LPF 10_19_23

October 20, 2023 Volume 5 • Number 5 • Issue 26

PROUD PARTNER 6OF THE

Field ls

a r e n e g

QB

The

Issue

Former Viking Kyle Sloter has advice for aspiring quarterbacks... page 5 INSIDE

• Is quarterback the toughest position in all of sports?...page 4 • So you want to be a quarterback?... page 5 • Big arm = Big results for Springfield QB.... page 6 • Dingmann leads BBE to unbeaten status... page 7 • No Fear for Mayo QB Grimsrud... page 8 • Providence Academy QB makes big strides...Page 9 • Minnesota Vikings Prep Spotlight Game... pages 10-11 • Attention to detail drives Storm sophomore...Page 12 • MI-B’s Clines a two-way playmaker...Page 13 • Delano QB reaps the benefits of offseason work...Page 14 • Sky is the limit for Stillwater’s Kinsey...Page 15

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October 20, 2023

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October 20, 2023

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Let’s Play Football

The toughest position in all of sports?

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

In order for a quarterback to be good at their position, he must possess not just athletic skill, but other intangibles that most other positions in football and other sports does not require.

Attention to detail, the patience to study film, the preparation to not just read the playbook, but be able to understand it and teach it those around you.

In baseball, players have to know a few signs. In hockey, players have to understand the forecheck and defensive zone play. In basketball, a player has to know a couple different offensive and defensive schemes.

A football player has to know an entire binder of plays knowing that one mistake can cause a broken play that could result in a turnover that could result in the loss of a game that could result in the end to a season.

And then there is the quarterback.

Not only does he have to know his job on each play in that binder, he has to know everyone else’s job as well, including the opposing defense.

Is playing quarterback the toughest position in sports?

It’s one thing to want to be the quarterback in the back yard or on the playground. It’s an entirely different responsibility to lead a team’s entire offense.

In this issue of Let’s Play Football we highlight several high school quarterbacks who are having very good seasons.

These players may not be destined for the NFL, but they have proven on the high school gridiron that they can play the position and play it well.

One thing we learned about these young men is there is a lot more to a quarterback than the ability to chuck a football. In fact, for an athlete to succeed at the quarterback position, arm strength and accuracy is just one of several components he must possess. Many attributes don’t even involve athletic ability, but the ability to truly understand the game, be a leader in the locker room and on the field, not just watch but study countless hours of film, and then translate what one sees on that film to the field come Friday night.

Playing the quarterback position requires much more than athletic skill. Above, Sauk Rapids-Rice quarterback Spencer Ackerman studies film on the sidelines of a recent game, proving that a quarterback’s job doesn’t end when there is a change of downs or when the game is over. PHOTO SUBMITTED

It truly takes a special person to be a top-end quarterback. The time put into the position is more than any other position in sports. No other athlete is required to watch hours of video, studying the smallest of details just to find the one wrinkle in the defense that might give him a small window for success.

All the great quarterbacks we have seen play in the NFL over the years are not just talented throwers, but obsessive about their craft. The best ones are also uber-competitive.

Tom Brady certainly wasn’t an athletic specimen coming out of college, but it was his competitive nature and impeccable preparation that helped him evolve into the most successful quarterback the game has seen. We can be in awe of Patrick Mahomes’ athletic ability, but we don’t give enough credit for how brilliant he is at reading defenses and making plays other quarterbacks wouldn’t dare try. Kirk Cousins is arguably one of the 10 best quarterbacks in the world, which

goes to show how difficult the position is. With 32 NFL teams, maybe half of those teams have a quarterback that is considered above average and has a secure starting job.

There is enormous pressure that comes with playing the position, which likely scares a lot of kids away from playing it. For those who do line up under center, they understand that playing quarterback is like hitting a baseball.

Perfection is something to certainly strive for, but will never be achieved. A good quarterback must have the inherited nature to brush off a bad play and look forward to the next one.

Short memories are essential at this position and requires a mind that won’t dwell on mistakes but instead find ways to fix them.

A quarterback’s mind must be able to make lightning quick decisions, looking for seams in routes where they can place a ball in a small window giving their receiver a chance to make a play while

avoiding an opportunity for the defender to make an interception.

After making that decision they still have to make a throw with the precision a surgeon would envy. And they have to do it all with bodies and arms flailing in front of them with very large men trying to bring them down and pile on top of them.

If football isn’t the toughest position to play in all of sports it certainly has to be the toughest one to master.

That explains why the very best of them make upwards of $40 to $50 million a year. There simply isn’t very many great ones much less very good ones at the NFL level.

That’s why we felt a need to tip our cap to not just those quarterbacks featured in these pages of LPF, but to all those who have the courage to take on such an arduous task that requires a tremendous level of responsibility.

We salute you.

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Let’s Play Football is a newspaper devoted to covering all levels of football in the state of Minnesota. It is published nine times in the fall from August through November. All submitted stories and photos must be sent to editor@letsplayfootballmn.com. LPF reserves the right to edit submitted stories and letters to the editor for length, grammar, punctuation and clarity.

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Let’s Play Football

So you want to be a quarterback?

October 20, 2023

5

Former Vikings QB Kyle Sloter offers advice for quarterbacks looking to reach the next level of competition

by JACKSON BOLINE

Let’s Play Football Contributor

In the competitive football world, aspiring young quarterbacks face a daunting journey as they look to reach the next level. The path is riddled with challenges and hurdles, but these obstacles mold the character of a true quarterback. Success for a young quarterback entails dedication to the craft, making sacrifices, becoming obsessed with being the best, and in some cases, like that of NFL quarterback Kyle Sloter, it takes changing positions to reach the next level.

Sloter comes from a small town in Georgia where he attended Mount Pisgah Christian School. It was at Mount Pisgah where he set nearly every record with 9,200 total yards, including over 6,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards and 87 career touchdowns.

Yet, although he was a superstar quarterback, he wasn’t highly recruited out of high school.

“I was very under-recruited,” said Sloter. “I had two offers, one from Tulane and one from Southern Mississippi, and the Tulane offer got taken after a coaching change, and the new coach told me I wasn’t good enough. So I was without an offer at Tulane, but I got offered at Southern Miss late, and they made me a wide receiver. It took a lot of adversity just to get to college.”

Sloter played two seasons at Southern Mississippi where he fell on the QB depth chart and then asked coaches to try his hand at receiver. He caught five passes for 35 yards as a freshman and competed at receiver and tight end as a sophomore. Without much of a future at Southern Mississippi he decided to transfer to the University of Northern Colorado his junior season. He eventually got back to playing quarterback and when an injury occurred to the team’s starter, stepped in and had a record setting day.

Sloter threw for 408 yards and 7 touchdowns in a 55-42 win over Abilene Christian, winning many athlete of the week accolades.

He finished his senior season with 2,656 passing yards and 29 passing touchdowns, which was good enough to set a new single season program record. he was also named the Male Athlete of the Year.

“After three or four years I finally got a chance to show what I could do and I took advantage of it,” said Sloter.

Despite his strong senior season, Sloter was not invited to the 2017 NFL Combine. Instead he competed at the Northern Colorado Pro Day where he registered a 4.65 40-yard dash, a 9’1” broad jump and an arm speed of 58 miles per hour, which was one mile per hour shy of the top throwing speed at that year’s NFL Combine.

Sloter was eventually signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos in 2017 after being told by both the Redskins and the Broncos throughout the draft he would be selected in the draft, but teams continued to pick other players. He would go on to play for the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals,

Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, and continued his football career in the USFL and XFL. Every player’s story is different, but no matter how good a player is, it takes that extra hour of practice throwing, one more rep in the weight room, and one more look at the playbook. Most athletes that have options to play football after high school have the talent to do so, but not everyone has the work ethic, not only on the gridiron, but in the classroom.

“You want to give yourself the best opportunity to be a recruitable guy, and that doesn’t just mean just on the field but academically too,” said Sloter, who was named to the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll as a freshman at Southern Mississippi.

“I’ve known and heard of many athletes who have been stud football players but have a GPA under two, so colleges never gave them a chance. It doesn’t matter how smart you are, school is about putting the work in, and if you show college coaches that you don’t put hard work into your schooling, they don’t expect you to put work into football.”

