one of the most driven, humble and charismatic people we have ever had in the program. Throughout high school, Emmett always placed team values ahead of individual recognition and success. He plays both offense and defense and just makes plays. God has blessed Emmett with the best skill set I have ever seen at Holy Angels.” Here are some highlights from Em mett Johnson’s outstanding 2021 season and his high school football career: Most Kare
Going into my senior year, and as a captain on our team, I had to redefine what it meant to be a leader. I have a very competitive personality which can lead me to be more intense, but throughout the year I had to balance that competitive aspect with a more compassionate aspect of myself.
Emmett Johnson named 2021 Mr. Football
Jim Gustafson Scholarship: Marcus Hansen (Waseca)
Jim Simser Scholarship: Ryan Rasmussen (Delano)
Let’s Play Footballwww.letsplayfootballmn.com September 1, 2022 5
2021 Mr. Football finalists
John Gross Scholarship: Carter Johnson (Redwood Valley)
11 All-Metro selection Star Tribune First Team All-Metro selec Startion Tribune Metro Player of the Year South(2021)All-Star Team selection (2021) Minnesota Vikings All-State selection 2021 Statistics 326Offensecarries for 2484 yards 41 touchdowns 42 total touchdowns 7 receptions for 51 yards 2733 all-purpose yards 1071Defensetacklestackles for loss 2 interceptions 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery Special Teams 3 punt returns for 28 yards 4 kickoff returns for 181 yards and one 624697623CareertouchdownStatistics:carriesyardstouchdowns 66 total touchdowns 26 receptions for 290 yards 5868 all-purpose yards. 138 tackles 15 tackles for loss 3 interceptions 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery Name School Position Sub-District Class Jack Boyle Chaska RB Suburban-White 5A TJ Chiabotti North Woods RB/LB Northeast-Silver 1A Connor Develice Andover QB North Central-Black 5A Eli Gillman Dassel-Cokato RB/CB/KR East Central-South 3A Ryan Haley Mankato West RB/LB Big Southeast-Red 5A Lucas Heyer Hill-Murray OL/DL Suburban-Grey 4A Kristen Hoskins Alexandria Area WR/RB/KR North Central-Red 5A Derrick Jameson Jr. Maple Grove RB/KR Metro Gold-North 6A Drew Kittelson Blooming Prairie QB/CB Mid Southeast-White 2A
“The sport of football will have a lasting impact on my life. The game itself has taught me leadership, sportsmanship, and to play as ONE team. I am forever grateful for the teammates and coaches that I have had throughout my football career. While playing football I’ve learned to become a better student, team mate, and person.”
Dale Scholl Scholarship: Connor Josephson (Redwood Valley)
Football has shown me the true value of hard work as the grit of the game can bring glory, but other times a loss teaches you hard work can still get you to the final goal.
Ron Scott Scholarship: Isaac Collier (LeRoy-Ostrander)
Dick Walker Scholarship: Tyson Michels (Litchfield)
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What an amazing time of year! Fam ilies, students and teachers are returning to school; the Great Minnesota Get-To gether is upon us, and most importantly for those reading this magazine, Football is Back!With a return to relative normal cy, we can all look forward to another amazing year of Minnesota High School Football! Across the state, numbers look outstanding, and given the quality of the Zero Week games this past week, we are in for a very competitive season all the way from 9-Man to 6A! Once again, I have been tasked to share with you thoughts and perspectives of this great sport from the Official’s perspective. Throughout the season, the premise of this article will differ. Some weeks, I may discuss officiating phi losophy. Other weeks I may walk you through game situations unique to high school football. One aspect, however, will ALWAYS remain constant, and is so important in our sport’s culture today: Parents support, coaches coach, and of ficials officiate. Minnesota is an educa tional-based athletic construct. Activities in Minnesota are not “extra”-curricular, they are “co”-curricular. We all have to not only remember that, but it must be in ternalized!Tobegin this year, I will share with you the rule changes for the upcoming season. While most rule changes are ad ministrative (i.e. jersey numbering, play ers area, etc) there are three changes that must be mentioned as they have a big im pact on game play. First is Rule 2-3-8. This change re defines a chop block (high-low block). This year, An alteration to Rule 2-3-8 ad dressed the new definition of a chop block, which is now described as “a combination block by two or more teammates against an opponent other than the runner, with or without delay, where one of the blocks is below the waist and one of the blocks is above the waist.” Previously, the defen sive player’s knee was used to determine the high and low components of a chop block.
“If the defense makes a good play, are we bail ing out the offense by letting the quarterback throw the ball away?”
The next change is that Rule 7-5-2 EXCEPTION 2 now permits a player to purposefully throw an incomplete forward pass without warranting an intentional grounding penalty provided the passer is outside of “the pocket” (lateral boundary of the free-blocking zone) and the pass reaches the neutral zone or the extension of the neutral zone beyond the sideline. “The question (with this rule) has always been, ‘if the defense makes a good play, are we bailing out the offense by letting the quarterback throw the ball away?’” said Richard McWhirter, Chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee and Assistant Executive Director of the Ten nessee Secondary School Athletic Asso ciation. “This year, I think the committee felt the wellbeing of the passers and not subjecting them to extra hits was worth changing the rule.” As an official, these two changes are welcome as they are both meant to miti gate the possibility of injury for our stu dent Lastly,athletes.two minor changes involving game clock and play clock procedures were made to Rules 3-4-7 and 3-6-1a(1)e EXCEPTIONS, respectively. In Rule 3-47, any foul committed within the last two minutes of either half will automatically result in the offended team’s option to start the game clock on the snap. Prior to this change, the offended team was required to accept its opponent’s penalty in order to gain control of the game clock. The com mittee edited the EXCEPTIONS to Rule 3-6-1a(1)e, which clarify the necessary conditions for an abbreviated 25-second play clock after a stoppage in play. This rule now includes an exception for Rule 3-5-7i, mandating that a 40-second play clock be employed following a foul com mitted only by the defensive team. Next issue, I will discuss the points of emphasis set forth for the season by the MSHSL and the NFHS. Thank you for your time! As always if you have any questions regarding rules, a game situa tion that you need clarified, or information about becoming a high school official, please feel free to contact me at twriit ters@gmail.com.
The zebras are back in the field by TOM RITTERS Let’s Play Football Contributor
Game notes Here are the game’s most valuable players:For Team North, the defensive MVP was Darius Givance of Cham plin Park; offensive MVP was Mon ticello wide receiver Wyatt Sawatzke.
Jayce Walrath, a linebacker out of Sauk Rapids-Rice, was one of 44 players on Team North.
Let’s Play Footballwww.letsplayfootballmn.com September 1, 2022 7
Few will remember the result. All will remember the experience. Eighty-eight of the best senior football players in Minnesota began the week not really knowing their teammates for the 49th Annual Minne sota Football Showcase, sharing only a common passion for the sport. By the time they left the field Dec. 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium, the number of friend ships established were countless. The final score was 12-7 in favor of Team South. The game was under standably void of offensive highlights and flow considering each team had three days to practice and get to know eachButother.by the time the players left the field after countless pictures with family and friends on the field of a first-class NFL facility, the final score meant“Itlittle.wasfantastic being able to meet everybody and put faces to names,” said Moorhead defensive lineman Jack Teiken, a University of North Dakota recruit. “It’s been incredible. It’s spe cial what the Vikings put together for us. Being able to play in a facility like this is an amazing opportunity. I’m going to remember everyone I played with and the relationships I made.” The All-Star Showcase is about much more than the game itself. Sure, the players have fun and want to win. However, the 72-hours of meeting new friends with the same interests easily out-weighs the final score. When the players first met at a banquet to kick off the showcase, most were quiet. After all, these are high school boys who might not be the first to open a conversation. After one practice, that changed. “Three days went by really fast. It started out and everybody was qui et,” said Sauk Rapids-Rice linebacker/ tight end Jayce Walrath, who has of fers to continue his career at Bemidji State and Northern State. “A few days later, I made a bunch of new friends and people were giving each other haircuts. It was a fun expe
“Hanging out in the hotel rooms after practices was great, but football is what unites us. We all have that in common.”
rience to come out here with a new set of guys I’ve never played with, learn the defense and offense and just see everybody come out and compete.” Competition. Relationships. Fun. Those were the words nearly ev eryone who played used when talking about their All-Star Showcase experi ence.“Meeting these guys has been something special,” said Jack Teiken, a defensive lineman and University of North Dakota recruit. “At the banquet, we didn’t really talk to each other at all. By the last day, we’ve got brand new friendships that will last a life time.” Aesthetically, the game left some to be desired. Punters were busy, quar terbacks had hard times finding receiv ers and running backs struggled to find openOnespace.of the biggest plays of the game was turned in by Tyrique Wil liams, a defensive back from Chanhas sen. He intercepted a pass and went untouched for a 54-yard touchdown to give his team a 12-0 lead with 4:43 remaining in the first half. “This was a great time,” Williams said. “I met a lot of people and I’m hoping to have friends forever from this. And I got defensive MVP. He threw it straight to me, but no one is catching me after that. I’m too fast.” The game’s first score came on a 15-yard pass from Jacob Eggert of Mankato East to Tyler Von Bank of Mound-Westonka. He celebrated with a Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson “griddy” dance in the same end zone which the second-year star receiver has become familiar. “My griddy needs a little work, but we were planning on that as a cele bration,” Von Bank said. “I don’t have words for what it felt like to get into the end zone here. My quarterback threw a good ball and I just caught it. This was a dream. These guys around me are amazing, and I feel like I’ve known them my entire life.”
“It was super-fun getting to meet all the guys and just competing one last time before our high school ex perience was over,” Callahan said. “It was bittersweet, but stepping on this field again brought back some mem ories. I’ll remember all the guys and how amazing this was.
For Team South, the defen sive MVP was Tyrique Williams of Chanhassen; offensive MVP was Holy Angels running bac Emmett Johnson. Bison well-represented Eight players who participated in the Showcase have committed to play for FCS powerhouse North Dakota State. They are: Toby Anene of East Ridge, Darius Givance of Champlin Park, Logan Larson of East Ridge, Kaden Zenzen of Barnesville, Devin Lockerby of Faribault, Nathaniel Stae hling of Brainerd and Mehki Collins of Mankato West.
2021 HS Football Showcase highlights state’s top players by TOM FENTON Let’s Play Football Contributor Team South took home the trophy in the 49th Annual Minnesota High School Football Showcase at U.S. Bank Field last Decem ber.
Team North got on the board with a nine-yard touchdown pass when quarterback Connor Develice of An dover connected with Wyatt Sawatzke of Monticello with 2:45 remaining. Team North got the ball back with 1:45 remaining and got the ball into Team South territory, but an intercep tion from Zach Juckel of Lakeville South the victory. When all gathered after the Team South victory, it was impossible to tell which team won. Becker linebacker Carter Callah an played on the same field his Bull dogs lost in stunning fashion to Kas son-Mantorville in the Class AAAA semifinals. For him, it was an enjoy able end to a dominant season that ended in disappointment.
PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON Eli Gillman of Dassel-Cokato played for Team North.
Reese Tripp, an offensive tackle from Kasson-Mantorville is 6’7” and 315 pounds and is committed to play for Coach Fleck at the University of Minnesota.
Jaxon Howard of Robbinsdale Cooper is the top-rated prospect in Minnesota and recently committed to LSU. The 6’4” 245-pound edge rusher was rranked 14th nationally at his position. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
Howard will graduate early and head to LSU in January. He is the son of former Minnesota Vikings second-round draft pick David Howard, who was cho sen in the second round in 2002.
Jerome Williams is an interior offen sive lineman from Osseo High School. He is the no .1 ranked offensive linemen and no .2 overall in Minnesota. With offers from Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, Miz zou, and West Virginia. This 4-star re cruit chose to stay home and play for the University of Minnesota on 2/2/22. With a stellar performance from last season, he earned second-team All-State honors playing right tackle.
Jaxon Howard School: Robbinsdale Cooper HS Position: Edge Ranked 14th nationally in his position 6’4 / College4-Star245RecruitCommit: LSU Jaxon Howard is an edge rusher and a tight-end from Robbinsdale Cooper High School. This high school phenom has been the focus of attention since his freshman year. He is a 4-star recruit with over 50 confirmed FBS offers and has taken the title of Minnesota’s top high school football player. After tak ing an official visit in late June, Howard committed to LSU July 1. Last season he helped lead his team to the Class 5A state tournament making it to the semifi nals before losing to Mahtomedi.
BestBesttheof
—Top Continuedplayers—onPage 9
Reese Tripp is an offensive tackle for Kasson-Mantorville High School. This 3-star recruit has worked his way to become the third-ranked offensive lineman in the state. Last season, he led his team to the Class 4A Championship playing both sides of the ball. He will join two native offensive linemen after his commitment to the Gophers on Jan. 31. His talents landed him division 1 of fers from Central Michigan, Iowa State, and Temple.
Jerome Williams School: Osseo High School Position: Offensive Linemen 6’4 / 285 4 Star MinnesotaCollegeRecruitCommit:
Howard had narrowed his college list to four schools, including the Go phers, University of Miami and Michi gan. He decided on LSU. He was ranked just outside the top 100 recruits nation ally, finishing at 102. He ranked 14th na tionally at his position.
