Let's Play Football

Let’s Play

Volume 3 • Number 2 • Issue 12

Football

et’s Play Football

PROUD PARTNER OF THE

September 16, 2021

UP FOR GRABS Who are the top teams in each class?

We ask the coaches... page 5 INSIDE • Ain’t in it for the money...page 6 • The High Ankle Sprain...page 7 • Vikings Prep Spotlight...page 10 • Waseca coach honored by Vikings..page 11

• College recaps...page 16-17 • The Heart of a Hall of Famer...page 20

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Lots to cover in Let’s Play Football

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN

Let’s Play Football Let’s Play Football 13 7th St S Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: 320-333-3279 Email: editor@letsplayfootballmn.com Email articles and photos to Bryan Zollman editor@letsplayfootballmn.com Founded in 2019 by Mike Sonntag and Bryan Zollman Pioneer9192 Media Publishers Bryan Zollman (320-333-3279) Mike Sonntag (651-260-5032) Managing Editor Bryan Zollman Advertising Mike Sonntag

The first two weeks of the football season brought plenty of excitement on the field.

Unfortunately, it produced some high-tension moments on the sidelines as well.

Waseca head coach Brad Wendland collapsed on the sidelines near the end of their season-opening win over St. Peter.

Wendland said he felt dizzy, took a knee and that’s the last thing he remembers about the incident.

Fortunately for Coach Wendland, the quick action of a pair of Mayo Sports Medicine athletic trainers and a nurse who rushed down from the stands helped save his life.

It goes to show how important athletic trainers are in the sport of football...or any sport for that matter. Their instincts and ability to stay calm under pressure and do the work needed to be done kept a coach, teacher, father, husband, son, brother, and friend to many alive.

Their work should be heralded and recognized. Doctors told Wendland his chances of surviving cardiac arrest were less than one percent. A true miracle he is still with us. He will take some time off from teaching and hopes to return to the sidelines soon to be with his No. 6-ranked

Photography Nick Wosika 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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Copyright 2019 PioneerMedia9192 All rights reserved

by MIKE SONNTAG

Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

This past weekend marked the return of NFL football into our homes, bars & restaurants, and most importantly packed stadiums for the 20212022 season. As a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan, I woke up Sunday morning and planned my morning to make sure I was on my couch in my mancave for the noon kickoff. After last year’s strange Covid season with empty stadiums followed by an unusual pre-season that left more questions about our beloved purple team than answers, I was optimistic about their chances of victory in Cincinnati against the Bengals.

Following the awesome 9/11 tribute and opening kickoff, it took all of five minutes for my aforementioned optimism to change to an attitude of frustration and anger. The Vikings took the opening kickoff and proceeded to have four penalties, three of them being offsides, before they punted the ball away.

Following the opening series, I received text messages ranging from a friend who just booked a mid-afternoon tee time to golf because he refused to continue to watch, to complaints about the offense’s penalties from a friend sitting in the stands watching the game live in Cincinnati. I personally was watching with members of my family and following that frustrating opening series and quickly asked the question “why do I care.”

As the game wore on the Vikings were on the short end of not one, but two official reviews on whether or not a Vikings’ player’s butt was down prior to crossing the goal line and fumbling in overtime respectively. My biased opinion is the officials got it wrong both times. However, as I waited in nervous anticipation of the replay ruling on the crucial fumble in overtime I once again asked “why do I care.” Upon the game ending I decided to reflect and answer my own question.

To paint a better picture, I was five

years old the last time the Minnesota Vikings played in a Super Bowl. To say I have any memory of that game would be a lie. My dad had season tickets until the team moved from Met Stadium to the Metrodome in 1982. I remember him getting so mad at times watching the games, that we once bought him a purple foam brick to throw at the television to let his frustration out.

In the 1990’s I was as close to a diehard as one could be, except I did not have season tickets. During this time my dad claimed to no longer care to watch the Vikings, yet my mom would not keep his secret safe and admit he still sat and watched their games.

In 1998 the Vikings were awesome!