Sloter wasn’t just a star football player in high school but he was a great basketball player as well. Standing 6’5”, he scored 2,100 career points and helped his team reach the final four in the state tournament.

“I think having another hobby or sport is important,” he said. “In fact, if I’m lucky enough to have kids one day I will push them to play another sport or have another activity whether it’s an instrument or anything. I found it to be important to get your mind off of the game you are mastering sometimes so you don’t get burnt out, and so you can have another skill.”

Sloter felt basketball not only got his mind off football when it was needed,

Kyle Sloter served as a backup for the Vikings. The 29-year-old said there are other attributes a good football player must have in order to catch the eyes of recruiters. but it helped his footwork and speed.

“When I got to the pro level and I couldn’t play basketball or anything else on the side in risk of injury, I felt as if my footwork was affected,” said Sloter.

Being a two-sport athlete or a football player who plays the trumpet on the side, you have extra tape to send to recruits which can’t hurt, he said.

“Showing a recruit that you have the ability and discipline to not only be a great ball player, but a great athlete and a great scholar can’t hurt, it can only help,” said Sloter.

Sloter’s story doesn’t mean one has to play another sport or have another activity to make the next level, as there are plenty of examples of one-sport athletes who have made it very far. But if a player is looking for another reason for recruits to notice you, being a multi-sport athlete or having another discipline in life that encompasses a dedicated work ethic can be key attributes that are attractive to coaches at the next level.

Sloter also said just simply being a good person and working within the community can also go a long way.

“Everything is a competition, from school, to the sports you play, and how good of a person you are in the community,” he said. “Recruiters will look for all of this, so you have to ask yourself, if they talked to people around the community will they say good things? They will talk to the school’s principal, so will the principal have good things to say about you as a person? Remember, the principal will know how you treat teachers and students in the school. It’s all a competition on how good you can be at everything,.”

Sloter’s advice offers a simple guideline to follow but the hard part is to have the discipline and resilience to follow it.

It serves as a guiding beacon for aspiring signal-callers looking to make their mark in the football world and reach the next level of competition.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MINNESOTA VIKINGS “Everything is a competition, from school, to the sports you play, and how good of a person you are in the community,” he said. “Recruiters will look for all of this, so you have to ask yourself, if they talked to people around the community will they say good things?”

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October 20, 2023

Let’s Play Football

Big arm = Big Results

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Springfield’s Jakob Nachreiner leads state in passing yards

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

When searching for the top quarterbacks in the state of Minnesota, one must make a stop in Springfield, a small town of 2,100 people located on Highway 14 in western Minnesota.

It is there you will find senior Jakob Nachreiner, the state’s leader in passing yards with 2,094. Nachreiner has helped lead his Tigers team to a 6-1 record and a year removed from an 11-3 mark and a trip to the Prep Bowl where they lost in the finals to Minneota 38-21.

Nachreiner is a key cog in the Tigers success, completing 120 of 185 passes and throwing for a state-leading 35 touchdowns against just five interceptions.

“Jakob possesses a very natural arm and can make pretty much any throw on the field,” said Springfield Head Coach Adam Meyer. “He is a pitcher in baseball and it shows in the way he can drive the football. He is also able to throw from many different slots and angles.”

At 5’11” and 165 pounds, Nachreiner gets the most out of his frame. Part of that comes from his ability to read defenses and his vast understanding of the game of football.

“He understands the game very well,” said Meyer. “He is someone who has been around sports all his life and I can go and talk to him about a certain play and he understands and reads coverages fairly quickly.”

Meyer said quick-thinking quarterbacks are essential for their offense, and Nachreiner certainly fits the bill. Consistency is another hallmark of a good quarterback and Nachreiner had some growing pains as a junior in becoming a more consistent passer.

“As a junior we saw more inconsistency with his mechanics and throwing,” said Meyer. “This year he has been consistent week to week in getting the ball out on time and on target.”

Meyer saw Nachreiner took big strides during the team’s state tournament run last season. That’s when things started to click.

“We really looked to him and our

QB

Jakob Nachreiner

PHOTO SUBMITTED Springfield’s Jakob Nachreiner’s strong arm has worked well for him on the football field and the baseball diamond. The senior quarterback currently leads the state in passing yards with 2,094. He will be playing baseball at the college level for Ellsworth Community College.

passing game to open up the field and he rose to the occasion,” said Meyer. “He was delivering passes to all levels of the field and going through progressions really well. His play was a huge reason we went as far as we did last season.”

In the state semifinals in 2022 Nachreiner completed 22 of 26 passes for 371 yards and five touchdowns in a 5430 win over Deer River. That catapulted the Tigers into the Prep Bowl against Minneota where he was 14-for-24 for 195 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

He finished the season with 3,119 yards, 40 touchdowns and 13 picks. His QB rating for the season was 123.4.

This season he has progressed as a quarterback and leader and is averaging more than 300 yards in the air per game.

Q

Springfield Tigers 5’10” 155

A

When did you start playing organized football? 7th Grade How long have you been playing the QB position? Since 7th Grade Do you play another position on defense? No Do you play other sports? Baseball Whats your go-to pregame meal? Peach rings, 4 Ibuprofen, and an Orange Dreamsicle Reign.

Do you have any superstitions? I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.

Who is your favorite NFL Quarterback? Baker Mayfield

is a challenge at times, but one he takes on and does a very good job of understanding what each of them does well and keeps everyone involved.”

Brayden Strum leads the receiving crew with 39 catches for 749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Carter Olson has 36 catches for 589 yards and nine scores, and Ashton Toll has 25 catches for 385 yards and seven touchdowns. Sam Pidde and Aiden Moriarty also each have three touchdown receptions.

While Nachreiner has put up big numbers on the football field, he has chosen to play baseball at the collegiate level. That means he will try and lead his Tigers on another deep run into the state playoffs with hopes of reaching that elusive Prep Bowl title game once again.

What is your best asset as a quarterback? Arm talent

Jersey #: 12 Year: Senior Years as Starter on Varsity: 2

What is your favorite NFL Team? Browns

“As a senior I feel his leadership throughout practice has taken a step forward,” said Meyer. “Not only is he more comfortable in his own skin, he has taken on helping the younger quarterbacks develop and can speak to them through his own experience of what has and hasn’t worked for him.”

The Tigers run a spread offense, often using four receivers. To date, three receivers have more than 25 receptions, four more than 200 yards receiving, and six who have at least one touchdown reception.

“He is very aware of the talent around him,” said Meyer. “Throughout last season and this season we have consistently put four receivers on the field that we feel are very strong at their position. Getting touches for all four guys

What is the most important aspect of your job as a quarterback?

Getting the ball to the receivers accurately and on time.

What do you do in the offseason to get better? Lifted every day.

What do you do to prepare yourself for each week? Practice with a purpose every day to be able to run our offense without having to think.

I also watch film to see defensive alignments.

What is the best advice you have received about playing QB? Take what the defense gives you and don’t force anything that’s not there.

What advice would you give to a young quarterback? The game is slower than it feels. It’s all about being calm and confident in your ability.

What do you enjoy most about playing QB? The chance to make plays for the team.

What are your future goals? Work in the professional sports industry.

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Let’s Play Football

October 20, 2023

7

Dingmann leads Jaguars to unbeaten status B-B-E QB has size, speed and plays tough

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

There isn’t much not to like about Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa quarterback Luke Dingmann.

The senior stands 6’4” and is a healthy 205 pounds. He runs a 4.6 40yard dash. He is strong, mobile, quick and isn’t afraid to initiate contact.

Maybe that is why he is putting up great numbers and the Jaguars were 7-0 heading into Week 8 and ranked atop the field in Class A football in QRF and fifth in the Star Tribune weekly rankings.

Dingmann emerged as a sophomore in 2021 when he helped lead the Jaguars to the state tournament. Despite three losses during the regular season, the Jaguars avenged an earlier loss to Upsala/Swanville to beat them in the section final at the Fargodome 52-44.

“As a sophomore Luke played a big part in leading us to the state tournament,” said B-B-E Head coach Chris Moscho. “Several games stick out that season where he led drives and made some great throws.”

Dingmann was an All-District selection in both 2021 and 2022 and was District QB of the Year last season. He has virtually rewritten the Jaguars record book for quarterbacks with 4,628 yards passing and 62 touchdowns. He can also run the ball with 903 career yards and 14 touchdowns.