Let’s Play Football8 September 1, 2022 www.letsplayfootballmn.com
Jaxon Howard of Cooper leads list of strong Minnesota prospects
Reese Tripp School: College36’7Position:Kasson-MantorvilleOffensiveTackle/315StarRecruitCommit:Minnnesota
Just like most years, Minnesota will produce plenty of top end talent when teams hit the gridiron Sept. 1. Below are ten of the top senior play ers to watch this season as teams collide in search of a coveted trip to U.S. Bank Sttadium to compete in the Prep Bowl. No other prospect ranked higher than Robbinsdale Cooper’s Jaxon Howard, who will head to LSU next season. All 10 of these players have commit ted to a Division I school, and our home town Golden Gophers have nabbed seven of them.Here is a closer look at each of the top players to hit the field this fall.
Greg Johnson School: Prior Lake High School Position: Offensive Tackle 6’5 / 280 3 Star CollegeRecruitCommit: Minnesota Greg Johnson is an offensive tackle for Prior Lake High School. Johnson has earned his place as the second-ranked offensive linemen in the state of Minne sota. Johnson has chosen to play at the home of the 10,000 lakes after receiving division 1 offers from Iowa State, Illi nois State, Ball State, and the University of Montana. His commitment to the Go phers took place May 7.
Let’s Play Football Contributor
Elinneus Davis School: Moorhead High School Position: Defensive Linemen 6’3 / 295 3 Star CollegeRecruitCommit: Washington Elinneus Davis is a defensive line man from Moorhead High School. Last season, Davis led his team to the Section 8AAAAA Semifinal. This 3-star recruit is the no. 2 defensive linemen in the state of Minnesota. With several Power by MALIK MITCHELL
Five offers from Iowa State, Minnesota, Colorado, Kansas, and Illinois. He has decided to attend Washington next fall.
It’s difficult to predict which teams will come out on top as we head into Week 1 of the high school football season. But below are some teams to watch for this fall who are coming off strong 2021 campaigns and looks to be a force on the field again in Class2022. Mayer1ALutheran The Mayer Lutheran Crusaders are coming off their first Class A Championship after beating Minneota 20-14. Last season the Crusaders went 13-1 to complement their championship win. With some returning starters it looks like they could write the same TheMinneotastory.Minneota Vikings were undefeated in the regular season last season holding six teams scoreless. The Vikings were also able to score 50 points or more in five games.
St. Agnes St. Agnes went 9-2 last season, only taking one loss during the regular season. They made an emphasis on high scores and shutting teams out. Their season came to an end in the Section 4A Championship by Minneapolis North 42-6.
Linebacker Alex Elliott of Hutchinson is committed to the Gophers.
FairmountFairmont went 9-2 last season taking losses from Blue Earth Area and Dassel-Cokato. They achieved high scoring wins only losing one regular season game. Their season came to an end in the Class 3A Quarterfinal against Dassel-Cokato 41-13.
Garrison Monroe is a smooth and speedy defensive back from Shakop ee High School. Last season, Monroe helped lead his team to the state 6A quarterfinals recording 23 tackles and 3 interceptions. He has decided to stay home and become a Gopher with offers from SDSU, USD, UNI, and UND.
Let’s Play
Cannon Falls Cannon Falls had many entertaining games, beating Lake City 74-38. They would have one regular season loss against Chatfield 44-34. Their season would come to an end in the Section 1AAA Championship against Plainview-Elgin-Millville 21-18. They finished their season 8-2.
Martin Owusu School: Prior Lake Position: Defensive Line 6’3 / 270 3 Star CollegeRecruitCommit: Minnesota Martin Owusu is a very physical defensive lineman at Prior Lake High School. Owusu lands at the no .3 de fensive player in the state. He recorded 47 tackles and three tackles for loss last season. He’s received Power 5 scholar ship offers from Cal, Iowa State, Kan sas State, Vanderbilt, Washington, and Washington State. Owusu has decided to become a Gopher and will join team mate offensive tackle, Greg Johnson.
Minneota cruised their way to the Class A Championship but was defeated 20-14 to Mayer Lutheran. They ended their season with a record of 13-1. With the dominant season they had last season, it looks like they could be a championship contender this Murrayseason.
Sam Peters School: Maple Grove High School Position: Tight End 6’4 / 225 3 Star CollegeRecruitCommit: Minnesota Sam Peters is a versatile tight end from Maple Grove High School. While leading his team to the 6A Champion ship last season, he recorded nine catch es for 264 yards and four touchdowns. The 3-star recruit is the top-ranked tight end in the state. Holding offers from Ohio University, Wyoming University, UMass, Eastern Michigan, and Akron. He decided to stay home and commit to the Golden Gophers July 10.
Minneapolis North Minneapolis North was a force to be reckoned with last season. They went 9-2 scoring 40 points or more in seven games. The Polars season came to an end losing to the Class 2A champions Chatfield 50-20 in the Class 2A quarterfinals.
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by MALIK MITCHELL Let’s
Alex Elliott School: Hutchinson High School Position: Linebacker 6’2 / 200 3 Star CollegeRecruitCommit:
Mahnomen/Waubun Mahnomen/Waubun fought their way to the Class A Quaterfinal but unfortunately lost to Minneota 34-0. They only took one loss in the regular season, scoring 30 or more in eight games.
County Central Murray County Central made their presence felt going undefeated in the regular season. They achieved a flawless victory in week four beating St. James 73-0. After losing to Mayer Lutheran in the Class A Quaterfinal 34-8, they ended their season with an 11-1 record. Over the years Murray Country Central has gotten closer and closer to becoming a championship contender. Let’s see if they can get over the hump in the 2022 season.
Blooming Prairie Blooming Prairie had a dominant season going 10-1 beating nine teams by 40 points or more. Unfortunately their dominance came to an end after losing to Maple River 40-18 in the Section 2AA Championship. If they can duplicate their dominance from last sea son, they could make it to the prep bowl.
Pipestone Area Pipestone Area went 11-1 and undefeated in the regular season. They scored 30 or more points in eight games. Their season came to an end in the Class 2A Quarterfinal by Maple River 39-20.
Footballwww.letsplayfootballmn.com September 1, 2022 9
BOLDBOLD went 9-2 last season only taking one lost in the regular season. They would go on and make it to the Section 5A Championship but losing to Minneota 20-0. The Warriors can be true competitors this season.
Class LastDassel-Cokato3Aseason,Dassel-Cokato showed what a championship team should look like. Not only were they crowned the Class 3A champions after defeating Plainview-Elgin-Mill ville 28-21, they were undefeated. They had dominating games against Holy Family winning 48-0 and beating Little Falls 47-7.
EskoEsko had a promising season going undefeated in the regular season. They showed their dominance by having three 50 point games against Hibbing, Proctor, and Duluth East. They met their match in the Class 3A semifinals against Dassel-Cokato, losing 21-14. They ended their season 11-1.
Garrison Monroe School: College36’0Position:ShakopeeATH/190StarRecruitCommit:Minnesota
Top Players continued from
Minnesota Alex Elliot is a versatile player from Hutchinson High School. Last season Elliott played safety and running back accumulating 87 tackles and 569 rush ing yards and 10 touchdowns leading his team to a state championship win. After competing at the Gophers annual “Summer Splash” camp on June 6, El liott received an offer later that night and committed instantly. Elliot received offers from Kansas, Illinois State, Ohio University, USD, NDSU, and UNI.
Carson Hansen School: Lakeville South Position: Running Back 6’1 / 190 3 Star CollegeRecruitCommit:
Class 2A ChatfieldChatfield are coming off a Class 2A Championship after beating West Central/Ashby 1413. Last season the Gophers went 13-1. They scored 40 points or more in seven games with 60 points being their biggest win.
LastPlainview-Elgin-MillvilleseasonPlainview-Elgin-Millville showed perseverance losing two regular season games overcoming close ones. It was a bittersweet ending for Plainview, losing to Das sel-Cokato in the Class 3A Championship 28-21. They ended their season 11-3.
Play Football Contributor —Teams to watch— continued on Page ??
Iowa State Carson Hansen is a stellar running back from Lakeville High School. Last sea son Hansen rushed for 2,012 yards, 23 touch downs, and averaged 12.0 yards per carry leading his team to a Class 6A state cham pionship. Last season, he earned accolades ranging from Gatorade Minnesota Football Player of the Year, East Metro Player of the Year, All-State First Team RB, All-District Offensive Player of the Year, and All-District First Team. Han sen held offers from several Division I programs including: Colorado State, Illinois State, Kansas State, Kent State, North Dakota, Northern Iowa, North western, South Dakota, and Wyoming. On June 11, Hansen decided to become a Cyclone and commit to Iowa State.
Teams to watch in 2022
Let’s Play Football Contributor “I felt like I was doubted and under rated. I thought I deserved to be in the top ten. It was a little bit expected know ing I only played three and a half games due to breaking my collar bone. But after a great summer, I felt that I got what I de served, which were my offers.”
From underlooked to Power 5 commit by MALIK MITCHELL
Chiddi Obiazor is a 6’6, 220-pound edge from Eden Prairie. He recently committed to Kansas State on July 30. Obiazor is also a highly ranked basketball player in Minnesota. With a recruit commit ting to a Power 5 school, you would think they’d be pretty high on a cou ple of rankings lists right? Wrong. Obiazor didn’t even make the top 2023 Minnesota football recruiting list on 24/7 sports or MaxPreps. “I felt like I was doubted and un derrated. I thought I deserved to be in the top ten,” said Obiazor. “It was a little bit expected knowing I only played three and a half games due to breaking my collar bone. But after a great summer, I felt that I got what I deserved, which were my offers.” Obiazor is quick, has an eye for the ball, and is swift with great pass-rushing abilities. He benches 285, squats 425, and cleans 275. Last season, he helped lead the Eagles to the Class 6A Semifinals playing both tight end and defensive edge. How ever, before the season, he took the initiative to make defensive end his primary“Midwestposition.football tends not to throw the ball a lot and Eden Prai rie is a run-heavy school,” said Obi azor. “I thought it’d be best for me to play defensive end where I can make plays rather than play tight end and make a few plays a game.” He held other Division 1 offers from Ohio University, Tulane Uni versity, University Incarnate Word, and Akron University. “I was getting recruited for both defensive end and tight end. After my first couple of games my recruit ing picked up heavily,” said Obi azor. “After I broke my collar bone in game three, it slowed down a bit. In the summer once the camp season started, I was traveling around to a couple of camps and talked to some coaches. Once they saw my frame and my ability, my recruiting picked up again.”
- Chiddi Obiazor, Eden Prairie HS
The Gophers were also recruit ing the edge rusher. They invited him to the annual “Summer Splash” go phers camp on June 6 to display his talents. The Gophers offered several players after the camp, but unfortu nately, Obiazor wasn’t one of them. Chiddi has not only proved him self on the gridiron but has also shown that he is a star on the court. Last sea son he played forward, helping the Eagles make the Class AAAA state boy’s basketball tournament. He was awarded All-Conference First Team. Obiazor scored double digits in 29 of 30 games last season and averaged 18.5 points per game. He scored 20 or more points in 14 games with a season-high of 29 points versus Minnetonka. As a sophomore, Obi azor averaged 16.1 points per game scoring in double digits in 17 of 19 games. He accomplished his career high of 33 points against Prior Lake. With Obiazor putting up these types of numbers, what made him pick the field over the court at the next level? “I thought for my frame and body size that football would be the best bet for me. Ultimately, I just fell in love with football more than bas ketball,” said Obiazor. offers out of high school. “Everybody in high school has Division 1 dreams. You know what you wanted and what your goal was,” said Namdi. “Not getting that atten tion made me want to work harder just to show the people that stopped me and the ones who didn’t think I was capable of doing things.” After high school, he decided to take the JUCO (junior college) route playing at Iowa Western Commu nity College. He played cornerback and safety at 6’3 and 210 pounds. He worked his way to becoming a First-Team 2021 NJCAA All-Amer ican. He recorded 20 tackles, two pass breakups, totaled 31 stops, an interception, and four PBUs over his two seasons at Iowa Western. Before committing to TCU he had earned offers from FIU, Ohio Uni versity, Akron, Western Illinois, and Youngstown State. “Being in JUCO really tests how much you love the game of football and how bad you really want it,” said Namdi. “You’re in the middle of no where and there isn’t anything to do besides football, school, and sleep (said laughing). “It just really tests you. You aren’t doing what a normal college student would be, but that’s how you get closer to the people on your team because we all have the same goal of getting out.” Even though Chiddi and Namdi had different journeys to accomplish their goals, their work ethic was groomed to become identical. “He and I had different routes to get to where we are but he’s always been working. He just got it sooner than mine,” said Namdi. “Ever since we were young, everything I would do as far as working out, he would also do. He would follow in my foot steps to try to match and keep up. I’d want to be playing with him but at the same time playing against your brother at a Power 5 level in the same conference, not too many people can say that.” Chiddi will begin his season with the Eagles Sept. 1 against East Ridge High School at 7 pm. Namdi will begin his first season with the Horned Frogs on Sept. 2 against The University of Colorado Boulder. Af ter the football season, Chiddi plans to graduate early and begin his new chapter in Kansas. The two brothers will soon be competing in the Big 12 conference together and continue what they started.
Through dedication and hard work, Chiddi and Namdi Obiazor will play college football
Chiddi Obiazor is a 6’6” defensive end who recently committed to Kansas State.