Led by Randall Cunningham, Randy Moss and others the Vikings were 15-1 and Super Bowl bound. I was a new father and dressed my firstborn son in Vikings attire every Sunday morning. In heartbreaking fashion, they lost the NFC Championship game to the Atlanta Falcons in overtime. I recall being so far down in the dumps after that game that when I snapped out of my funk I asked myself why I would ever let an outcome that I had absolutely no control over bring me down so low.

Following that 1998 game I started to act like my father in trying to convince myself and others that it really didn’t bother me if they won or lost, yet I still watched every game. By 2009 my kids were now well into elementary school while Brett Favre led the Vikings on a magical season all the way to an NFC Championship game. Had the Vikings not been called for twelve men in the huddle when already in field goal range I remain convinced they were going to win that game. Instead, the old Gunslinger Favre threw an interception on the next play and the Vikings lost another heartbreaker in overtime to the New Orleans Saints by a field goal.

In 2016 I bought two season tickets when the Vikings moved into the awesome US Bank Stadium. My boys were in their late teens and I figured at the

very least I could have some memories with them in the coming years. In 2017 I chose to sell my tickets to the NFC Divisional Playoff game for no other reason than anything short of the Super Bowl did not matter to me. Of course, that game later became the historic Minneapolis Miracle game. Forgive me for that lousy mistake, as I am not sure I will ever forgive myself.

Which brings me back to Sunday’s game and answering the question of “why do I care”. Well for the many of you who watched the outcome of the 27-24 loss in overtime, I am sure many water cooler conversations have been had with friends, co-workers, family, etc., about whether Dalvin Cook’s butt was down before he fumbled? With all the resources and technology available to the NFL, it is truly hard to comprehend how they got that call wrong.

What seemed like a sure Viking’s victory waiting to happen after Kirk Cousins hit Justin Jefferson on a slant route into field goal range, suddenly turned on a butt cheek.

When the game concluded on a 33yard field goal for the Bengals, instead of being devastated or indifferent about the Vikings’ fortunes gone bad, I came to the conclusion that despite the loss I was still happy to watch the three-and-ahalf-hour NFL game played by the Minnesota Vikings. Like any fan, I hated that the Vikings lost, but I found perspective in that things seemed normal after some abnormal times these last couple years.

I remain eternally hopeful that someday in my lifetime I will witness the Vikings raising the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the podium following a Super Bowl victory. Regardless I am heartened to consider there will be heartbreaking losses and miraculous wins in the future, because it comes with the territory of being a Minnesota Vikings fan. When they win we all feel a sense of common pride, and when they lose we are left frustrated and bleeding our purple blood. “Why do I care?”, because I wouldn’t have it any other way!

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watching your favorite team take the field?

It is one of the rites of fall here in Minnesota.

One of those match ups is between Class 5A powers Cretin-Derham Hall and St. Thomas Academy. The Minnesota Vikings have done an outstanding job with their Prep Spotlight games. They are now in year three highlighting teams from all over the state at TCO Stadium, giving these kids such a great opportunity to play at such a great facility.

As we have seen already, there are many unpredictables every fall. Which makes the season so much fun to witness.

So grab a blanket and some hot chocolate and settle in for our second issue of the season. We hope you enjoy reading our stories and we always enjoy receiving feedback or story ideas. If you have a story idea for us, please email editor@letsplayfootballmn.com.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook. And check out our slowly evolving website at www.letsplayfootballmn.com. And stay tuned for our upcoming podcast series with Tim McNiff.

Our goal is to provide coverage of football at all levels, the players who play it, the coaches who coach it, the officials who officiate it, and the parents and fans who love to watch it.

We hope you enjoy it.

Bleeding Vikings purple every fall

Graphic Design Laura Bromenshenkel Contributors Vince Conway, Ryan Dutton, Ryan Johnson, Bobby Lawrence Matt Kane

Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football

Bluejays in Class 3A. We hope for a speedy recovery.