Moscho said Dingmann grew up in an athletic family that was always participating in competitive activities.

He served as the Jaguars’ water boy when he was in elementary school and learned a lot about football from his older brother and former B-B-E QB Ashton, who was a top-notch athlete in the program before being sidelined with an ACL injury.

“Ashton was Luke’s biggest mentor,’ said Moscho. “When Luke came out of the game he went to his brother for advice. Now his brother is in col-

PHOTO SUBMITTED Luke Dingmann has great size and speed and has led the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars to a 7-0 start on the season with hopes of getting the squad back to the state tournament.

lege and with Luke being a senior, the growth he has made is having a huge impact on our team.”

While possessing definitive athletic skill, Dingmann also has the intangible assets quarterbacks need to be successful. Moscho said some of those traits include leadership, uber competitiveness, intelligence, motivation and his

QB

Luke Dingmann

Q

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars 6’4” 205

A

Jersey #: 4 Year: Senior Years as Starter on Varsity: 3

When did you start playing organized football? I started in fifth grade because that was the first year we had tackling football.

How long have you been playing the QB position? I have been playing QB my whole life. I don’t think I’ve played a different position.

Do you play another position on defense? Safety Do you play other sports? Baseball and Basketball Whats your go-to pregame meal? Some sort of candy and an energy drink.

Do you have any superstitions? Nope.

What is your favorite NFL Team? Minnesota Vikings Who is your favorite NFL Quarterback? Justin Herbert

ability to rise to the occasion especially in big games.

“Practices are just like games for Luke and games are like championships,” said Moscho. “He is super competitive and does not like losing in games or in practice.”

Dingmann isn’t afraid to demand the same level of focus and competi-

tiveness from his teammates.

“He challenges his teammates to do their best,” he said. “He demands his teammates go 100 percent and lets them know if the ball should have been caught or a blitz should have been picked up.”

As a three-year starter, Moscho is comfortable giving Dingmann the green light to audible out of a play if he sees something he likes or doesn’t like.

His ability to read defenses is another asset he brings to the table as a signal caller.

Of course, Dingmann hasn’t done it alone. He has had the help of a strong team around him.

“Another thing that has made Luke progress so well is his surrounding cast,” said Moscho. “He has an offensive line that spent countless hours in the weight room, and we are very deep at wide receiver and running back.

“Luke trusts every one of them to make the big catch,” said Moscho.

They have made many catches.

Dingmann has tossed for 1,269 yards through the team’s first seven games, including 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He has completed 83 of 125 passes and has a QB rating of 122.6. He also has a team-leading 428 yards rushing and has scored five rushing touchdowns.

“If nothing is open, Luke loves to pull the ball and run,” said Moscho.

He is not an easy guy to take down and loves contact. He has made several big hits against defenders who try to tackle him.”

Twelve different players have caught passes from Dingmann and five have scored multiple touchdowns.

Luke Illies and Brett Deroo have six touchdown catches and Joshua Walstrom has five. His ability to spread the ball around shows he has a knack for reading defenses and finding the open receiver.

“He has very good overall strength, arm strength, mobility and has a quick throwing motion,” said Moscho. “He also has the ability to navigate around the pocket.”

With Dingmann taking snaps, and a strong supporting team around him, the Jaguars will look to get back to where they were when Dingmann took over the starting QB job two years ago – in the state tournament.

What is your best asset as a quarterback? I would say my ability to scramble and throw out of the pocket or pick up yards in the run game.

What is the most important aspect of your job as a quarterback?

Being able to make audibles and different reads during the game.

What do you do in the offseason to get better? Lift weights and play 7-on-7 football.

What do you do to prepare yourself for each week? Watch film and study the defenses I’ll be playing and work hard in practice.

What is the best advice you have received about playing QB? Watching a lot of films will make the game easier.

What advice would you give to a young quarterback? The work you put in during the off-season will show off.

What do you enjoy most about playing QB? Being able to take over during the game and make your own decisions.

What are your future goals? I haven’t decided if I’m going to play sports yet, but I plan to go to a 2-year college.

8

October 20, 2023

No Fear

Let’s Play Football

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Rochester Mayo and Rees Grimsrud tackle new competition

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

What a difference a year can make. After making it to the state tournament last season by winning Section 1AAAA, the Rochester Mayo Spartans jumped a class this season. The result was a much tougher schedule against much bigger schools.

After starting the season 2-1, the Spartans had to play four consecutive top 10 Class 6A squads, including the top-ranked Eden Prairie Eagles Oct. 13.

The Eagles handed the Spartans their fourth consecutive loss to drop them to 2-5, a long ways from their 9-2 mark last year with their lone losses coming to Mankato West, a team that was one score away from winning the Prep Bowl.

So this year heading into the section playoffs will be more of an uphill battle where three teams – Lakeville South, Lakeville North and Rosemount – have all spent ample time in the top 10 in the state.

Leading that uphill climb will be senior quarterback Rees Grimsrud.

Grimsrud has put together a solid season, completing 118 of 191 passes for 1,367 yards and eight touchdowns through the team’s first seven games. Against the top-ranked Eagles he threw 17 completions for 234 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions.

“Being able to throw for over 230 yards versus the number one team in the state while dealing with cold, wind and rain was impressive,” said Mayo Head Coach Don Holcomb. “Each game he has been able to sit in there versus 6A schools and their fresh one-way line and been impressive.”

Holcomb said Grimsrud, in his second year as a starter, has great touch and a solid pocket presence. At 6’2” and 180 pounds, his frame allows him to see over those big defensive lines he has faced this season.

“He has a competitive nature and is a good leader,” said Holcomb. “He does

a good job studying film and reading defenses.”

Grimsrud is coming off a stellar junior season where he completed 136 of 209 passes for 2,146 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven picks. His QB rating last season was 123.4. The team finished 9-2.

Holcomb has watched his senior QB develop and put in the time away from practice to make him one of the top quarterbacks around.

“He’s dedicated himself to being in the weight room, playing other sports and utilizing 7 on 7 opportunities as well as getting teammates out to catch,” said Holcomb. “He gets support form others and his QB coach. He’s patient and coachable.”

Holcomb said one important aspect of Grimsrud’s game is his ability to not dwell on a bad throw or a broken play.

“He has a short-term memory on mistakes and is able to move forward,” he said.

While Grimsrud’s numbers are lower than a year ago in terms of yardage and touchdowns, the competition he has faced has been fierce. He takes pride in his role as the team’s quarterback.

“Being a leader is the most important job for a quarterback,” said Grimsrud. “A quarterback who leads his team through example, encouragement, constructive criticism, and humility is a quarterback a team will want to get behind.”

Moving up from Class 5A to 6A is a big jump for a team, perhaps bigger than any other leap between classes because it doesn’t get any bigger than 6A. But Grimsrud has adjusted well. Despite their 2-5 record heading into Week 8, and eventually heading into perhaps the toughest section in the state, Grimsrud and company will do so with no fear.

“My pops has preached that to me since I was little,” Grimsrud said. “Doesn’t matter who you go against. Have no fear against any opponent. Fear only God.”

QB Q Rees Grimsrud

Rochester Mayo Spartans 6’2” 180

A

Jersey #: 12 Year: Senior Years as Starter on Varsity: 2 When did you start playing organized football? I played flag football up to 3rd grade when I started tackle football.

How long have you been playing the QB position? My whole life Do you play another position on defense? I played SS/OLB until I got a thumb injury on my throwing hand in 9th grade. I played special teams on Varsity my sophomore year but never went back to playing defense.

Do you play other sports? I have played basketball my whole life but will not be this year. I also golf, a lot.

Whats your go to pregame meal? I have gotten a Jimmy John’s sandwich on game days for as long as I can remember.

Do you have any superstitions? I put a dime in my right sock before every game.

I have quite a few others but that is definitely my teammates’ favorite.

What is your favorite NFL Team? I am a big fan of Justin Herbert so I would say the Chargers. But being from Minnesota I also root for the Vikes.