Chiddi is not the only stud in his family. Talent is no secret when it comes to the Obiazors with his older sister Nneka playing Division 1 basketball at UNLV and his older brother, Namdi, playing Division 1 football at TCU. “My brother and I had a trainer who pushed us every summer. We would have to wake up at five in the morning every day,” said Chid di. “There were times when I didn’t want to go and my brother would push me and make sure I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. My broth er was one of the main reasons who pushed me to do my best and work hard, it really helped me to get where I am today.” His brother Namdi is also not a stranger to being under looked. The Eden Prairie alum received Division 2 looks but ultimately no scholarship Play Football1, 2022
Chiddi Obiazor is big, quick and athletic. He also starred on the basketball court for Eden prairie High School. After getting a few offers out of high school, Namdi Obiazor opted for junior col lege where he excelled before joing TCU.
10 September
www.letsplayfootballmn.com
Let’s
“Our long-term goal is to have girls flag foot ball sanctioned at the high school level, but that takes a lot of work and a lot of support from our communities, so starting in middle school is kind of a pipeline to eventually get to the high schools.”
- Vikings Youth Football Manager Madison Cortese
Let’s Play Footballwww.letsplayfootballmn.com September 1, 2022 11
Vikings Youth Football Manager Madison Cortese said the fun-filled day brought to fruition an idea the Vi kings wanted to implement for twoplus years. The roll out, however, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “One of our main priorities at the Vikings is to grow football participa tion, and it was time to get girls in volved, too, and not just focusing on growing boys tackle football,” Cor tese said. “Our long-term goal is to have girls flag football sanctioned at the high school level, but that takes a lot of work and a lot of support from our communities, so starting in middle school is kind of a pipeline to eventu ally get to the high schools.” Ham, a father of two girls and a son, said he’d be all for his daughters having the opportunity to try flag foot ball as a sanctioned sport. “It would be really cool, just to open this door,” Ham said. “Football has taught me so much, and I believe no matter what gender you are, foot ball can teach you a lot about life les sons and the world. If my girls are able to play this when they get older, if they want to, I’ll be a full supporter.” Kendria Coleman, who is on the Olson team, appreciated the opportu nity to play flag football. She hopes the sport gains the same traction that basketball has enjoyed for decades. “I feel like any woman can do anything she puts her mind to, face your dreams, keep it going, so I would most definitely come back and play flag football any chance I get,” Cole man said. “I would like to see more girls“Ifplay.you put your mind to some thing, you should be able to do it in your future and shouldn’t let anybody bring you down or stop you,” she add ed. Amani Davis of Jefferson was excited to tell her grandmother, who “loves the Vikings,” about getting to learn directly from players.
“I was going to say no [to playing flag football] because I don’t play any sports except for volleyball, but one of the people at my school, they were like, ‘You should try.’ The first game, I didn’t go,” Davis said. “The second game, ‘Oh, this is nice.’ I knew we were going to come here, but I didn’t know we were going to have actual football players help us. That’s cool.”
Girls Flag Football League debuts
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MINNESOTA VIKINGS
The inaugural girls flag foot ball season sponsored by the Vikings reached the end zone in May 2022 during a jamboree inside Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center’s In door Practice Facility. Andersen United, Jefferson and Olson Middle Schools in Minneapolis Public Schools participated in a threeweek season before hitting the turf with six Vikings players as honorary coaches.C.J. Ham, Greg Joseph, Josh Metellus, Janarius Robinson, Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Kenny Willekes joined the teams for the jamboree and were impressed by the middle school ers’ “Italents.justlove to watch people com pete, and these girls came out here and did that well,” Ham said. “I really saw how much they were conceptually able to understand the game, the way they’re throwing the ball, catching it, running it. All of these girls really un derstand the game of football, and if they want to, they can continue to go forward.”
PHOTOS
Girls Football Academy Every Monday in June, the Vi kings hosted the Girls Football Acad emy, creating an opportunity for more than 100 young ladies to learn more about the sport and play flag football.
Members of Andersen United, Jefferson, and Olson Middle Schools in the Minneapolis Public School District, participated in the first annual girls flag football league. Sev eral Vikings players served as honorary coaches. COURTEY OF MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Vikings players serve as honorary coaches
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MINNESOTA VIKINGS
A girls flag football league, sponsored by the Minnesota Vikings, was held at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.
Middle school-aged girls were able to compete against each other during this sum mer’s inaugral Girls Flag Football League.
“...the job is about making decisions. Building consensus in the building. Combining different sources of information into one answer and having everybody behind it.” - Kwesi Adofo-Mensah
takesOdofao-Mensahuniquepath to front office Continued—Adofo-Mensah—onPage 9
Let’s Play Football12 December 2, 2021 www.letsplayfootballmn.com
A new era of Vikings football is uponKwesius. Adofo-Mensah was hired as Minnesota’s general manager on Jan. 26, and he quickly joined the search committee’s effort to evaluate candi dates to become the 10th head coach in franchise history. A highly detailed yet rewarding process led to the hire of Kevin O’Con nell three days after he helped the Los Angeles Rams win Super Bowl LVI. Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell have expressed their passions for teambuild ing through collaboration and commu nication during multiple media sessions, nell.andofo-Mensahaboutabine.ingNFLatincludingthe2022ScoutComHereislittlemoreAdO’Con traditionalofo-MenAdsah’sunpath tweedThejacket and bespectacled look that Adofo-Mensah once envisioned for himself as a professor of economics was nowhere to be found on Jan. 27. Instead, Adofo-Mensah strolled into the Indoor Practice Facility at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center that morning in a blue suit and blue shirt accented by a solid purple tie, patterned pocket square and Norseman lapel pin. Rather than a lecture hall of eco nomics students ready to soak up infor mation from someone with degrees from Princeton and Stanford, Adofo-Mensah spoke in front of an attentive audience filled with media members as Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf introduced the team’s new general manager. “Kwesi has a strong leadership presence, a unique background and brings a variety of strong football ex periences, which we believe are signif icant strengths as he assumes this role,” Wilf said. “He intentionaleringtion-gathinformacomplexcess,termforhisbecauseinterviewstostoodmediatelyimoutusinhisofvisionlong-suchisand decision-making processes. He’s a tre mendous leader who believes in con necting people, building consensus and having strong communication through out the organization – all of the traits that we spoke about when we began looking for new leadership a few weeks ago. “Every conversation we had with our contacts around the league led us to believe we were on the right track with Kwesi,” Wilf continued. “He’s widely respected and well-liked, and people strongly believe he will make an imme diate and positive impact, and has a high ceiling, for this organization, the Minne sota Vikings, to evolve and grow.”
The path less taken
Vikes bring in Super Bowl champ “OC” to lead squad
turing a few deals, the new contracts that were signed gave Adofo-Mensah ultimate flexibility long-term. They have outs with nearly everybody on the roster next offseason as they try to chase that seemingly uncatchable Su per Bowl title. How things transpired during draft weekend this year was ultimately different from what we saw with Spielman over the final four years of his Earlytenure.
The major difference was that he was not only aggressive in acquiring capi tal on day three but also aggressive in moving back up into the first round. For three straight years (2012-2014), Spielman traded back into the first round to go get a player that he cov eted (Harrison Smith, Cordarrelle Pat terson, Teddy Bridgewater). He also got aggressive in 2017. After trading a first-round pick for Sam Bradford, Spielman double and tripled down by trading up in both the second and third rounds for Dalvin Cook and Pat Elf lein. After that, Spielman never trad ed up on the first two days of the draft again. He did trade up two more times with two coming in 2018 and one in 2019 but didn’t move up in either of his last two drafts. By the end of his term, Spielman had become increas ingly conservative with his drafts, wanting to maximize his potential of hitting the jackpot instead of trying to secure a great player that has fallen. Early on, things felt like more of the same with Adofo-Mensah. Not only did he trade down twice with in the first 34 selections but he did so with division rivals Detroit and Green Bay. The value gained/lost in those trades are a point of contention across the injury. Some are using the antiquated Jimmy Johnson trade chart but the more accurate Rich Hill chart is the way to properly measure it. The Rich Hill trade chart is based on by a writer for SB Nation’s Pats Pulpit of the same name. He took historical data based on how teams value draft picks with trades. The biggest difference between Hill’s model and Johnson’s? Aggregate data. Johnson’s is based on his own values of the picks. Since the advent of the Johnson chart came about, how teams value them has in creasingly changed. It is much better to use a model that has historical data built into it. Let’s take a look at how Hill’s chart valued the trades.
Minnesota: 435 points Detroit: 475 points Difference: 40 points (equal to pick Minnesota:95) 197 points Green Bay gains: 175 points Difference: 22 points (equal to pick 127)The value for both was vastly dif ferent and losing 32 selections in value across the first two trades is a rough start. There are numerous reasons why Adofo-Mensah wasn’t able to get prop er value but the lack of quarterbacks and top-end talent were likely the big gest factor in not securing premium value. The rest of the trades made over the weekend were balanced. The big gest difference between Spielman and Adofo-Mensah? Evolved aggresive ness. After those first two trade downs, Adofo-Mensah traded down two more times, but he also got hyper aggressive and traded up twice to secure corner backs that he valued highly. A healthy Andrew Booth Jr is a top-20 player on my board and Akayleb Evans has the length, size, and athleticism to blos som into a starter. Spielman had lost his fastball in targeting players on the board with a trade up. Whether or not the picks work for Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings is a story that will be told over the next few years. I gave Adofo-Mensah a B in his first draft as the Vikings general man ager. The aggressiveness to go get the two cornerbacks along with Lewis Cine at 32 was great but, as with any team, the rest of the picks left a lot of questions that still need to be an swered.The Vikings are currently Charme leon: a second-stage Pokemon that is looking to take his final form. The pro cess in trying to reach that final form has already begun and Adofo-Mensah believes that collaboration and aggres sively playing the market will help the Vikings reach the next level. Time will tell if this new, analytically based ap proach will be effective and they reach their final evolution: Charizzard and Super Bowl Champions. Tyler Forness is a sports writer and podcaster that has been featured across many platforms including NBC Sports Edge, USA Today’s Vikings Wire, SB Na tions The Daily Norseman, and Voices of Wrestling. He is an avid wrestling fan, lov er of craft beer and a connoisseur of the Oilers run-n-shoot offense. He currently resides in Delano, MN and you can find him on Twitter @TheRealForno.
Let’s Play
Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings reached an agreement to make the 36-year-old the new head coach on Feb. 16, before the former Los Angeles offensive coordinator attended the Rams victo ry parade. O’Connell, his wife and their three children boarded a private plane provided by the Wilf family that touched down in St. Paul late that Thenight.next morning, he spoke candidly during a press conference at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center when asked to sum up the balancing act between being at his best during the Rams title quest and while interviewing for the Vikings job. “Quite honestly, it was one of the more chal lenging months of my life, going back to when the playoffs first started, but probably one of the most rewarding,” O’Connell said. “I think through that whole process, the number one thing I always wanted to maintain was my focus on the task at hand.” O’Connell maintained his commitment to the Rams, the Vikings exercised patience and enjoyed watching their future coach from afar. Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf said: “It was great to be along for his journey of winning [the Super Bowl], and I saw in him the ability to come here and do the same thing. That was very exciting to see him there and come to that final goal that we’re always reaching for, and I think with the group that we have here, we’ll do that.” Adofo-Mensah credited O’Connell for being “incredibly bright with a calm demeanor through adversity.” “He is well-regarded across the league for his genuine personality almost as much as his football acumen,” Adofo-Mensah said. “He is committed to building a championship culture through positivity and purpose. One of Kevin’s best attri butes is his ability to communicate complexity in a simple and relatable way. Like some of the best football minds I’ve been around, the way he talks about football is very visual, simple and clear.” The hiring of O’Connell completed an arduous process that began on Jan. 10, the day after Minnesota finished the 2021 season at 8-9.
Let’s Play Footballwww.letsplayfootballmn.com September 1, 2022 13
A closer look at the Vikings draft
Nintendo’s Pokemon has been around for over 25 years. The game is relatively simple in nature. You take your Pokemon, train them, and try to beat all the gym leaders in the region before the Elite Four. The game of football is very similar to Pokemon: grow, learn, and evolve. Going into the draft, the Minneso ta Vikings seemed to have a direction in place. They fired both Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman and replaced them with first-timers at their respective po sitions in Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. There was some hope that this would be a rebuild instead of trying to run it back. Leading up to the start of free agency, there was a lot of discussion as to what direction the Vi kings would go. They made their in tentions abundantly clear on Sunday, March 13 when the team announced that they were extending starting quar terback Kirk Cousins through the 2023 season. The rest of free agency reflect ed the idea that the Vikings weren’t content taking a step back. Their ac tions were that of a team that wanted to compete this year while they grow the roster back to prominence. Ad ofo-Mensah has used the phrase com petitive rebuild often when discussing the offseason moves and direction of the team. The phrase itself is some what contradictory, but it’s also held true throughout the entire offseason. All of the free agency moves that the Vikings made were unique in com parison to the Spielman era. While they did a similar thing in restruc
Initial interviews for the general manager po sition began on Jan. 16, including Adofo-Mensah on Jan.Realizing17. that the Rams could go all the way to the Super Bowl, the committee also made sure to request initial interviews with O’Connell and Rams Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris on Jan. 21 (during the permitted window allowed by NFLAdofo-Mensahrules). participated in the second in terview with O’Connell and described theimpres sion he “Whenmade.there are big decisions in life, a lot of times you like to think back, ‘Was there a moment when you sort of knew?’ I … was thinking about the second-round interview. We were talking about offensive philosophy, personnel, player evaluations, and it was like I was talking with one of my close football friends who I’ve spent hours and hours upon hours with, and this was an hour into the interview. It was just so natural. “Everybody else that was in that interview said it right after, that the connection, the energy was incredible there, and upon reflection, I think in that moment I probably knew myself,” Ad ofo-Mensah said. “I’m extremely pleased with the thorough and detailed process we went through. I think we interviewed multiple future head coach es, but we’re excited about the guy sitting next to me and what we have.” Mark Wilf said observers could see “the col laboration between Kwesi and Kevin right off the bat.” O’Connell said the “chance to partner with Kwesi was one of the huge draws to this job.” “We’ve known from day one that we’re going to be able to collaborate, com municate with one another and build a culture here that the players will feel,” O’Connell said. “They’ll feel a connectedness between obviously your staff and our coaching staff, and that will only lead to the players feeling as connected as they’ve ever been to a coaching staff before.”
on, Spielman was the trade-happy general manager we have known him to be for the past decade.
NFL Draft Analysis by TYLER FORNESS Football
Contributor
Ten days prior, Adofo-Mensah had participated in his initial interview with the Vikings general manager hir ing committee and felt “an immediate fit” during the virtual interview. “It just felt right,” said Ad ofo-Mensah, who told his “big broth er” Browns General Manager Andrew Berry (and now former boss) about the interview.“Isaid, ‘Man, they were so de tailed-oriented. So process-driven.’ And he said, ‘It sounds like you found your people.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I think it made sense.’ ” Snow in Cleveland had prompt ed Adofo-Mensah to conduct the in terview from his apartment’s study instead of his office at the Browns facility. When the meeting ended, he went downstairs and “was kind of like skipping.”“My fiancée [Chelsea said], ‘What’s wrong with you?’ I said, ‘I don’t know, there was just this ener gy from it.’ I felt energized from it and we joked — she actually went on Etsy at that moment and bought a vintage Vikings hat that [she wore to the press conference]. I think she knew before I knew that I would be here.” Adofo-Mensah earned economics degrees from Princeton and Stanford and initially worked as an associate portfolio manager on Wall Street be fore joining the NFL with San Fran cisco in 2013. He worked as the 49ers Manager of Football Research and Development until 2017 when he was promoted to Director of Football Research and De velopment. Berry hired Adofo-Men sah to be Cleveland’s Vice President of Football Operations in 2020.
There’s more to a complete football player than knowing the playbook. They must also know their classroom textbooks. The following teams were the top teams in their respective classes who not only worked hard on the field but in the classroom as well. Kudos to the following schools, programs, student-athletes and coaches for their excellence in the classroom.
Cameron Heng Barnesville Bradley Simon Blooming Prairie Vern Johnson Blue Earth Area Camden Erskine Concordia Academy Jackson Geislinger Eden Valley-Watkins Maddox O’Reilly Goodhue Matthew Schell Lewiston-Altura Colten Berkner Maple River Josh Giefer Minnesota Valley Lutheran Alex Dobberstein (NRHEG) Drew Lundeen Redwood Valley Ty Stepp Rush City Zachary Pazdernik Sibley East Owen Petersohn Triton Matthew Hard Warroad Class Player1AName High School Dawson Krahling Adrian Connor Plumley BOLD Tait Kongsjord Deer River Brody Hentges Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop Tanner Sinn Martin County West Jonah Gruenes Minneota Dawson Blankenship Murray County Central Tanner Arndt Otter Tail Central Jacob Wagner Parkers Prairie Sam Gapp Polk County West Brendon Buerkle Springfield Levi Lampert Upsala/Swanville Area (USA) Carson Strosahl Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Patrick Hoernemann Yellow Medicine East Player9-Man Name High School Kole Weishalla Bertha-Hewitt Zevvus Smith Cromwell-Wright Area Nolan Buckridge Edgerton Rylin Petry Fertile-Beltrami Jacob Moeller Granada-Huntley-East Chain Taylor Glynn Grand Meadow Matt Thompson Hancock Ryder Henning Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda Caden Fischer Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Kade Wassman Mountain Lake Riley Erkenbrack Park Christian Eion Ness Sebeka Benjamin Brownlow Verndale
GOLD = 3.26 - 4.00 SILVER = 3.00 - 3.25 High School Class Team GPA Head Coach Name CLASS 9-MAN GOLD Fertile-Beltrami 9-Man 3.27 Brian Nelson Park Christian 9-Man 3.33 Lawton Burgstahler Kittson County Central 9-Man 3.3 Cory Waling Grand Meadow 9-Man 3.45 Gary Sloan Hancock High School 9-Man 3.59 Chad Christianson Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley 9-Man 3.7 Ben Blees SILVER Brandon-Evansville 9-Man 3.19 Tim Pattrin Verndale High School 9-Man 3.15 Michael Mahlen Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda 9-Man 3.17 Jonathon Curry and Jared Bourquin
Adofo-Mensah continued from page 12_________
Class Player6AName High School Tommy Barrett Anoka Nathaniel Staehling Brainerd Colton Gregersen Burnsville Lance Liu Centennial Alex Lachenmayer Eagan Sam Tollison East Ridge Benjamin Vande Berg Eastview Ben Buesgens Farmington Colin McGeary Forest Lake Blake Gode Lakeville North Josh Jacobson Lakeville South Zach Juckel Lakeville South Mason South Maple Grove Sawyer Skanson Maple Grove Caden McDaniel Minnetonka Owen Neros Saint Michael-Albertville Nick Katona Shakopee Mason Wilson Stillwater Area Mason Molitor Totino-Grace Class Player5AName High School Wyatt Odland Alexandria Area Connor Develice Andover Caden Bolte Bemidji Noah Karels Buffalo Charlie Coenen Chanhassen James Morrison Cretin-Derham Hall Luke Gintz Elk River Jacob Eggert Mankato East Ben Kattreh-Kuritz Minneapolis Southwest Charlie Boucher Minneapolis Southwest Sanders Hanson Monticello Wyatt Sawatzke Monticello Brendan Pieper New Prague Jayce Walrath Sauk Rapids-Rice Nate Litke Spring Lake Park Devon Fisher St. Francis Eric Lail Two Rivers Owen Amrhein Waconia Class Player4AName High School Max Herro Benilde-St. Margaret’s Hayden Thieke Big Lake Braeden Carr Chisago Lakes Ethan Thomas Delano Christian Solberg Detroit Lakes Mitchell Piehl Hutchinson Owen Montreuil Jordan Brock Swanson Kasson-Mantorville Bryant Paulsen Marshall Jake Gaylord Mound Westonka Zachary Harris ROCORI Josh Painter Simley Charlie Stoeckel St. Anthony Village Patrick Njoya St. Cloud Apollo Bennett Olson St. Peter Alex Larson Stewartville Alex Schramm Willmar
CLASS 3A GOLD Worthington High School 3A 3.425 Gene Lais Albany High School 3A 3.34 Mike Kleinschmidt Perham High School 3A 3.54 Aron Velde Montevideo 3A 3.42 Kyle Goslee Morris Area-Chokio/Alberta 3A 3.27 Kevin Pope Breck School 3A 3.49 Jon Martin Holy Family Catholic H.S. 3A 3.3 Ian Parzyck Tri-City United 3A 3.32 Matt Collins St. Cloud Cathedral 3A 3.34 Andrew Leintz & Jason Klinefelter SILVER Glencoe-Silver Lake 3A 3.21 Scott Tschimperle Plainview Elgin Millville 3A 3.24 Kevin Lamb Minnewaska Area 3A 3.07 Jeremy Christensen Lake City High School 3A 3.11 Trevor Narum Foley High School 3A 3.15 David Dahlstrom Pierz 3A 3.04 Dan Saehr Rockford 3A 3.19 Dan Houghton Dassel Cokato 3A 3.17 Ryan Weinandt Litchfield High School 3A 3.03 Jim Jackman Watertown-Mayer 3A 3.09 Andrew Phillips CLASS 4A GOLD Benilde-St. Margaret’s 4A 3.51 Sean McMenomy Rocori High School 4A 3.3 James Herberg MoundSILVERWestonka 4A 3.13 Nick David Byron High School 4A 3.07 Ben Halder Orono High School 4A 3.18 Joe McPherson Marshall 4A 3.11 Terry Bahlmann Saint Anthony Village 4A 3.11 Luke Tressel Chisago Lakes 4A 3.24 Bill Weiss Detroit Lakes HS 4A 3.17 Reed Hefta Academy of Holy Angels 4A 3.16 Jimi Gunderson CLASS 5A GOLD Rochester Mayo 5A 3.34 Donny Holcomb Chanhassen HS 5A 3.34 Cullen Nelson Monticello High School 5A 3.33 Andy Pierskalla Andover 5A 3.33 Tom Develice Hastings 5A 3.38 Dana Strain New Prague High School 5A 3.26 Jake Norby Owatonna 5A 3.26 Jeff Williams Alexandria Area High School 5A 3.43 Mike Empting SILVER Bloomington Jefferson 5A 3.05 Tim Carlson Spring Lake Park 5A 3.00 John Stewart Minneapolis Southwest 5A 3.17 Josh Zoucha Northfield High School 5A 3.2 Brent Yule Mankato East 5A 3.18 Eric Davis Waconia HS 5A 3.19 Corey Shea Sauk Rapids-Rice 5A 3.24 Phillip Klaphake Buffalo High School 5A 3.11 Craig Lachowitzer CLASS 6A GOLD Lakeville South 6A 3.37 Ben Burk East Ridge 6A 3.3 Dan Fritze Farmington 6A 3.33 Rick Sutton/Jon Pieper Maple Grove 6A 3.44 Matt Lombardi Anoka 6A 3.32 Bo Wasurick Eastview High School 6A 3.51 Kelly Sherwin Lakeville North High School 6A 3.28 Brain Vossen Wayzata High School 6A 3.28 Lambert Brown SILVER Woodbury High School 6A 3.17 Andy Hill Brainerd High School 6A 3.1 Jason Freed Minnetonka High School 6A 3.05 Mark Esch Stillwater Area High School 6A 3.18 Beau LaBore Saint Michael-Albertville 6A 3.1 Jared Essler Centennial 6A 3.12 Mike Diggins Edina High School 6A 3.11 Jason Potts Forest Lake High School 6A 3.07 Sam Ferraro
Class Player3AName High School
The following players received Aca demic All-State Awards for their excel lence in the classroom in 2021-22.
Let’s Play Football14 September 1, 2022 www.letsplayfootballmn.com
Academic All State players get it done on field and in classroom
Thomas Odenthal Albany Carson Gagnon Annandale Colton Loeschke Cannon Falls Jack Hillmann Dassel-Cokato Cole Zierden Fergus Falls Ryan Piepgras Foley Nathan Stoltenburg Glencoe-Silver Lake Carson Matzke Lake City Nathan Rankin Minnewaska Area Ethan Lebrija Morris Area-Chokio/Alberta Colton Hackel Perham Colton Blaisdel Pine City Peyton Schumacher Plainview-Elgin-Millville Jacob Meissner Providence Academy Will Bittmann Rock Ridge Cole Lange Watertown-Mayer Class Player2AName High School
Academic All State programs for 2021
“I know my background’s unique, but when you think about this job, the job is about making decisions. Building consensus in the building. Combining different sources of infor mation into one answer and having everybody behind it,” Adofo-Mensah said. “Along those lines, I don’t think there’s many people more qualified than I am. Just my background on Wall Street, having the emotional stability to make those decisions at a high level, be accountable to yourself, and kind of learning and growing from that stand point. That’s an education that I’ll nev er fully“Andappreciate.then,really, in my expe rience in the NFL, I’ve learned from some great teachers,” Adofo-Mensah said. “I went in not thinking I knew anything, and I think a lot of times an impediment to learning is trying to af firm what you already think or just not really being open-hearted, open-mind ed, about learning. I approach it [as], if I’m going to be around great ones, I’m just going to listen to everything they say. So I’ve built a really strong foun dation through that, an ability to really be in every room, talk to every person, really communicate in their language. And that gives me that faith and confi dence to make those decisions.”