Who is your favorite NFL Quarterback? Justin Herbert What is your best asset as a quarterback? My mental toughness is my best asset for sure. I believe the best quarterbacks have to be calm, cool, and collected for every minute of every game. I think I excel at that.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Rochester Mayo’s Rees Grimsrud put up big numbers during his junior year playing Class 5A football. This season he and his team faced the tall task of moving up to 6A and facing some of the top metro teams in the state. Grimsrud has still put up solid numbers, throwing for 1,367 yards in the team’s first seven games. He said playing tougher competition hasn’t changed his mindset or approach. “Doesn’t matter who you go against. Have no fear against any opponent.”

What is the most important aspect of your job as a quarterback?

Being a leader is the most important job for a quarterback. A quarterback who leads his team through example, encouragement, constructive criticism, and humility is a quarterback a team will want to get behind.

What do you do in the offseason to get better? I believe simply throwing a football as much as possible is a good way to get better. That could be playing catch with siblings or throwing routes with teammates. No matter what I’m doing I always try to throw with a purpose by picking targets and doing 1-3-5 step drops.

I also have footwork drills from my QB coach I do and I’m in the weight room daily.

What do you do to prepare yourself for each week? I go through film and take notes both by myself and with my coaches. During practices I try to go through every progression of each play to be ready for anything the opponent may throw at us. I try to make every throw in practice that I will have to make in the game.

What is the best advice you have received about playing QB? No fear.

My pops has preached that to me since I was little. Doesn’t matter who you go against. Have no fear against any opponent. Fear only God. What advice would you give to a young quarterback? Confidence is key and have no fear. If you don’t think you can do it you will not be successful.

What do you enjoy most about playing QB? I love slinging the ball around. There’s almost no better feeling in the world than whipping a spiral across the field. It just pumps me up. It’s a beautiful thing really.

What are your future goals? I’m not sure if I want to play football yet in college but I do know that I will become an engineer of some kind. If the opportunity comes around and it’s the right fit for football then who knows.

But right now I just want to finish high school football knowing I gave it everything I could and become the best quarterback I can be.

Forward Progress

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Let’s Play Football

October 20, 2023

9

Providence Academy junior QB Magnus Hansen takes a big step forward in junior campaign

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

The Providence Academy Lions are just 2-5 heading into the final week of the regular season, but it isn’t due to lack of production at the quarterback position. In fact, the Lions have played a difficult schedule with four of their losses coming to teams that have a combined 25-3 record on the 2023 season.

While they haven’t been able to add much in the win column, the future looks bright for Providence Academy with the emergence of junior quarterback Magnus Hansen. Hansen has thrown for 1,330 yards and 12 touchdowns to lead the Lion offense that has averaged 23 points a game.

He finally got the opportunity to start this season and made a big impact right away.

“In his first start, one of the first throws he made he hit the receiver down the middle on a seam route,” said Providence Head Coach Colin Rooney. “Magnus saw the small window and he put the ball in between the linebacker and the safety. It was a great throw that most high school quarterbacks wouldn’t make.”

Throws like that come with confidence and Hansen has shown he has the tools both physically and mentally to handle the duties that come with being a quarterback in a dynamic throw-heavy offense.

“Magnus is very confident,” said Rooney. “I don’t think he dwells on when he makes bad throws. He resets and moves on to the next play. And he isn’t afraid to make any throw.”

Rooney saw a bright future for Hansen when he was a freshman.

“His mechanics were advanced for his age,” he said. “He also had that confident swagger a QB needs. He works at his craft.

He throws in the offseason, attends camps and never misses anything we have going on. I think he loves to play QB and loves all the things that go with playing the position.”

Rooney said Hansen has the physical attributes as well.

“He has really smooth feet, which means he always seems to have his feet under him and he throws from a stable and balanced platform,” he said. “He has a really consistent release which makes him very accurate and he is very quick with this throws. The ball comes off his hand quickly.”

Of course, as with most successful quarterbacks, physical talent only gets them so far. They have to be able to understand the offense and the other team’s defense. While most football players have

PHOTO SUBMITTED Magnus Hansen is a junior quarterback at providence Academy where he has thrown for 1,330 yards and 12 touchdowns. “He works at his craft. He throws in the offseason, attends camps and never misses anything we have going on. I think he loves to play QB and loves all the things that go with playing the position,” said head coach Colin Rooney. to learn their position, a quarterback has to have a good understanding of every position on the field, looking at not just what the other players on their offense is trying to accomplish, but also what the defense is trying to do.

“He has a great ability to process what he sees on the field,” said Rooney. “He knows what he is looking at and he knows

QB Q Magnus Hansen

Providence Academy Lions 5’10” 155

where his No. 2 and No. 3 receivers are which is a really hard skill set to get most high school quarterbacks to develop.”

Competing in a strong Section 6AAA A may not translate into a deep playoff run this season, but the development of the team’s junior quarterback gives hope for the future for the Lions.

“Despite our record this year it has been

really enjoyable to coach Magnus,” said Rooney. “With him at the controls I feel like we have a chance to score on anyone we play. That makes play calling fun. I am super excited to see what he is like next year as a senior with this whole season under his belt. The game is going to slow down even more for him and he is going to be a really good QB.”

Who is your Favorite NFL Quarterback? Kyler Murray

A

Jersey #: 14 Year: Junior Years as Starter on Varsity: 1

When did you start playing organized football? 4th Grade How long have you been playing the QB position? Since 4th Grade Do you play another position on defense? No

What is your best asset as a quarterback? Scrambling What is the most important aspect of your job as a quarterback? Get the ball to our playmakers.

What do you do in the offseason to get better? Train with Coach Cleveland McCoy What do you do to prepare yourself for each week? Watch film and sleep well What is the best advice you have received about playing QB? Don’t force the ball if it’s not there.

Whats your go-to pregame meal? Vito from Jimmy John’s

What advice would you give to a young quarterback?

Play to your strengths and take what the defense gives you.

Do you have any superstitions? Wash my hands before running out.

What do you enjoy most about playing QB? Throwing touchdown passes.

What is your favorite NFL Team? Minnesota Vikings

What are your future goals? Attend a 4-year university.

Do you play other sports? Yes, Basketball and Golf

10

October 20, 2023

Let’s Play Football

Vikings Prep SpotlighT AT TCO S TA D IU M

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Hill-Mu

Hill-Murray won their fifth straight game Oct. 13 with a 58-14 victory over Richfield at TCO Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings Prep Spotlight Game, presented by Twin Cities Orthopedics.

The Pioneers scored three touchdowns in the first quarter to stake themselves to a commanding lead. Senior running back Alex Gross got the scoring going with an 8-yard run. Junior QB Jackson Reeves then connected with Gavin berg on a 42-yard score and Simon Seidl on a 29-yard score. Dane Paul drilled all three extra points for a 21-0 lead.

They didn’t slow down int he second quarter, scoring four more touchdowns, all four on runs. Junior running back Xavier Daniels scored on a two and 20-yard run and Gross scored on runs of 1º6 and six yards for a 48-0 lead. Gross added his fourth touchdown of the night in the third quarter for a 58-0 lead.

Richfield tacked on two late touchdowns. Senior QB Knut Linne connected with Musa Sanneh on a 58-yard touchdown and Linne then found Zavier Hayes on a 56yard touchdown. Joaquin Jamison centered both extra points for a 58-14 final.

Hill-Murray’s win improved them to 5-2 on the season while Richfield fell to 4-3.

The Pioneers celebrate their 58-14 win, improving to 5-2 on the season.

The Richfield Spartans rush onto the field prior to their Oct. 13 match up against Hill-Murray at TCO Stadium, in Eagan.

Hill-Murray running back Xavier Daniels tries to fight off Richfield’s Musa Sanneh (9) and Dre Collins (4) as teammate Gavin Berg looks on.

Another Richfield

Hill-Murray came into the contest with a 4-2 mark and opened up a 48-0 lead at halftime to improve to 5-2 on the season.

A Richfield coach rallies his players prior to the kickoff of the Vikings Prep Spotlight game at TCO Stadium Oct. 13.

Hill-Murray running back Alex Gross scores one of his four touchdowns on t

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Let’s Play Football

October 20, 2023

11

urray (5-2) 58, Richfield 14 (4-3)

Richfield players line up for the national anthem prior to Friday’s Minnesota Vikings Prep Spotlight game at TCO Stadium.