CLASS 1A GOLD Lakeview 1A 3.4 Scott Hanson Upsala/Swanville Area 1A 3.41 Jay Loven Parkers Prairie 1A 3.31 Mike Johnson Yellow Medicine East 1A 3.32 Dave Schueler Randolph High School 1A 3.26 Mike Schmidt SILVER Fillmore Central 1A 3.0 Chris Mensink Rushford-Peterson 1A 3.11 Davin Thompson GFW High School 1A 3.14 Patrick Hentges Adrian-Ellsworth 1A 3.06 Randy Schettler Ada-Borup-West 1A 3.08 Paul Tinjum Bethlehem Academy 1A 3.18 Jim Beckmann Springfield High School 1A 3.17 Adam Meyer and Bob Fink Russell-Tyler-Ruthton 1A 3.22 Joshua Fredrickson Martin County West 1A 3.1 Tom Elliott Minneota 1A 3.18 Chad Johnston CLASS 2A GOLD West Central Area-Ashby 2A 3.43 Nate Wood Minnesota Valley Lutheran 2A 3.39 Jim Buboltz Maple River 2A 3.47 Dusty Drager Goodhue High School 2A 3.395 Tony Poncelet St. Clair/Loyola 2A 3.32 Dustin Bosshart Eden Valley-Watkins 2A 3.29 Adam Tri Concordia Academy HS 2A 3.38 Bob Wolf SILVER Barnesville 2A 3.2 Bryan Strand Rush City Public Schools 2A 3.12 Joe Lattimore/Mike O’Donnell Royalton High School 2A 3.1 Jamie Morford Hawley 2A 3.09 Peder Naatz Lewiston-Altura 2A 3.01 Brent Olson Triton High School 2A 3.026 Mike Ellingson Blue Earth Area 2A 3.22 Randy Kuechenmeister
Academic Individual All-State Selections
Paul Benson, Granite Falls, Region III 1976 Lyle Eidsness, St. Peter, Region III 1975 Bob Swanson, Mountain Iron, Region VII 1974 John Drews, Rochester JM, Region I 1973 Dick Lawrence, Eveleth, Region VII 1972 George Wemeier, Mpls Washburn, Region V 1971 George Larson, Cambridge, Region IV 1970 Gary Gustafson, North St. Paul, Region IV 1969 Art Haas, Austin, Region I 1968 Jerry Sullivan, Mpls Roosevelt, Region V 1967 Tom Mahoney, Fairmont, Region II 1966 Stav Canakes, Edina, Region V 1965 Bill Severin, Grand Meadow, Region I
Macalester College Director of Athletics Donnie Brooks has announced the hiring of Phil Nicolaides as the Scots’ head football coach. Nicolaides has served as the defensive coor dinator at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va., for the past six years. “Phil is a champion for his players and the stu dent-athlete experience, while also setting a high standard for success on and off the field,” Brooks said. “As one of the youngest coordinators and now head coaches in the country, his experiences and vision for a highly competitive pro gram and successful student-athlete ex perience left the committee excited for what’s ahead for the Scots.” Nicolaides, 31, led a Yellow Jackets defense that ranked either first or second in the Old Dominion Athletic Confer ence (ODAC) in points allowed during all six of his seasons at Randolph-Ma con. Their stout defense helped the Yel low Jackets claim three ODAC cham pionships and compile a 48-11 record, which followed a 9-11 record the two years prior to Nicolaides’ arrival in Ash land. In 2018, Randolph-Macon upset John Carroll, ranked eighth nationally at the time, for the first NCAA Playoff vic tory in the program’s history. The Yel low Jackets finished the 2018 and 2021 seasons ranked in the Division III top 20. Along with leading the Yellow Jackets’ defense, Nicolaides was heavily involved in recruiting as well as coordi nating multiple camps for prospects and youth players. He also worked with spe cial teams, helping to develop schemes for each unit. Off the field, Nicolaides contributed to the overall development of the student-athletes, assisting with the academic guidance and lifestyle accountability for Randolph-Macon’s players.“Iam extremely grateful to have been selected as the next head football coach at Macalester College,” Nico laides said. “I would like to thank Di rector of Athletics Donnie Brooks and Phil Nicolaides hired as head coach at Macalester the search committee for this incredible opportunity to work with some of the most driven student-athletes in the coun try. As I met with faculty, staff, alumni, and players throughout the interview process, it became clear that Macalester is a very special place because of its incredible people and their common vision. My wife, Stephanie, and I are excit ed to immerse ourselves in the Macalester and St. Paul communities. I cannot wait to meet the team, build rela tionships, and begin prepar ing for the 2022 season.” Prior to coaching at Randolph-Ma con, Nicolaides spent two seasons at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancast er, Pa., as the defensive backs coach and video coordinator. He began his coach ing career in 2013 as the linebackers/de fensive backs coach at Pine Creek High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., while also working at 360 Sports as an NFL re cruiting and scouting intern. A native of Exton, Pa., Nicolaides attended Carnegie Mellon University, where he played linebacker and safety for the Tartans From 2009-12. He grad uated in 2013 with degrees in business finance and psychology. Macalester was 3-7 overall and 1-3 in the MIAC Skyline Division in the Scots’ first season back in the MIAC since leaving the conference in 2001. The Scots return the majority of their starters from last season, including receiver Rex Desso (Evergreen, Colo./Lakewood), who led Division III in receptions per game with 100 catches in 10 games. The season was highlighted by a 23-13 vic tory over Hamline in the historic Paint Bucket“Ourgame.entry back into the MIAC was successful in so many ways due to the work of KiJuan Ware and the current staff. I know the team is working hard and is excited to begin preparing for the 2022Nicolaidesseason.” officially began his ten ure at Macalester on April 1.
MPLS South’s Rodney Lossow named Jerry Kill Power of Influence Award winner
MFCA
Hutchinson’s Rostberg named 2021 Coach of the Year
of Grace HS and a 1978 graduate of the University of St. Thomas, Jeff was the Head Football Coach at TG from 2002 through the 2019 season. He previously coached at St. Agnes (2 years, 1979 and 1980), and at Blaine (17 years, 1978 and 19811996) where he was the Defensive Co ordinator for the Bengals. He began coaching at TG in 1998 as the Defensive Coordinator for the Eagles. Jeff has received the MFCA Coach of the Year Award in 2007 and 2016, MFCA Power of Influence Award in 2010, Minnesota Vikings Coach of the year in 2011 and the U.S. Marines Sem per Fidelis Award in 2013. In 2015 he was inducted into the Minnesota Foot ball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He and his staff have won 8 state cham pionships at Totino-Grace. Jeff and his wife of 36 years, Barb, have four chil
mentworks2017.fromDean1996ofAssociateteacher,ganno-Grace.workingguson’smarked2020-21JeffFer38thyearatTotiHebeasabiologybecameDeanStudentsinandwastheofStudents2007untilHecurrentlyinAdvanceforTG.A1974graduate
Jeff Ferguson dren: Jenna (and husband Adam Zam jahn),TG class of ’06 and St. Ben’s Class of ’09; Kelli (and husband Tiago Bremer-Martins),TG class of ’06 and Winona State class of ’11; Mike ,TG class of ’08 and UMD class of 2013; and Katelyn,TG class of ’11 and a graduate of UWStout.
Rodney is mar ried to Janine and has 3 sons, Malachi, Josiah and thatRodneytheteachesuesThethetertraitsvelopditionallyonepeopleportunitiesprovideslievesRodneyElijah.bethatSportgreatoptoteachhowtoloveanotherunconanddethecharacterthatwillbettheirlivesandlivesofothers.CharacterValthatRodneycomefromlifeofChrist.believesifwecanshow
Phil Nicolaides
Hutchinson’s Andy Rostberg was named the 2021 Coach of the Year by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association. Rostberg has been coaching at Hutchinson for 23 years and has a career winning per centage of .811. Here are some more of Andy Rost berg coaching career highlights: Number of years as a head coach = 23 (1999-2021, all at Hutchinson High School)2021 season record: 12-1 Career record: 206-48 (winning per centageState.811)Tournament appearances: 12 (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2021) Prep Bowl appearances: 4 (2003, 2012, 2013, 2021) State Championships: 3 (2012, 2013, 2021)MFCA Coach of the Year: 1 (2021) Sub-District Championships: 3 (2016, 2018,Conference2019) Championships: 8 (Mis sota 2000, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2009; Wright County 2012, 2013, 2014) Minnesota High School All-Star
Football Game coaching assignments: 2 (assistant coach 2002, head coach 2013) Number of All-Star players coached: 15 2020 Justin Reese, Fridley 2019 Chad Gimbel, Blooming Prairie 2018 Mark Kesler, Rochester Lourdes 2017 Leo Pohlkamp, Pierz 2016 Jeff Ferguson, Totino-Grace 2015 Gary Sloan, Grand Meadow 9-Man 2014 Dwight Lundeen, Becker 4A 2013 Jeff Williams, Owatonna 5A 2012 Brent Schroeder, Caledonia 2A 2011 Carl Lemke, St. Croix Lutheran 3A 2010 Ron Stolski, Brainerd 5A 2009 Jon Bakken, Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 2A 2008 Carl Fruechte, Caledonia 2A 2007 Jeff Ferguson, Totino Grace 4A 2006 Jim Reinhardt, Rushford-Peterson, 1A 2005 Mark Kroulik, Stephen-Argyle, 9M 2004 Dave Nelson, Minnetonka, 5A 2003 Dave Dose, Glencoe-Silver Lake, 3A 2002 Mike Mahlen, Verndale, 9-man 2001 Flint Motschenbacher, Detroit Lakes, 4A 2000 Mike Grant, Eden Praire, 5A Past Coaches of the Year 1999 Lyle Anderson, Cook County, 2A 1998 Keith Bergstedt, Cromwell, 9-Man 1997 Bubba Sullivan, Northfield, Class 4A 1996 Clark Bergloff, Mora, Class A 1995 Ken Jacobson, Chatfield, Class C 1994 DeWayne Johnson, Anoka, Class AA 1993 Rick Manke, Detroit Lakes, Class A 1992 Larry Thompson, Lakeville, Class AA
Let’s Play Footballwww.letsplayfootballmn.com September 1, 2022 15
Unconditional Love like Jesus has done for us and possess the Character Values of Christ, such as the acceptance of responsibility, rejection of passivity, the display of humility and cou rageous leadership, the world would be a better place.
1991 Neal Hofland, Chikio-Alberta, 9-Man 1990 Ken Bauman, Mahnomen, Class C 1989 Jim Mader, Albany, Class A 1988 Gerhard Meidt, Minneota, Class C 1987 Dave Brokke, Granite Falls, Class B 1986 George Larson, Cambridge, Class A 1985 Norm Johnson, Mpls Roosevelt, Class AA 1984 Grady Rostberg, Hutchinson, Class A 1983 Ron Scott, Coon Rapids, Class AA 1982 George Thole, Stillwater, Class AA 1981 Gary Roebuck, Holdingford, Class B 1980 Les E. Drechsel, Crookston, Class A 1979 Ron Raveling, Columbia Heights, Class AA 1978 Jim Simser, New Richland-Hartland, Reg. 1977III
Totino-Grace’s Ferguson recipient of Distinguished Service Award
Past Winners
2020 Dave Nelson, Tackle Cancer 2019 Claud Allaire, MFC Clinic 2018 John Reglein, The Graphic Edge 2017 Dan O’Brien, U of M 2016 Jon Gross, Medford 2015 Jim Becker, Eagan 2014 Kevin Merkle, MSHSL 2013 Dave Giles, MFCA Historian 2012 Mike Turner, Varsity Photos, Inc 2011 Dave Lee, WCCO Radio 2010 TCF Bank 2009 Brad Madsen, Minnesota Vikings 2008 Dave Fritze, MN High School All-Star Game 2007 Doubletree Park Place Hotel, Minneapolis 2006 Healy Awards 2005 Bill Hoag, Varsity Gold Minnesota 2004 Gordy Shaw, University of Minnesota 2003 Ralph Anderson, Detroit Lakes Tribune 2002 Jostens 2001 Butch Nash, University of Minnesota 2000 Jim Simser, Fairmont High School 1999 Randy Shaver, KARE 11 TV 1998 Jim Dotseth, MPLS Henry High School 1997 Dick Walker, Richfield High School 1996 Joe Samuelson, Stillwater High School 1995 Tom Mahoney, Fairmont High School 1994 Bill Etter, Chi Chi’s Restaurant 1993 Don Swanson, Minneapolis Patrick Henry 1992 Bob Roy, St. Louis Park High School 1991 Bud Olson, Bud Olson Awards
Past Coaches of the Year Winners
Rodney Lossow is a 1983 Graduate of Min neapolis South High School. He participated in Football, Hockey and Baseball while in High School. He attended the University of Wiscon sin Madison on a Foot ball Scholarship. After College, he was drafted by the New England Patriots and played 5 seasons of professional football. Since 1992, he has taught Physi cal Education and De velopmental Adapted Physical Education in the Minneapolis School District. Rodney has coached Football for 3 decades in Minneapolis, 18 as the Head Coach at Roosevelt High School and 5 years at South High School. Roosevelt High School, while Rod ney was the head coach, went to state in the fall of 1998. Rodney has also been a head coach in Gymnastics, Softball and Badminton in Minneapolis.
With St. Thomas football starting their new era of Division 1, what im pact do they plan to make? What kind of mark do they want to leave in not only the Pioneer conference but in Division 1 football?“None of the intention or the pur pose is new, it’s all exactly the same,” Caruso said, “That’s because our purpose for the last 15 years and for the next 15 years is going to be to utilize the sport we love, to be able to raise and educate men to be great fathers, and great husbands, and great leaders in their own communi ty. I know people roll their eyes when I say this, that’s fine I don’t care… I’m just telling you that has always been this pro gram. We just happened to win football games.” On Sept. 1, the Tommies will kick off their season in a non-conference match against Southern Utah in Cedar City, Utah at 7 pm. This will be their first-ever meeting with the Thunderbirds. Can St. Thomas top their performance from last season? Fans will have to wait and see.
Our staff did an amazing job at all those logistical pieces.” “But you don’t know how a team is going to rise to the pressure or if they’re going to fold to the pressure. If things start getting routine and mundane, how do they react to this? All of those intui tive things which were a huge part of the game day process, we had no idea. Not only did we not know any of the teams we were playing, but we also didn’t even know any teams that played the teams that we were playing. That allowed us to focus on ourselves and in hindsight that probably kept us pretty poignant during one heck of a year…” Caruso said. This fall, St. Thomas will kick off their second season in the Division 1 era. Last season, after accomplishing a win ning record along with ranking fourth in standings, what is the mindset of the Tommies for this upcoming season? “How much can we grow? I’m a big believer that the largest opportunity for growth is between one and two,” said Caruso. “So, between job one and two, between week one and two, between game one and two, practice one and two, year one and two. That’s been a staple of how we’ve built the program because you don’t know what you don’t know.” “...Now we have a few data points, now we have some sort of assemblance of oh so that’s what this route combina tion looks like versus that level of com petition. Now it’s on us to be able to ap ply what we learned while keeping who we are at the root of every single thing we do.”