Jaxon Dosch Samuels looks for a hole in the Pioneer defense.

r Dane Paul extra point splits the uprights in the Pioneers’ 58-14 win over d.

the night as the Pioneers beat the Spartans 58-14 Oct. 13 at TCO Stadium.

Hill-Murray junior tight end Jack Grange tries to break a tackle in the Pioneers’ 58-14 win Friday over Richfield.

12

October 20, 2023

Let’s Play Football

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Attention to detail drives Storm sophomore

Sauk Rapids Rice QB Spencer Ackerman off to great start as varsity starter

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Playing a varsity sports as a sophomore at a larger school is a rarity. Playing a position as important as starting quarterback and doing extremely well in your first season is an anomaly.

But that is exactly what Sauk Rapids-Rice quarterback Spencer Ackerman is doing in 2023. He has led the Storm to a 6-1 record and a ranking as high as fifth in Class 5A (currently 10th).

“What makes Spencer special as a sophomore QB is not his physical skills,” said Sauk Rapids-Rice Head Coach Phillip Klaphake. “In saying that, he is athletic enough to make plays and has enough arm talent to make all the throws. As he grows, it will only add more to what is already a strong QB skill set.”

Ackerman is 5’10” and 170 pounds, but still growing into his frame. He is getting a crash course in being a varsity quarterback and has responded well with 1,470 yards on 98 completions and nine touchdowns.

Coach Klaphake describes Ackerman as a tough competitor with great composure and discipline, especially for a young quarterback.

“He is a football junkie,” he said.

“He cares about the details and is very intelligent. He plays with great confidence and toughness and has natural leadership skills.”

In his first game as the varsity starter, Ackerman was 23-for-31 for 365 yards and three touchdowns. He helped lead a solid Storm team to wins in their first six games before losing in Week 7 to Andover 29-8. They share Section 7AAAAA with Andover and reigning state champion Elk River. So far they are 3-1 in section play, having defeated Cambridge-Isanti, St. Francis and Elk River in a close battle 30-28. Ackerman threw for two touchdowns in that game to his favorite target Hudson Omoke. Omoke has 47 receptions for 736 yards and five touchdowns on the season.

“Spencer has made big plays in each

PHOTO SUBMITTED Spencer Ackerman has stepped into the starting quarterback role and played well for Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm, helping led them to a top-10 ranking in Class 5A.

of our games this year,” said Klaphake.

“He is still learning but playing the position at a high level.”

Ackerman takes the job of quarterback seriously. Last season as a freshman he attended varsity meetings and weekend film sessions without being prompted to do so by the coaching staff.

He enjoys the off the field aspect of being a quarterback and the work that

QB

Spencer Ackerman

Q

Sauk Rapids-Rice Storm 5’10” 170

comes with it.

“I hope my teammates, coaches and opponents believe that I am a player who does all the little things right and plays the game with high intelligence,” Ackerman said. “I love improving every time I play, learning and processing for the next time I play.”

Coach Klaphake said the position requires a lot of attention to detail, and

Ackerman has transitioned perfectly into his starting role.

“What we do offensively puts a ton of pressure on our quarterbacks,” said Klaphake. “For anyone who isn’t in our meetings, it would be difficult to understand how he is able to process. I have been thankful to coach a number of quarterbacks with that skill and he is right up there with them as a sophomore.”

believe that I am a player who does all the little things right and plays the game with high intelligence.

A

Jersey #: 7 Year: Sophomore Years as Starter on Varsity: 1

When did you start playing organized football? 3rd Grade How long have you been playing the QB position? 3rd Grade Do you play another position on defense? No Do you play other sports? Basketball, Track and Field Whats your go-to pregame meal? Uncrustables Do you have any superstitions? I wear the same clothes under my pads for every game.

What is your favorite NFL Team? Minnesota Vikings Who is your Favorite NFL Quarterback? Drew Brees What is your best asset as a quarterback? I hope my teammates, coaches and opponents

What is the most important aspect of your job as a quarterback? Doing the routine things routinely What do you do in the offseason to get better? Storm strength training in the summer. I like to throw with my friends and family daily.

What do you do to prepare yourself for each week? I like to watch film on the other team and see what kind of guys they have and what kind of things they do defensively.

What is the best advice you have received about playing QB? It’s always 70° and sunny with a calm breeze... meaning you can’t get too high on highs or too low on lows.

What advice would you give to a young quarterback? Keep your head down and STUDY, STUDY, STUDY the playbook and in school.

What do you enjoy most about playing QB? I love improving every time I play, learning and processing for the next time I play.

What are your future goals? I haven’t decided if I’m going to play sports to go play Division 1 football.

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Let’s Play Football

October 20, 2023

13

Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Clines a two-way playmaker

Junior QB hopes to lead Rangers back to Prep Bowl prominence

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Most quarterbacks, especially at larger schools, play just quarterback and when the defense is on the field, they are relegated to the sidelines for rest and preparation for the next drive.

At smaller schools, many quarterbacks play both sides of the ball, as is the case with Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Micaden Clines.

“The big plays he made on defense for us last season stand out more than anything,” said Mountain Iron-Buhl Head Coach Dan Zubich. “He came up with a huge hit on the opposing QB in the state semifinal game and had two huge interceptions in the state final.”

The Rangers completed their magical undefeated season last year with a 28-25 win in the 9-Man Prep Bowl at U.S. Bank Stadium, finishing 13-0 and with a state title. Asher Zubich was the quarterback and Clines was a stalwart on defense. Zubich graduated and with him went his 32 touchdown passes and 2,129 yards. He is now at St. Olaf.

Clines, meanwhile, was pegged as the next man up under center and has been great, leading the Rangers to a 7-0 start including a big win Oct. 12 over No. 3-ranked Cherry.

Clines is a bit different of a quarterback than others featured in this issue of Let’s Play Football in that he is as much of a runner as a passer. In the first seven games he has thrown just 90 passes, connecting on 60 of them. He has thrown 20 touchdown passes against just five interceptions, three of those coming in his first game as a starter. Not only has he passed for 1,319 yards, he has also ran for 505 and scored an additional 10 touchdowns on the ground. He is averaging 8.1 yards per carry and 14.7 yards per pass.

“He has good speed and athleticism,” said Coach Zubich. “He is one of the biggest hitters I have ever coached and plays quarterback like a linebacker.

He never slides and loves contact.”

Clines athletic ability helps him excel with his legs and arm, and also on both sides of the ball.

As a quarterback, Zubich said Clines prepares himself well each and every week.

“He watches a lot of film,” he said.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Micaden Clines played a large role in last year’s state championship for Mountain Iron-Buhl on the defensive side of the ball with two interceptions in the state final 28-25 win over Spring Grove. This year he is leading the offense as a junior quarterback.

“He’s always prepared for his opponent.

He’s smart and confident.”

With his athletic ability comes leadership qualities, a perfect combination

QB Q Micaden Clines Mountain Iron-Buhl 5’11” 180

for a successful quarterback.

“His confidence and control of his emotions is what makes him an excellent quarterback,” Zurich said. “He is

coachable and listens very well. As much as any player I have ever coached he understands how important it is to be a team player.”

What is your favorite NFL Team?

Buffalo Bills

A

Who is your favorite NFL Quarterback? Josh Allen What is your best asset as a quarterback? Running the option What is the most important aspect of your job as a quarterback? Lead the offense

Jersey #: 6 Year: Junior Years as Starter on Varsity: 2

What do you do in the offseason to get better? Team practice starts June 1.

Throwing routes all summer.

When did you start playing organized football? 4th Grade

What do you do to prepare yourself for each week? Watch film.

How long have you been playing the QB position? 4th Grade Do you play another position on defense? Cornerback Do you play other sports? Basketball Whats your go-to pregame meal? Subway and a Snicker Bar Do you have any superstitions? Wearing the same hat on game day.

What is the best advice you have received about playing QB? Be a leader.

What advice would you give to a young quarterback? Don’t think, just do.

What do you enjoy most about playing QB? Scoring touchdowns.

What are your future goals? Win State again.

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October 20, 2023

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Let’s Play Football

The Bryce is Right

Delano quarterback reaps the rewards of hard work

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

If anyone understands the work required to become a good quarterback, Delano’s Bryce Peterson does.

Peterson toiled for two seasons on the junior varsity squad before ultimately winning the starting job this season as a junior.

During his ninth grade season, because there weren’t enough players to field a full ninth grade squad, Peterson and his classmates were bumped up to junior varsity where they took their fair share of lumps. But with each lump came a learning experience.

“Bryce split time over the previous two seasons on junior varsity, but as he started to find some success he started to grow in confidence,” said Delano quarterbacks coach Nick Main.

Confidence is a necessity for successful quarterbacks, but sometimes it is hard to develop, especially at younger levels when teams don’t throw often and arm strength is at a minimum. For Peterson it took that toiling on the junior varsity for him to feel comfortable with the ball in his hands and the game on the line.

“He wanted the ball in his hands at the end of the game,” said Main.

Heading into this past summer, Delano coaches weren’t sure who was going to take over the quarterback position.

“Bryce’s commitment to our summer practices and camps really separated him” said Main. “He is a threesport athlete so finding offseason time can be challenging, but he really put in the work this summer to be the guy.”

He has not disappointed, either.

Through his first seven games as the starter, Peterson has completed 122 passes for 1,639 yards and 20 touch-

PHOTO SUBMITTED Delano junior quarterback Bryce Peterson earned the starting QB job this fall after having a productive summer where he worked on becoming better at the position. Through his first seven games as a starter he has thrown for 1,639 yards and 20 touchdowns.

downs. The team is 3-4, heading into the final week of the regular season, but all four of their losses have come against top-10 teams such as Mound

QB Q Bryce Peterson Delano Tigers 6’1” 170

A

Westonka, Kasson-Mantorville, Orono and Hutchinson.

Peterson’s latest outing was a win over Benilde-St Margaret’s where he

What is the most important aspect of your job as a quarterback?

Leading the offense and keeping everyone cool and collected.

What do you do in the offseason to get better? Workout, I think playing a lot of sports other than football can help you grow for football and for any other sport just to be able to use different muscles and motions.

Jersey #: 4 Year: Junior Years as Starter on Varsity: 1

What do you do to prepare yourself for each week? During practice I act like I am playing in a game.

When did you start playing organized football? Second grade flag football

What is the best advice you have received about playing QB? Mindset is everything.

How long have you been playing the QB position? Since second grade Do you play another position on defense? No Do you play other sports? Baseball and hockey Whats your go to pregame meal? Protein bar and a Body Armor Do you have any superstitions? No, not really What is your favorite NFL Team? Minnesota Vikings Who is your Favorite NFL Quarterback? Derek Carr What is your best asset as a quarterback? Throwing the ball and leading the offense.

threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-21 win on Oct. 13.

Main said the junior possesses a strong arm which allows him to throw the deep ball.

“His arm strength allows him to throw the ball down field even when he doesn’t have the time or space to set his feet and body properly,” he said.

Main said Peterson has also made great strides in becoming a team leader.

“A lot of our skill guys are going on to play a college sport and that can be tough to navigate as a QB,” said Main.

“He’s able to manage his ego as well as others to keep our offense running smoothly.”

Main also credits a tireless work ethic and the ability to take criticism as reasons for his fast development.

“He is able to stay calm and keep our offense working together,” he said. “He also has a real understanding of the game, such as when we need to press it, when we need to stay safe, and when to just throw it away.”

Peterson is also adept on translating what he sees on film onto the field.

“He has the ability to learn from film,” said Main. “We run a lot of plays in practice with the mindset that we will correct it on film. He does a great job getting those corrections and utilizing them.”

While Delano played a tough schedule with a rookie quarterback, they knew there were two games they had to get. One was against Providence Academy and the other against Benilde-St. Margaret’s. They won both and Peterson put up monster numbers in each, throwing for a combined 654 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“He really showed up for both of them,” said Main.

Showing up has been a big part of Peterson’s repertoire. He is proof that showing up in the summer can lead to big showings on Friday nights in the fall. With a continued focus on getting better, there is a lot of optimism in Delano that the right guy is under center for the Tigers.

“As good as this year has been for him,” said Main, “I don’t think we’ve seen his best yet.”

What advice would you give to a young quarterback?

If you keep your mind in the game and have a positive attitude you will only get better and better.

What do you enjoy most about playing QB? Throwing the ball and there really is no other position in sports quite like it.

What are your future goals?

Play sports after high school and go to college.

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Let’s Play Football

October 20, 2023

15

Sky is the limit for Stillwater sophomore

Nick Kinsey newest QB to lead strong Ponies offense

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

When talking about the top young prospects, specifically the Class of 2026, in the state, the conversation is likely going to include Stillwater’s Nick Kinsey.

Kinsey is in his first year as the starting varsity quarterback, taking over an offense that was led a year ago by Max Shickenjanski, who threw for 2,276 yards and 28 touchdowns.

Kinsey hasn’t missed a beat, throwing for 1,550 yards through seven games with 16 touchdowns and only three interceptions.

“Nick has a strong arm and good vision,” said Stillwater Head Coach Beau LaBore. “He displays a hunger to get better every day as an athlete, football player and leader.”

Stillwater entered Week 8 with a 5-2 record and has spent time in the top 10 in Class 6A rankings, ranked ninth heading into the final regular season game against Park-Cottage Grove. The previous week they were ranked seventh, but dropped a defensive battle in inclement weather to Edina 14-7. Kinsey only had nine throws in the game, completing six for 47 yards before leaving with an injury.

He was coming off a week where he threw for 346 yards in a 38-14 win over White Bear Lake. He was 20-for-36 with four touchdowns. His season-high came in Week 2 against Woodbury, another top 10 team and Kinsey’s only second start as a starter. He threw for 357 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-25 win.

LaBore said Kinsey has the intangibles that make for a great quarterback.

“He is tireless,” he said. “He watches piles of film, studies our concepts and opponent, and is focused on continual incremental improvement.”

Kinsey, who also plays baseball, trains hard in the offseason on both sports.

“Lifting a lot, throwing and working on footwork, and getting my mental right to be able to know when and where to go with the ball,” he said about his offseason work.

PHOTO BY LIBBY AUGER Nick Kinsey has stepped right into the mix for Stillwater and led them to a 5-2 start to the 2023 season, throwing for 1,550 yards and 16 touchdowns against just three interceptions as a sophomore for the Ponies.

During the season he is a film junkie, emerging as a leader as well. in critical junctions of big games.” always looking for an edge against oppo“He is an established leader at a young The Ponies are lucky to have Kinsey nents. age,” said LaBore. “He has developed not just this year, but for two more years “I watch a lot of film to see what I respectful, personal relationships with to come. If he stays healthy, with his work can do to exploit the defense as well as coaches and teammates.” ethic and dedication to that incremental see what throws I can and can’t make in He is also confident when faced with improvement, chances are by the time he practice,” he said. “I also work on pocket tough situations. is a senior he will be one of the top QBs movements that I may need the upcoming “Nick has completed a half dozen third in the area. week.” and long plays that extended drives that led “He’s had a great sophomore regular Even though he is just a sophomore to points in games decided by one score,” season,’ said LaBore. “The sky is the limit and in his first year as a starter, Kinsey is said LaBore. “He has remained composed for him.”

QB Q Nick Kinsey Stillwater Ponies 6’2” 190

A

Jersey #: 8 Year: Sophomore Years as Starter on Varsity: 2 When did you start playing organized football? I started playing organized football when I was in 1st grade (flag football) and started tackle football when I was in 4th grade.

How long have you been playing the QB position? I’ve been wanting to play quarterback since I was very young but I was always too big. I started playing QB in 6th grade but started working hard towards it in 7th grade during COVID. Do you play another position on defense? No. Do you play other sports? Yes, baseball. I pitch and I play outfield.

What’s your go-to pregame meal? Kwik Trip, Fast Twitch Gatorade and donuts.

Do you have any superstitions? Yes, the night before I play I always write down the game plan and draw up all the plays in our playbook in my notebook. As well as I go get recovery to get my body feeling right.

What is your favorite NFL Team? Minnesota Vikings Who is your favorite NFL Quarterback? Justin Herbert or Joe Burrow because I think my game is similar to theirs.

What is your best asset as a quarterback? My knowledge and decision making as well with my arm.

What is the most important aspect of your job as a quarterback? The ball, keeping it safe and out of the defense’s hands (making smart decisions).