The Tommies took their place in the Pioneer League Football Conference in the FCS. The Pioneer conference teams include Davidson, San Diego, Morehead State, Dayton, Marist, Valparaiso, Stet son, Butler, Drake, and Presbyterian. In the Pioneer Leagues 2021 preseason coaches poll, St. Thomas was charted at No. 8 out of the 11 teams. As far as the FCS as a whole, they would rank last out of 128“Weprograms.havethree kids. Anna Maria is the oldest and she’s going to be a fresh man here at St. Thomas this year playing softball,” said Caruso. “Cade is an 11th grader and True is a 9th grader. A year ago Anna, Cade, and I were in my little pickup truck. Anna was in the passen ger seat and Cade was in the back. His phone pings and he says, ‘hey dad the Division 1 rankings came out.’ I kind of looked at Anna because she knows how the deal goes. She’s the oldest one, we don’t pay attention to stuff like that very much but I was in terested. I said, ‘oh that’s good,’ and he goes ‘hey dad we’re 128.’” “I looked over at Anna and she kind of winked at me and we didn’t say any thing. As I was driving I kind of looked into the rearview mirror and I could see Cade’s eyes were kind of squinted. His mind was working. About ten seconds later he goes, ‘hey dad how many teams are in Division One?’” Anna goes, ‘128 (said laughing).’” He says, ‘what a great freaking place to start.’” The Tommies started off their sea son with three non-conference teams. They were set to play their first match against St. Francis, however, it was can celed. The following week they faced Michigan Tech and took the victory, winning 12-9. The next week they faced the UNI Panthers, a top-25 FCS pro gram, and lost 44-3. “I think there was a lot of excite ment, there was probably some anxiety of the unknown, there was a level of accomplishment to be able to do some thing that no one’s ever done before,” said Caruso. “I think all of those things culminated in a really focused team last year, but it was totally different.”
Division 1 game yet and no one knew what to expect.”
Longtime St. Thomas coach Glenn Caruso rallies his players before a game. The Tommies will be entering their second season at the Division 1 level with hopes of taking a big leap forward as a program. Head coach Glenn Caruso on the sidelines during a football game vs St. John’s Oc tober 1, 2011 in O’Shaughnessy Stadium. The Tommies won 63-7.
Let’s Play Football16 September 1, 2022 www.letsplayfootballmn.com
“What I realized was there were the obvious adversities like the guys ran faster and they threw the football further and they hit harder but that’s the obvi ous. The biggest adversity is the coach ing staff. This is a program where we knew very clearly who we were as a pro gram. The main question was, can you scale that culture and that attitude while controlling the quality of the brand and the footprint of that brand as it begins to expand from coast to coast?” With joining a new division and a new league, St. Thomas would face teams they had never faced before. With a lack of knowledge and little help from their peers, the Tommies would have to figure out the start of their new era. “It was almost like you’re in the middle of the desert but you’re hear ing crickets and it’s like ok well what do you do now? Each week it made it so challenging because we didn’t even know the teams we were playing,” said Caruso. “Of course, you try to familiar ize yourself, you make calls, you watch the film, and you do all that kind of stuff.
TOMMY TIME
“How much can we grow? I’m a big believer that the largest opportunity for growth is between one and two. So, between job one and two, between week one and two, between game one and two, practice one and two, year one and two. That’s been a staple of how we’ve built the program because you don’t know what you don’t know.” - Glenn Caruso
St. Thomas will enter their second season in their Division 1 era
Last season, The University of St. Thomas became permitted by the NCAA to make the jump from Division III to Division I. The Tommies became the first program to make this big of a jump for all of their sports. Head coach Glenn Caruso stated, “It’s crazy. It’s uncharted, that’s really the unique thing. Every one of the chal lenges that we’ve met over the last 26 years of coaching college football, in the upper Midwest we’ve always had a point of reference that you can ask this person or speak to these people or call this friend who had gone through it. This is so entirely unique that it’s a bit of a pioneering expedition and in that lies a lot of the fun and the excitement.”
After three non-conference battles, the Tommies would have a good confer ence season going 6-2. They would have dominating victories against Presbyte rian, beating them 54-15, and also But ler, beating them 36-0. Their two loss es would come from San Diego losing 27-24 and Davidson losing 42-15. The newly arrived competitor took fourth in the Pioneer league standings. Davidson, San Diego, and Morehead State held the Nos. 1-2-3 spots. “I think as a competitor it went tre mendously well. As a coach I would say most importantly it laid an unbelievable foundation for what’s to come,” said Caruso. “A year ago last week the first rankings came out. We hadn’t played a
by MALIK MITCHELL Let’s Play Football Contributor
Mavericks look to rebound after mediocre season Hoffner’s Career Record at Minnesota State Season W L Pct. 2008&$ 9 3 .750 2009&$ 10 2 .833 2010 6 5 .545 2011*& 9 3 .750 2014*&$^ 14 1 .933 2015*&$ 10 2 .833 2016 8 3 .727 2017*&$ 13 1 .928 2018*&$ 13 1 .928 2019*&$^ 14 1 .933 2021 6 5 .545 Total 112 27 .805 NSIC Championship & Indicates NSIC South Division Championship $ Indicates NCAA Tournament Appearance ^ indicates NCAA Championship Game Appearance
MALIK
career
Let’s Play Football Contributor
* Indicates
www.letsplayfootballmn.com
Todd
UMD Head Coach Curt Wiese signed a three-year extension after coming off a con ference championship.
The Minnesota State Mankato’s head coach, Todd Hoffner will enter his 13th season as head coach of the Mav ericks. After taking the head coaching role in 2008, Hoffman has achieved an overall record of 112-27 along with six NSIC Championships and eight NSIC South Division Cham pionships. The Mavericks had a humbling setback last season going 6-5 along with missing the playoffs. Aside from COVID-19 canceling the Mavericks season in 2020, this previous season broke their three-year playoff run. “I think anytime when you have lost the expectations and everybody you know wants to win championships, it’s quite a fall from grace when you play for a national championship in 2019 and then turn around and have a (6-5) season in 2021,” Coach Hoffner said. “It was definitely a rough go, and it didn’t get better as the season went on.” Falling short of the playoffs this past season after making the playoffs for the past three years causes a team to stop and reflect. “I mean we got a big ol’ slice of humble pie that’s for sure,” said Hoff ner. “When you’re successful on a regular basis and you have a steep fall into the abyss you have a lot of work to do and that’s something that we’re really trying to work on and get better in the offseason of course.” With a setback of this magnitude, it sparks the question of what kind of adversity were the Mavericks facing throughout the season?“Wehave to coach better, we have to play better, and we have to prepare better. There are so many things that went by the wayside, we just had to find that inspiration and there were plenty of up and down moments,” said Hoffner. “I think a lot of the new guys that came in didn’t necessarily gel with the existing players and we had some chemistry things.” With COVID-19 canceling the Mavericks season in 2020, the year’s ab sence may have caused a lack of chem istry and motivation from last season’s teams.“We lost some good coaches too and we lost some really good players, a com bination of all those things definitely led to who we were and what happened,” Hoffman said. “We definitely failed as coaches in providing inspiration or mo tivation for our young men and the mo mentum that we had coming off in ‘19, I don’t think there’s any if, and, or buts about it that definitely in hindsight it hurt us pretty big time.” Moving forward to the upcoming 2022 season, the Mavericks have added some new additions to the team. They’ve put an emphasis on working the line on both sides of the ball. “We have four new guys up front.
UMD coach looks to continue success with new extension MALIK MITCHELL
Curt Wiese record at UMD
A couple on defense and a couple on of fense, hopefully, they can gel and mesh with our current players, and hopefully, everybody’s training hard and develop ing,” said Hoffman. The Mavericks are set to play their first game on Sept. 1 against Bemidji State University at the Beavers home turf. This will be the 49th meeting be tween the two with Mankato leading the series 32-15. The Mavericks are 15-9 in Bemidji with their last loss being in 2005. Coach Hoffman plans to find suc cess in their first match up of the season. “Well, I mean we’re just trying to go (1-0), the team we play right out of the gate went the deepest in the playoffs in our league,” Hoffner said. “They were only one of two teams that we viewed with a winning record from last year and we had their number last year but I’m sure that didn’t make them very happy that we beat them. They’ll be motivated and we’ll be motivated and coming out of the gates it’s going to be a pretty diffi cult challenge for us to succeed.”
After leading the Bulldogs to con ference a championship this past sea son, UMD’s head coach Curt Wiese will continue to coach after receiving a three-year contract extension. The Bulldogs went 9-3 last season achieving a conference championship beating Northern State 49-35. That marks their second conference champi onship in the last four years. “It’s always a goal of our program to have an opportunity to compete at the end of the season and in meaning ful football games,” Coach Wiese said. “That’s part of our recruiting pitches and that’s always our goal and our in tent towards the end of the season is to be playing in meaningful football games.” With a record of 9-3 from last sea son, the Bulldogs seemed to pick up where they left off in 2019 after their season was canceled in 2020 due to “ComingCOVID-19.outof COVID, I think our team and our leadership last fall did a very good job of staying togeth er throughout COVID,” said Wiese. “Making sure we were focused on day-to-day oper ations and continuing to get better as a team. In my opin ion, things really clicked for us through COVID.” Last season with COVID-19 still lingering, the Bulldogs were able to finish their season without any canceled games. Even though col lege football is becoming less strict on COVID-19 protocols, however, it’s still an issue.“Ithink everybody is ready for some normality whatever that may be this fall. Last year was still a challenge battling with testing and exposure rates and that kind of thing,” said Wiese. “I think everybody around the country, around the world, and definitely within UMD football looks forward to a normal fall as far as travel opportunities. And being able to compete and not have that on the forefront of our minds wherever we go, whenever we travel, and when ever we enter a building.” After capturing the NSIC champi onship, the Bulldogs advanced to the Division 2 NCAA playoffs but fell short in the first round. UMD has gone 3-5 in their eight NCAA playoff appearances under Wiese. “I think as you get into the national playoffs a lot of it has to do with health, some of it may be luck, and some of it
Let’s Play Football Contributor
2013 UMD 11-2 10-1 (2nd-T) 1-1 2014 UMD 13-1 11-0 (1st-T) 2-1 2015 UMD 9-3 8-3 (4th-T) 2016 UMD 10-2 10-1 (2nd) 0-1 2017 UMD 9-3 9-2 (3rd-T) 2018 UMD 11-1 11-0 (1st-T) 0-1 2019 UMD 8-3 8-3 (3rd-T) 2020 UMD 0-0 0-0 No Season 2021 UMD 9-3 9-2 (1st-T) 0-1 2022 UMD 0-0 0-0 Totals 89-29 (80-18 UMD) (77-1276-19NSIC) 3-5
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may be preparation. We’ve continued over the last few years to put ourselves in a place where we have a chance to compete in the playoffs and we have fallen short in the first round,” said Wi ese. “I don’t think it has anything to do with preparation for off-season things, it’s just we haven’t proven ourselves the last few years and the last few opportu nities once we get on that stage.” What’s next for UMD football? The Bulldogs will have to replace a vital piece on the offensive for the first time in six seasons. However, they will be re turning some key players that could help keep the ball rolling for the Bulldogs. “We’ll start a new quarterback on our roster here for the first time in six seasons. John Larson has graduated and moved on after a very good career here, so we will have a quarterback battle on the offensive side of the football which will be very interesting throughout fall camp,” said Wiese. “We did return some of our top guys like Armani Carmickle at wide receiver who returns as an all-con ference wide receiver. Brent Laing at of fensive tackle and Wade Sullivan at tailback. Brad Dati and Marcus Glodowski defensively, I think those two guys are guys that have been able to lead us both on and off the field. They have proven themselves that they can compete at a high UMDlevel.”will kick off their season facing SMSU on Sept. 1 at home. From their last three meetings in 2014, 2016, and 2018 UMD leads the series 2-1 with both wins being at home. Wiese has built a culture of success at UMD with an overall record of 80-18 over eight season (not including 2020), including 77-12 in the NSIC. The hope for UMD football fans is for them to continue the success that Coach Wiese has developed in the past decade.
Todd Hoffner by MITCHELL
by JOSH LEVINE Let’s Play Football Contributor Vikings Through The Years Vikings have extensive list of Pro-Bowlers
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First, we need to realize that for most youth athletes, they genuinely think they are going as fast and hard as they can. If we belittle kids by telling them “you’re not working hard!” when they think they are and feel as if they are doing everything they can to work hard, the message can cause them to shut down. In their heads, they’re thinking, “I’m try ing as hard as I can and dad still thinks I’m not. I’m tired of hearing that I need to work hard. I’m going to start ignoring him.” Imagine a Navy Seal watching the average adult go through a work out or tough day at the office. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the adult thought he or she was going “all in” while the Navy Seal thought the workout or effort on the job was sub-par. Almost everyone, including myself, is in a state of learning when it comes to hard work and mental toughness. Can you imagine how offended we would be if someone told us we were “lazy” or “lacked a hard work ethic” (even if we know that we can push ourselves more)? Second, we cannot expect to see players learn how to work harder and develop grit if they are going through monotonous and year-round training. Consider a Russian study from the 1950s that challenged one group of children to stand as long as they could, while a second group was simply asked to pretend they were soldiers on guard at their posts.