What do you do in the offseason to get better? I train for both sports in the offseason by lifting a lot, Throwing and working on footwork and getting my mental right to be able to know when and where to go with the ball.

What do you do to prepare yourself for each week? I watch a lot of film to see what I can do to exploit the defense as well as see what throws I can and can’t make in practice. I also work on pocket movements that I may need the upcoming week.

What is the best advice you have received about playing QB? Be a leader.

What advice would you give to a young quarterback? The best advice I’ve received has came from my Dad. He said, “Just go out there and have fun. You play the best when you’re having fun, just trust your ability and all the time you have put in and go out there and do your thing.”

What do you enjoy most about playing QB? What I enjoy most about playing QB is leading a team and having a whole town surround you in support. As the quarterback you have a lot resting on your shoulders but when you get on the field you realize how many people look to you as a leader. That’s my favorite part of playing QB. What are your future goals? Its always been my dream to be a pro athlete so that is my goal for the future, but in the upcoming years I plan to play at the collegiate level first.

16

Ready for take off October 20, 2023

Let’s Play Football

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Rockford looks to get out of tough section in 3A football

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Rockford Rockets

Let’s Play Football Co-Publisher

Record: 7-1, Section: 2AAA

After a 4-5 season last year, and a tough section opponent they were one score from beating, the Rockford Rockets just may be ready for takeoff come playoff time in 2023.

With 22 seniors and a strong supporting cast, the Rockets are off to a 7-1 start on the season and poised to compete in the ever-competitive Section 2AAA with the likes of Litchfield, Watertown-Mayer and Dassel-Cokato.

“If we can play well during the regular season, that will set up better opportunities to push past three of the best schools in the state over the past three years, all that are in our section,” said head coach Dan Houghton, in his 20th year at Rockford High School and 15th as head coach. “If you make it out of this section you know you have a shot to win it all.”

Last season’s 4-5 record was a bit if a misnomer as the team lost four of their games in the final three minutes with an opportunity to win each game.

“Each game we had the ball inside the 30 yard line, but each time something like holding, a tipped pass, etc., happened and we didn’t get it done,” said Houghton. “We could have easily been 8-1.”

The Rockets went to the section final in 2020 and won their district in 2021 for the first time since 1963. Last season they tied for the district crown.

“With our recent run of solid football teams, these players were part of those,” said Houghton. “Now we just need to take the next step and get out of this very tough section.”

They are on the right track. Much of their success has come with their ground game where they have averaged more than 215 yards a game. They run 70 percent of the time and for good reason – it’s been highly successful. Running backs are averaging 5.8 yards per carry, resulting in a lot of first downs and a lot of drives down field.

“We bring back seven starters on offense, are a run-heavy offense and try to find mismatches in formations,” said Houghton.

Senior Logan Stedman is the team’s main back who leads a crew of speedy backs that also includes Harrison Brun, Brian Schloeder and Josiah Zilmer. Stedman had 1,017 yards on 140 carries heading into Week 8.

The running backs benefit from an experienced offensive line, returning four starters including senior Sam Stuckmayer who is in his third year as a starter. Tim Houghton has been the signal caller and has made great strides since his rookie season last year as a sophomore.

“He has put on 25 pounds and has a stronger arm,” said Coach Houghton, Tim’s father. “He understands the ins and outs of our offense more this year with a year of experience under his belt.”

Heading into the final week of the regular season Houghton has completed 49 passes for 688 yards and 11 touchdowns. Brun has been his main target with 23 catches for 364 yards and four touchdowns. Will Graunke has 12 catches for 179 yards and six of them for touchdowns.

The Rockets have outscored oppo-

Season Results: Royalton W 42-24 F Pierz L 26-14 HL-W-W W 28-8 Montevideo W 27-12 Minnewaska Area W 34-7 F Albany W 20-14 F/OT Melrose W 36-6 F Sauk Centre W 43-6

nents 201-97, showing they not just do the job on offense, but also on the defensive side of the ball.

“We bring back seven who started on defense as well,” said Houghton. “We had a very good defense last year and even though we lost three key players, everyone coming back is another year older and better.”

Brun is a three-year starter at strong safety and Avery MacDonald is a hardnosed middle linebacker. Aiden Smith moved from free safety to defensive end.

“Our defense is very physical and athletic,” said Houghton. “The key for us is to align correctly and then do our job and not try to do someone else’s.”

Houghton said the team has adopted a better mindset this season as well. That has come with 22 seniors and the leadership of the seniors who believe the team can do something special if they do it the right way.

“The captains this year felt that we were sometimes more like individuals and not always concerned about the team, so that has been one of the focuses this year,” he said.

“Culture” is something that is important to Rockford football and to the coaching staff.

“Our coaching staff understands that we are here to teach them football, but also how to become good respectable citizens when they leave us.”

When the 22 seniors do leave the program later this fall, they will do so with great memories. How late their season lasts remains to be seen. But if their first 8 games are any indication, the Rockets just may be ready for take off.

PHOTOS BY LIBBY AUGER Logan Stedman has been a horse for Rockford’s running game with 1,017 yards on the ground in the team’s first seven games.

Coach Dan Houghton speaks with his son and quarterback Tim Houghton. The younger Houghton is in his second year as a starter and added 25 pounds to his frame in the offseason.

While Rockford’s offense has been stellar, so has the defense, allowing an average of under two touchdowns per contest.

www.letsplayfootballmn.com

Let’s Play Football

October 20, 2023

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The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference

NSIC football Players of the Week NSIC Offensive Player of the Week #1 Ryan Bieberdorf (WR, 5-11, 185, Sr., Bemidji, Minn. / Bemidji HS) – MSU Moorhead - Hauled in six receptions for 137 yards and four touchdowns in MSUM’s 53-40 win over USF - The mark ties the MSUM single-game record for touchdown catches in a game - Averaged 22.8 yards per reception in the game with a long of 42 yards NSIC Defensive Player of the Week #47 Josiah Behm (LB, 6-2, 225, Jr., Appleton, Wis. / Fox Valley Lutheran HS) - MSU Moorhead - Made eight tackles, including five solo stops in MSUM’s 53-40 win over Sioux Falls - Returned an interception 98 yards for a touchdown to open up the scoring for MSUM - The return ties an MSUM record for longest interception return in school history - Named NSIC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season (9/18/23) NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week #25 Jake Pecina (K, 5-10, 175, R-Fr., Forney, Texas / Sunnyvale HS) Augustana - Went 2-for-2 on field goals and 6-for-6 on point-after attempts - The two field goals were from 38 and 48 yards with the 48-yarder marking a career-best - Led NSIC kickers in scoring with 12 points - Also kicked off nine times for 469 yards

Others Under Consideration OFFENSE Jarod Epperson (AUGIE) - Had his best game of the season with his 11th 100-yard game - Rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns - Averaged eight yards per rush on 18 attempts, with a long of 40 yards - Helped AU to its third-ever 7-0 start Brandon Alt (BSU) - Completed 22-of-39 passes for 345 yards and three touchdowns - Surpassed 10,000 career passing yards - Found eight different receivers - Pass completions of 50, 49, 35, 27 and 26 yards Hayden Ekern (MSU) - Matched his career-high with four touchdown passes vs. Western Oregon - Threw for 228 yards and rushed for 17 yards - Completed 17-of-27 passes Myles West (MINOT) - Turned in a career-high 125 yard rushing game - Scored the game-winning touchdown on a 2-yard run season Dewaylon Ingram (NSU) - Led NSU with 132 receiving yards, his fourth game in 2023 with 100plus yards - Tallied one touchdown and a 63yard long - Averaged 26.4 yards per reception - Moved into fourth all-time in receiving touchdowns (21) and fifth alltime in receiving yards (1,898) in the Northern State record books - Ranks fifth nationally in total receiving yards and sixth in receiving yards per game