The first group (monotonous, mundane training) lasted two minutes. The second group lasted eleven ! When you hear complaints that kids don’t know how to work hard these days, perhaps we should take a look at how our sports have been structured. What if our obsession with drills and structure is contributing to kids lacking mental toughness and grit? I’ve witnessed this numerous times as a coach. Do a drill lacking in competitiveness and play with 8-year-olds and then try one that has those elements and you’ll see a major difference in work ethic.
Finally, we need to empower youth athletes for them to intrinsically develop grit. Very few will learn it by being yelled at. When an athlete understands that a coach or trainer cares about them and is genuinely invested in their well-being, they are far more likely to listen. Then if we provide athletes with goals that require slightly more effort than they currently provide and they put in the work, we have hit the jackpot! The kids make the connection and their intrinsic motivation lights up – “I shot 500 pucks and my shot is better. What if I shoot 2,000? I can’t even imagine how much better I’ll get.”
As coaches, parents, and trainers, what is more motivating than working to help youth athletes develop grit, perseverance, and mental toughness? Tests that measure grit are some of the best predictors for future success, more so than natural ability . Unlike solely skill-focused training, the development of hard work and perseverance is proven to provide our kids a better shot at successfully completing whatever task they ultimately endeavor to take on. That fact alone is reason enough to double-down on our efforts to teach athletes hard work.
Developing grit in youth athletes
PRO BOWL PLAYERS (BOLD- STARTER, *- DID NOT PLAY) 1961– Hugh McElhenny, HB; Jerry Reichow, E 1962– Tommy Mason, HB 1963– Tommy Mason, HB; Grady Alderman, T; Rip Hawkins, LB 1964– Tommy Mason, HB; Grady Alderman, T; Mick Tingelhoff, C; Fran Tarkenton, QB, Bill Brown, RB 1965– Grady Alderman, T; Bill Brown,FB; Fran Tarkenton, QB; Mick Tingelhoff, C 1966– Paul Flatley, E; Grady Alderman, T; Milt Sunde, G; Mick Tingelhoff, C 1967– Mick Tingelhoff, C; Grady Alderman, T; Bill Brown, FB 1968– Mick Tingelhoff, C; Bill Brown, FB; Carl Eller, DE; Jim Marshall, DE; Alan Page, 1969–DTCarl Eller, DE; Joe Kapp, QB; Paul Krause, S; Gary Larsen, DT; Jim Marshall, DE; Alan Page, DT; Gene Washington, WR; Mick Tingelhoff, C 1970– Fred Cox, K; Carl Eller, DE; Karl Kassulke, S; Gary Larsen, DT; Dave Osborn, HB; Alan Page, DT; Gene Washington, WR 1971– Carl Eller, DE; Alan Page, DT; Paul Krause, DB; Ron Yary, T; Bob Grim, WR 1972– John Gilliam, WR; Paul Krause, DB; Alan Page, DT; Ron Yary, T 1973– Chuck Foreman, RB; John Gilliam, WR; Paul Krause, S; Alan Page, DT; Jeff Siemon, LB; Ron Yary, T; *Carl Eller, DE 1974– Carl Eller, DE; Chuck Foreman, RB; John Gilliam, WR; Paul Krause, S; Alan Page, DT; *Fran Tarkenton, QB; Ron Yary, T 1975– Bobby Bryant, DB; Chuck Foreman, RB; John Gilliam, WR; Paul Krause, S; Alan Page, DT; Jeff Siemon, LB; *Fran Tarkenton, QB; Ed White, G; Ron Yary, T 1976– Jeff Siemon, LB; Ed White, G; Ron Yary, T; Sammy White, WR; *Chuck Fore man, RB; *Fran Tarkenton, QB; *Alan Page, DT 1977– Matt Blair, LB; Chuck Foreman, RB; Jeff Siemon, LB; Ed White, G; Sammy White, WR; Ron Yary, T 1978– Matt Blair, LB; Ahmad Rashad, WR 1979– Matt Blair, LB; Ahmad Rashad, WR 1980– Matt Blair, LB; Ahmad Rashad, WR 1981– Matt Blair, LB; Ahmad Rashad, WR; *Joe Senser, TE 1982– Matt Blair, LB 1984– Jan Stenerud, K 1985– Joey Browner, special teams 1986– Tommy Kramer, QB; Joey Browner, S; Steve Jordan, TE 1987– Joey Browner, S; Chris Doleman, DE; Scott Studwell, LB; Anthony Carter, WR; Steve Jordan, TE; Gary Zimmerman, T 1988– Joey Browner, S; Chris Doleman, DE; Carl Lee, CB; Keith Millard, DT; Scott Studwell, LB; Anthony Carter, WR; Steve Jordan, TE; Wade Wilson, QB; Gary Zim merman, T 1989– Joey Browner, S; Chris Doleman, DE; Carl Lee, CB; Keith Millard, DT; Steve Jordan, TE; Randall McDaniel, G; Gary Zimmerman, T 1990– Joey Browner, S; Chris Doleman, DE; Carl Lee, CB; Steve Jordan, TE; Randall McDaniel, G 1991– Steve Jordan, TE; Randall McDaniel, G; Henry Thomas, NT 1992– Chris Doleman, DE; Randall McDaniel, G; *Audray McMillian, CB; Todd Scott, S; Henry Thomas, DT; Gary Zimmerman, T 1993– Cris Carter, WR; Chris Doleman, DE; Randall McDaniel, G; John Randle, DT 1994– Cris Carter, WR; Jack Del Rio, LB; Randall McDaniel, G; Warren Moon, QB; John Randle, DT; Fuad Reveiz, K 1995– Cris Carter, WR; Randall McDaniel, G; Warren Moon QB; John Randle, DT 1996– Cris Carter, WR; Randall McDaniel, G; John Randle, DT 1997– Cris Carter, WR; Randall McDaniel, G; John Randle, DT; Todd Steussie, T 1998– Gary Anderson, K; Cris Carter, WR; Jeff Christy, C; Randall Cunningham, QB; *Ed McDaniel, LB; Randall McDaniel, G; Randy Moss, WR; John Randle, DT; Robert Smith, RB; Todd Steussie, T 1999– Mitch Berger, P; Cris Carter, WR; Jeff Christy, C; Randall McDaniel, G; Randy Moss, WR 2000– Matt Birk, C; Cris Carter, WR; Daunte Culpepper, QB; Robert Griffith, S; *Ran dy Moss, WR; *Robert Smith, RB; Korey Stringer, T 2001– *Matt Birk, C; Byron Chamberlain, TE 2002– Michael Bennett, RB; *Randy Moss, WR 2003– Matt Birk, C; Corey Chavous, S; Daunte Culpepper, QB; *Randy Moss, WR 2004– Matt Birk, C; Daunte Culpepper, QB; Kevin Williams, DT 2005– Koren Robinson, KR; Darren Sharper, S 2006– Matt Birk, C; Steve Hutchinson, G; Kevin Williams, DT; Pat Williams, DT 2007– Matt Birk, C; Steve Hutchinson, G; Adrian Peterson, RB; Tony Richardson, FB; Darren Sharper, S; Kevin Williams, DT; Pat Williams, DT 2008– Jared Allen, DE; Steve Hutchinson, G; Adrian Peterson, RB; Kevin Williams, DT; Pat Williams, DT; Antoine Winfield, CB 2009–Jared Allen, DE; Heath Farwell, LB; *Brett Favre, QB; *Percy Harvin, WR/KR; Steve Hutchinson, G; *Bryant McKinnie, T; Adrian Peterson, RB; *Sidney Rice, WR; *Kevin Williams, DT; *Antoine Winfield, DB 2010– *E.J. Henderson, LB; Adrian Peterson, RB; *Kevin Williams, DT; Antoine Winfield, CB 2011–Jared Allen, DE; Chad Greenway, LB 2012– Jared Allen, DE; Jerome Felton, FB; Chad Greenway, LB; Matt Kalil, T; Adrian Peterson, RB; Kyle Rudolph, TE; Blair Walsh, K 2013– Cordarrelle Patterson, KR; *Adrian Peterson, RB 2015– Anthony Barr, LB; Teddy Bridgewater, QB; Everson Griffen, DE; Adrian Peter son, RB; Harrison Smith, S 2016- Anthony Barr, LB; Everson Griffen, DE; Linval Joseph, DT; Cordarrelle Patter son, KR; Xavier Rhodes, CB; Harrison Smith, S 2017- *Anthony Barr, LB; *Everson Griffen, DE; Linval Joseph, DT; Xavier Rhodes, CB; Kyle Rudolph, TE; Harrison Smith, S; Adam Thielen, WR 2018- Anthony Barr, LB; Danielle Hunter, DE; Harrison Smith, S; Adam Thielen, 2019-WR Dalvin Cook, RB; Kirk Cousins, QB; Everson Griffen, DE; C.J. Ham, FB; Dan ielle Hunter,EricDE;Kendricks, LB; Xavier Rhodes, CB; Harrison Smith, S 2020^- Dalvin Cook, RB; Justin Jefferson, WR 2021- Dalvin Cook, RB; Justin Jefferson, WR; Harrison Smith, S; Brian O’Neill, T Developing grit in youth athletes is probably one of the toughest tasks a coach and parent can try to take on. There isn’t an easy solu tion and understanding where a player should be at in terms of mental toughness, grit, and competitiveness is hard to measure. Because play ers have different personalities and develop at different rates, knowing how to respond to them is especially hard. Some athletes are born day one ready to fight anyone that challenges them – others are on the fast track to work as diplomats and therapists. A motivational technique that might be needed with one player is likely to have no effect or a negative impact on another. So how do we teach kids to be resilient and mental ly tough? How do we get a player that would rather watch the play to engage in it?
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jan 14-15 wild card playoff games jan 21-22 divisional playoff games week day date opponent time (ct) tv radio
Vikings home games in bold // *Game time subject to change due to flexible schedulingplayoffs
4 sunday oct. 2 vs. new orleans saints (london) 8:30 a.m. nfln kfan / ktlk
2 monday sept. 19 at philadelphia eagles 7:30 p.m. abc kfan / ktlk
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5 sunday oct. 9 chicago bears noon* fox kfan / ktlk
3 sunday sept. 25 detroit lions noon fox kfan / ktlk
6 sunday oct. 16 at miami dolphins noon* fox kfan / ktlk
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p1 tbd tbd at las vegas raiders tbd tbd kfan/ ktlk p2 tbd tbd san francisco 49ers tbd tbd kfan/ ktlk p3 tbd tbd at denver broncos tbd tbd kfan/ ktlk week day date opponent time (ct) tv radio 1 sunday sept. 11 green bay packers 3:25 p.m. fox kfan / ktlk
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7 sunday oct. 23 bye 8 sunday oct. 30 arizona cardinals noon* fox kfan / ktlk
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9 sunday nov. 6 at washington commanders noon* fox kfan / ktlk sunday nov. 13 at buffalo bills noon* fox kfan / ktlk sunday nov. 20 dallas cowboys 3:25 p.m.* cbs kfan/ ktlk thursday nov. 24 new england patriots 7:20 p.m. nbc kfan/ ktlk sunday dec. 4 new york jets noon* cbs kfan / ktlk sunday dec. 11 at detroit lions noon* fox kfan / ktlk sat/sun dec. 17/18 indianapolis colts tbd* tbd kfan / ktlk saturday dec. 24 new york giants noon fox kfan / ktlk sunday jan. 1 at green bay packers 3:25 p.m.* cbs kfan / ktlk sat/sun jan. 7/8 at chicago bears tbd* tbd kfan/ktlk 29 conf. championship games feb 12 super bowl lvii // arizona
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QUESTIONTRIVIA #2 QUESTIONTRIVIA #3
Welcome to another football season by ERIC KOHN Let’s Play Football Contributor
Kirk Cousins enters this season fourth all time in starts at QB. Two QBs have played more than 100 games for the Vikings. Who are Andthey?who ranks third?
Answers to Minnesota Vikings Trivia can be found on page 21
Continued—Underwood—onPage 23
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Welcome to another football season! The best season of all. The time of hard work and preparation for a successful sea son. This is the time of year that every foot ball fan has hope and optimism for their fa vorite team. As an athlete, this is the time of the year your body feels the best, differ ent than later in the season when we have bumps, bruises, aches and pains from the game the week before. The temperatures are starting to cool down at night and the glow of the field lights on Friday attract us as fans like moths to a porch light. I am excited thinking about it starting again… the football season. Like last season, I will have a column in each issue on different sports medicine topics relating to our passion….football. I am often asked this question in the clin ic. “How can athletes best prepare for the upcoming season?” So with that question in mind, this week’s article is a list of tips and reminders to set you up for success this season on the field.
In his third season as head coach in 2010, Underwood led SCSU to 10 victories and its first NCAA playoff appear ance in six seasons. SCSU won its firstround playoff game before losing to the eventual national champion in overtime in the second round. SCSU captured a share of both the NSIC North Division and NSIC overall championship in 2011 and advanced to the NCAA playoffs. SCSU set a team record in 2013 by winning 12 games and advancing to the quarterfinals of the NCAA playoffs before losing to the eventual na tional champions. SCSU was ranked No. 5 in the final national polls and broke a team record with 24 pass interceptionsUnderwoodScott
Of Vikings QBs who have made more than 20 starts, which one has the age?winninghighestpercent
Former SCSU coach takes helm at Southwest State
North Division and NSIC over all championship in 2011. “It is an exciting day for Mustang football as we wel come Scott Underwood as our new head coach,” Saugstad said. “Scott brings a wealth of expe rience to SMSU with his many years as head coach in the NSIC. In developing student-athletes, he has a proven track record of success on the field and in the classroom. Scott’s knowledge of the game, ability to recruit and develop players, excitement for student-athletes, and quiet con fidence showed throughout the interview process. He is a great addition to Mustang Athletics and SMSU.” Underwood, the 11th head coach in the 53-year history of the SMSU program, succeeds Cory Sauter, who held the position for 12 years.