Camden Dean (USF) - Career high with 463 passing yards and six touchdowns in a loss to MSU Moorhead - Career high with 120 rushing yards - Key targets were Carter Slykhuis with a career high 206 receiving yards and Mark Leonard with 130 receiving yards and three touchdowns on nine catches DEFENSE Buckley Peyton (AUGIE) - Recorded an interception, two tackles for loss and six total tackles in the Vikings’ win at Winona State - Corralled an interception and totaled 42 return yards - His two tackles for loss accounted for nine yards - AU held WSU to just 75 yards rushing Spencer Wehr (BSU) - Posted 10 tackles (two solo), along with 2.5 tackles for a loss of seven yards - Added two pass breakups Khai West (MSU) - Returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against Western Oregon - Matched the previous MSU record set by Jordan Malone against Augustana in 2003 - Also recorded one tackle Carson Cayko (MINOT) - Had a team high nine tackles and two quarterback sacks in a 17-10 home win Jake Adams (NSU) - Led the Northern State defense with eight tackles in their win over SMSU - Tallied six solo stops - Added 1.0 tackle for a loss of one yard

Enrique DeLeon (WSU) - Racked up 2 TFL’s on the day - Had a sack, dropping the Vikings QB 9 yards deep behind the line of scrimmage - Accumulated five tackles overall with three solo stops SPECIAL TEAMS Matthew Jaeger (MSU) - Connected on a 25-yard field goal on MSU’s first drive - Also went 6-for-6 in extra point attempts for a total of nine points Justin Cash (MINOT) - Had the longest punt of his collegiate career, a 75-yard boot that pinned CSP at its own two - It was one of two punts he landed inside the 20 as he averaged 50.6 yards on 6 punts Noah Carlson (WSU) - Retuned an Augustana kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown - Tallied the first Winona State kick return for a TD this year - Became just the third NSIC player to return a kickoff for a TD

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WEEK 7 RESULTS * MSU Moorhead 53, Sioux Falls

* Wayne State College 23, Bemidji State 33 * Minnesota State 45, Western Ore. 14 * Northern State 24, Southwest Minnesota State 17 * Concordia-St. Paul 10, Minot State 17 * Minnesota Duluth 46, UMary 0 * Winona State 28, Augustana 48

Dragons roast Cougars with Homecoming 50 burger MOORHEAD, Minn. – In an absolutely absurd Homecoming affair, MSU Moorhead piled up 53 points in less than 17 minutes of possession as the Dragons roasted Sioux Falls 53-40.

The victory is the first time MSUM has defeated Sioux Falls in each of the program’s histories.

Sioux Falls would strike first as the Cougars would quickly implement a simple game plan: keep the ball away from the Dragon offense. The Cougars would score on a 10-play drive that spanned 50 yards and resulted in a Camden Dean passing touchdown. Sioux Falls would stop the Dragons on their first few offensive drives to retain momentum throughout the first 15 minutes.

This held true as Sioux Falls drove down to the Dragon six-yard line in hopes of making the contest a 14-0 affair. Instead, Josiah Behm picked off a pass from Dean at the two-yard-line and returned it 98 yards for MSUM’s first touchdown. The play ties the longest interception return in school history, which was previously held by Eric Schaumburg on Nov. 8, 2008 against Southwest Minnesota State. MSUM would miss the ensuing extra point with the Cougars leading 7-6 after one quarter of play.

MSUM would gain their first lead of the game early in the second quarter as Jack Strand found a returning Ryan Bieberdorf for a six-yard score. The touchdown capped off a quick five-play drive for the Dragons. Sioux Falls would respond to regain the lead at 14-13 with the half dwindling. That Cougar drive spanned 11 plays and nearly six minutes of game time. The Dragons would swiftly respond, driving 54 yards in four plays

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSUDRAGONS.COM Dragon’s wide receiver Ryan Bieberdorf caught 6 passes for 137 yards and four scores in the win against Sioux Falls.

with Strand again finding Bieberdorf, this time for a 26-yard pitch and catch.

Sioux Falls would come right back and drive 75 yards on six plays to score with one second remaining in the half. At the break, the Cougars led 21-20 as Sioux Falls possessed the ball for nearly 25 of the half’s 30 minutes.

The Dragons would receive the opening kickoff in the second half and would make quick work of the entire field. MSUM drove 76 yards on seven plays in just under three minutes of play.

Once again, Strand dished out a pass to Bieberdorf for his third touchdown of the game, giving MSUM a 27-21 lead. The Dragon defense would hold firm on a fourth and one play on the ensuing Cougar drive to give MSUM the ball back.

Strand and the offense only needed four plays to score, as the sensational sophomore would connect with Gage Florence for a 32-yard touchdown pass. The score also gave MSUM some needed breath-

ing room, leading 33-21.

Sioux Falls would score on their next drive to continue to put the pressure on the Dragon offense, but the potency of MSUM was downright unstoppable all afternoon. The Dragons quickly took the ball 49 yards on six plays with a Tyson Powell goal-line run adding on another score for MSUM. A 42-yard connection between Strand and Madden Thorson helped the Dragons move the ball quickly. After three quarters, MSUM led 40-28.

The two teams would trade interceptions to begin the final quarter as Jacob Brosius picked off Dean thanks to a tip at the line by Hayden Carr. Strand would throw an interception on the next play to give Sioux Falls the ball right back.

MSUM’s defense would force a Cougar punt and would gain favorable field position for the next drive. That drive lasted all but 69 seconds with MSUM driving 50 yards and Strand finding Bieberdorf

for his fourth touchdown reception of the contest.

The drive pushed the senior past the 2,000 yard receiving milestone for his career while his four receiving touchdowns tied the single-game MSUM school record. Bieberdorf nows sits alongside Dragon greats Damon Gibson (Oct. 24, 2016 v. UMC), Bruce Green (Nov. 4, 2006 v. UMC), Chad Davis (Nov. 15, 2003 v. WSC) and Rick Manke (Nov. 11, 1972 v. WSU) as the only student-athletes to catch four touchdowns in a single game in MSUM history. The score also ballooned the MSUM lead to 47-28.

Sioux Falls would score another touchdown on the ensuing drive, but would miss a two-point conversion opportunity with the score 47-34. To cap the day on the next Dragon drive, Strand would link up with a wide open Florence for a 67-yard touchdown pass. The score was Strand’s sixth touchdown score of the game, which ties the MSUM single-game record held by Jon Frykman (Nov. 15, 2003 v. WSC). Strand also became the fifth Dragon quarterback to have multiple games with five or more passing touchdowns in the same season (Frykman, Demetrius Carr, Jake Hodge, Dustin Long).

While the Cougars would score before the game ended, it was MSUM who fully commanded the game, winning 5340. The Dragons racked up 50 or more points for the second time this season despite Sioux Falls running 57 more plays than MSUM (105-48). The Cougars possessed the ball for nearly 44 minutes of the contest as the Dragons did not eclipse 17 minutes of possession time.

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October 20, 2023

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October 20, 2023

VIKINGS HOSTING TWO GAMES FOR 2023 PREP SPOTLIGHT SERIES AT TCO STADIUM The Minnesota Vikings and Twin Cities Orthopedics are dedicated to supporting high school football in our community. For the past five years, the Vikings have hosted the Vikings Prep Spotlight series, an opportunity for high school teams to play a regular season game at TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minn.

Past Prep Spotlight results:

2023 Prep spotlight matchups:

2022 Sept. 15, 2022 Oct. 18, 2022

East Ridge (54) vs Hopkins (6) Bloomington Jefferson (21) vs Chanhassen (35)

2021 Sept. 10, 2021 Sept. 17, 2021

Robbinsdale Cooper (14) vs. Waconia (20) St Thomas Academy (41) vs. Cretin-Derham Hall (14)

Two Rivers 48, St. Paul Harding-Humboldt, 8

2019 Sept. 20, 2019 Sept. 27, 2019 Sept. 28, 2019

Eden Prairie (14) vs. Shakopee (6) Chaska (21) vs. Apple Valley (0) Rochester Mayo (21) vs. Mankato West (58)

Friday, Oct. 13 - Final

2018 Sept. 28, 2018 Oct. 12, 2018 Nov. 9, 2018 Nov. 10, 2018

Farmington (41) vs. Eagan (28) Lakeville North (38) vs. Prior Lake (3) Lakeville North (35) vs. St. Michael-Albertville (8) Elk River (23) vs. Spring Lake Park (21)

Saturday, Sept. 16 - Final

Hill-Murray 58, Richfield 14

VIKINGS PREP SPOTLIGHT GAMES are PRESENTED BY Minnesota Vikings and Twin Cities Orthopedics

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