Jim Marshall has played more games than any Viking in his tory with 270, starting every one. Four others have played in at least 200 games. Can you name them?
2. Sports drink consumption. When we sweat we lose not only water but also electrolytes, especially sodium. Regardless of the brand of sports drink, they can be beneficial after hard practices to replenish the electrolytes. The sodium will also help prevent cramping and the carbohydrates will add quick energy for the body.
“I am excited to take the reins of the Mustang football program,” Un derwood said. “I would like to thank the hiring committee, Athletic Direc tor Bruce Saugstad and President Dr. Kumara Jayasuriya for their faith in empowering me with this leadership position.”
QUESTION #1
5. Dynamic stretching. The contro versy of stretching and its benefits will go on forever and there may be some merit to question the effectiveness of static or hold stretching but dynamic or movement stretching continues to be supported in literature. When we talk about dynamic stretching we mean stretching with move ments such as a walking lunge with over head stretch. During dynamic stretching your body moves through functional move ments that will take place during your sport and then give a little stretch emphasis at your end range of movements 6. Proper fitting equipment. This point can sometimes go overlooked. In our effort to look good or “drip”. “Drip”, I just found out this week from my teenage son is slang for looking good or having swagger. We must never stop learning I guess! Im proper fitting of equipment or not having all straps of buckles tight can and will lead to injuries. The shoulder pads and helmet are made to fit snug and properly, your train ing staff will make sure it is fitted to you. Don’t jeopardize your season to “look bet ter” rather than being safe. 7. Finally, meet and become familiar with your sports medicine training staff. They are there to make sure your season is as successful as it can be by keeping you healthy and out of the training room. In troduce yourself to them, discuss previous injuries and how they healed or are healing. They may want to create a treatment plan to keep you healthy. They may address mus cle weaknesses by adding some exercises or lack of flexibility by adding specific in dividual dynamic stretching. Well there you have it, a few easy rules to follow. If you need help with any of them talk to you coaches or sports med icine staff. These are simple steps that can make a world of difference in keeping you on the field. Good luck on your first games of the season! Eric is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Certified Strength and Condi tioning 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.
1. Drink more water. It is that sim ple. It is true that our body is 60% water but more importantly our muscles are 75% water. When we grind through long and hot practices we can lose significant amount of water. A quick and inexpensive way to combat cramping and water loss is to just replenish with water. Remember to be drinking water throughout the day, this will be more beneficial than drinking the full gallon jug of water after practice. Check the color of your urine to confirm you are drinking enough, it should be clear.
3. Proper nutrition. This is not the article to go in to details about performance nutrition but just remember two things. To get the best output you must put in the best and that really applies in this situation. Quality sources of protein, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats should make up your daily intake. Finally, you are expending a lot of calories with your hard work in practice, be prepared to eat a little more than usual to avoid weight loss during training camp. 4. Sleep. This could be one of the most important keys to your season. When you sleep your body recovers and heals itself. When you are not sleeping enough your performance will suffer and the small injuries will not heal and can become chron ic ones. Believe me, you can do everything else right but without adequate 8-10 hours of sleep, it will catch up to you and impact performance and recovery.
TRIVIA
Southwest Minnesota State University Interim Director of Athletics Bruce Saug stad announced Friday that Scott Under wood has been named head football coach at SMSU.Underwood comes to SMSU after recording 10 winning seasons with three NCAA playoff appearances in 12 seasons (2008-19) as head coach at St. Cloud State University. The 2011 NSIC Coach of the Year, Underwood compiled a record of 8651 in 12 seasons, before the program was eliminated following the 2019 season. His teams won seven or more games seven times, including a school record 12 vic tories in 2013. The Huskies made NCAA playoff appearances in 2010, 2011 and 2013 and won a share of both the NSIC
A: Gary Cuozzo, who was under center from 1968-71, went 16-5 in 21 starts for a winning percent age of .762. A close second was Randall Cunningham, who posted a record of 16-7 as a starter for a win percentage of .762. Coming in third is legendary Vikings QB Joe Kapp whow as 23-12 (.645) from 1967-69. Brad Johnson won at a .609 clip in 46 starts with a 28-18
A: Mick Tingelhoff (240), Fred Cox (210), Carl Eller (209), Scott Studwell (202) are the only Vikings to play in 200 or more games. Ron Yary came up one game short and finished at 199. Who is the active player with most games played? That would be saftey Harrison Smith with 145. The only other active player with more than 100 GP is WR Adam Thielen.
Kirk Cousins will start his 64th game for the Vikings Sept. 11 when they take on the Packers. He ranks fourth amongst Vikings quarterbacks in games played.
Q: Of Vikings QBs who have made more than 20 starts, which one has the highest winning percentage?
A: Kirk Cousins will start his 64th game behind center in the Vikings season opener against Green Bay. The two players who have start ed more than 100 games are Fran Tarkenton, who started 170 (91-736, .553%), and Tommy Kramer, who started 110 (54-56, .491%). Who has started the third most? That would be Daunte Culpepper, who played 80 games over seven years from 1999-2005 and had a re cord of 38-42 for a winning percent age of Cousins,.475.meanwhile, is 33-29-1 for a win percentage of .531.
Maple Grove Maple Grove only took one loss during the regular season against Centenni al. They had several high scoring games achieving 40 or more points in seven games. They ended their season 11-2 after losing to Lakeville South 13-7.
Woodbury Woodbury went 10-2 losing only one game during the regular season. They would make it to the Class 6A Quarterfinals against Maple Grove. Woodbury would come up short losing 31-12.
Top Players continued from Page 8
Class 5A Mankato West Last season, Mankato West was a force to be reckoned with going undefeat ed. High scoring games came naturally to the Scarlets. They would shut seven teams out and have a season high of 76 points. They continued their run to the Class 5A Championship against Mahtomedi and took the victory 24-10.
Class 6A Lakeville South Last season, Lakeville South showed how dominant they were going undefeat ed. They scored 40 points or more in seven games. They were crowned Class 6A champions after defeating Maple Grove 13-7.
Minnetonka Minnetonka went 8-2 last season taking losses from Maple Grove and Farm ington. After a setback in week three they would get eliminated in the Class 6A round of 16.
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Becker Becker would have a successful regular season going undefeated. They were no stranger to high scores and shutouts. Becker managed to make it to the Class 4A semifinal but they would unfortunately lose to Kasson-Mantorville 24-0. They would end their season 11-1.
Chaska Chaska went undefeated in the regular season making it to the Section 2AAAAA Championship. They lost to the Class 5A champions Mankato West 35-0. They ended their season 9-1.
Mound Westonka Mound Westonka had a promising season going undefeated in the regular sea son. They would have a 50 point game and three shutouts. They unfortunately lost to Orono in the Section 6AAAA Semifinal 22-21 cutting their season short 8-1. North Branch North Branch had a dominating regular season, winning by 30 points or more in eight games. They would make it to the Section 7AAAA Championship but unfortunately lose to Grand Rapids 14-12. They would do 9-1.
The Hutchinson Tigers showed why they were crowned the Class 4A champi ons. Besides a minor setback in week four, the Tigers would have several high scoring games. They would cruise to the Class 4A championship against Kas son-Mantorville and take the victory 42-14. They finished their season 12-1.
Eden Prairie Eden Prairie would take one loss during the regular season against the Class 6A champions Lakeville South 42-7. They would make it to the Class 6A semifinal but unfortunately lose 35-3 to Maple Grove. They would end their season 10-2.
St. Thomas Academy Last season, St. Thomas Academy made an emphasis early on averaging 38 points in the first four weeks. They would go undefeated in the regular season making it all the way to the Class 5A Quarterfinal. They would face defeat against Mankato West 21-14, ending their season 10-1. Andover Last season, Andover would have seven 40 point games going undefeated in the regular season. They would cruise to the Class 5A Quarterfinals but lose in a close battle against Rogers 21-20. They would finish their season 10-1.
Q:record.Jim Marshall has played more games than any Viking in histo ry with 270, starting in every one. Four others have played in at least 200 games. Can you name them?
Kasson-Mantorville Kasson-Mantorville would have a rocky road losing three regular games. They would fight their way to the Class 4A championship against Hutchinson. They would unfortunately lose 42-14, ending their season with a record of 9-4.
Rogers Rogers had a successful run making it to the Class 5A semifinals against Manka to West. They lost 42-7 ending their season 10-2.
Q: Kirk Cousins enters this season fourth all time in starts at QB. Two QBs have played more than 100 games for the Vikings. Who are they? And who ranks third?
Class 4A Hutchinson
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“The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference is one of the premiere con ferences in Division II and it’s a privilege to be back to face-off with familiar rivals on the gridiron,” Underwood said. “I look forward to getting on campus and meet ing the student-athletes and coaches as we start the quest to produce victories next Fall for the campus and community.” Prior to taking over as head coach at SCSU, Underwood served as defensive coordinator for the Huskies (2001-07).
Underwood began his coaching ca reer at his alma mater, Augustana Univer sity, where he spent five seasons as the defensive secondary coach (1988-92). The Vikings made back-to-back NCAA play off appearances in 1988 and 1989 and won eight games three different times. Underwood was a four-year letter winner as a defensive back for the Vikings while earning a degree in social sciences. He earned his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. Scott and his wife, Tamara, have two children, Casey and Brady.
15Let’s Play Football22 September 1, 2022 www.letsplayfootballmn.com YOUR PLAYBOOK FOR A WINNING SUPPLY CHAIN
Led by Underwood, the SCSU defense ranked among the best in the North Cen tral Conference in the last seven seasons of the league. SCSU won a share of the NCC title in 2002 and hosted a first round NCAA playoff game in 2004. “I would like to thank SMSU assis tant coach Shay McClure for his leader ship in an interim role during this transi tion period,” Saugstad said. “Shay stepped in and did an outstanding job keeping our program moving in the right direction during the hiring process. I would also like to recognize the search committee, led by Kelly Loft – Assistant Athletic Director – for their dedication, commitment, and input throughout the hiring process. This group worked throughout the holidays to keep us moving forward and ultimately hire a great new leader for Mustang foot ball.”Underwood has achieved tremendous success at each of his previous assistant coaching stops. He was the inside line backers coach at the University of North Dakota for four seasons (1997-2000), helping lead UND to a pair of NCAA playoff appearances. Underwood served as the defensive coordinator at the University of Sioux Falls for four seasons (1993-96), assisting the Cougars to three conference champi onships and three NAIA playoff appear ances, including the 1996 NAIA Division II National Championship.
Underwood continued from Page 20
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Ticketed student fans will be offered discounted admission to the Minnesota Vikings Museum ($10). Parking is free, and fans can access lots via Vikings Parkway or Ames Crossing, using the 2600 Vikings Circle address. Walk-up tickets will be available at TCO Sta dium and ticket pricing will be at the regular home team rate – $8 adults/$5 students for East Ridge and $7/$5 for Jefferson. Tickets are available am.ticketmaster.com/vikings/PrepSpotlightEastRidgeVSHopkinsam.ticketmaster.com/vikings/PrepSpotlightBloomingtoVSChanhasseat:n Both games will be streamed through Neighborhood Sports Network at NSPN.TV.
Vikings Prep Spotlight began with the opening of TCO Perfor mance Center and TCO Stadium in 2018. The ability to host high school and youth football events at the facility was a primary focus in the design of the campus. The Vikings have hosted seven Prep Spotlight games since beginning the program in 2018 and three state playoff games in 2018.
VIKINGS HOSTING TWO GAMES FOR 2022 PREP SPOTLIGHT SERIES AT TCO STADIUM
The Minnesota Vikings will host a pair of high school football games this season at TCO Stadium as part of the Vikings Prep Spot light series presented by Twin Cities Orthopedics. The 2022 games will be the 11th and 12th prep games played at TCO Stadium.
VIKINGS PREP SPOTLIGHT GAMES are PRESENTED BY Minnesota Vikings and Twin Cities Orthopedics PREP SPOTLIGHT SCHEDULE Thursday, Sept. 15 • 7:00pm Hopkins vs. East Ridge (home team Tuesday, Oct. 18 • 7:00pm Chanhassen vs. Bloomington Jefferson (home team) VIKINGS PREP SPOTLIGHT HISTORY: 2018 (*MSHSL quarterfinal playoffs) Sept. 28 Farmington 41, Eagan 28 Oct. 12 Lakeville North 38, Prior Lake 3 Nov. 9* Lakeville North 35, St. Michael-Albertville 8 Nov. 10* Owatonna 42, Chaska 7 Nov. 10* Elk River 23, Spring Lake Park 21 2019 Sept. 20 Eden Prairie 14, Shakopee 6 Sept. 27 Chaska 21, Apple Valley 0 Sept. 28 Mankato West 58, Rochester Mayo 21 2021 Sept. 10 Waconia 20, Robbinsdale Cooper 14 Sept. 17 St. Thomas Academy 21, Cretin-Derham Hall 14