Speaking of rankings, we have polled coaches to weigh in on who the best teams are in each respective class. We have received good response and have developed a new ranking system based on the coaches poll.

This is the same way we conduct rankings for high school hockey in our other publication Let’s Play Hockey. Coaches usually know and understand who the best teams are and who are the teams to beat each and every Friday night.

Is it a perfect system? No, there is no such thing as a perfect ranking system, whether it is the FBS rankings or high school football.

Our hope is to shine a light on the top teams in each class. Because there are more than 350 high school football teams, that leaves a lot of teams out of the mix.

But we will cover as many teams and stories as we can, whether they are ranked or not.

In this issue we talk about those ranked teams and some strong match ups for Week 3. We are at the point of the season where the stronger teams begin to emerge. Friday nights have brought us some beautiful weather, and as the season progresses, the leaves will change and the temperatures will dip. But is there anything better than sitting in the stands under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate

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FRIDAY NIGHT SPOTLIGHT

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A rundown of High School Football

*Rankings conducted through high school coaches poll

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football RANKINGS 9-Man 1. Hancock 2. Mountain Iron-Buhl 3. Verndale 4. Hills-Beaver Creek 5. Leroy-Ostrander 6. Lanesboro 7. Win-E-Mac 8. Mountain Lake 9. Wheaton-Herman-Norcross 10. Fertile-Beltrami

9-MAN

Hancock top team heading into Week 3

Hancock, a 9-man powerhouse, showed they are still the team to beat as they head into Week 3 as the top team as voted on by coaches in our Let’s Play Football poll.

The Owls defeated Hillcrest Lutheran 58-26 last week after beating Brandon-Evansville 30-6 in the season opener. This week they will travel to Rothsay, who is coming off a lopsided loss to another 9-man powerhouse in Verndale.

Verndale, ranked No. 3 in the LPF poll, has put up 120 points in their first two games.

If 120 points is impressive, No. 2-ranked Mountain Iron-Buhl has outscored opponents 126-12 in two games.

It is not uncommon to see lopsided scores in 9-man football, but the Rang-

PHOTO BTY CRAIG JOHNSON

Rushford-Peterson has ran over their first two opponents and is currently ranked No. 7 in Class A. ers have proven they don’t just put points on the board, but also keep them off.

Hills-Beaver Creek comes in this week ranked No. 4 and is coming off a 51-0 shutout over Madelia.

They have yet to allow a point after winning 56-0 in their season opener.

Rounding out the top five is Leroy-Ostrander who opened the season with a 57-26 win over Southland and followed up with a 38-8 victory over Mabel-Canton.

In one of the big match ups in any class so far this season, Leroy-Ostrander will take on No.6ranked Lanesboro on Saturday.

Lanesboro had a convincing 28-0 win over grand Meadow in the opener and followed up by beating Southland 40-20 last week.

Win-E-Mac, Mountain Lake, Wheaton-Herman-Norcross and Fertile-Beltrami are all teams to watch this week and down the stretch as teams who could jump into the top five.

But for now, it appears the top three teams may not be moving much with the scores they have posted thus far.

Match-Up of the week: No. 5 Leroy-Ostrander vs.

No. 6 Lanesboro RANKINGS Class A 1. Minneota 2. BOLD 3. Mahnomen-Waubun 4. Murray County Central 5. Dawson-Boyd 6. Randolph 7. Rushford-Peterson 8. Pine River-Backus 9. Browerville/Eagle Valley 10. Ada Borup-West

CLASS A

Lots of parity in Class A

PHOTO BTY CRAIG JOIHNSON

Winona senior quarterback Jacob Heftman rolls out against Kasson-Mantorville.

The senior QB threw for 139 yards and a touchdown.

You could probably throw the top five teams in a hat and anyone of them could become the top-ranked team at year’s end. But for now that team is Minneota, who started their season with two convincing wins, a 35-0 blanking of Adrian and a 43-6 win over Yellow Medicine East.

Minneota’s defensive line has done the job in those two games, allowing just 85 yards rushing and getting nine tackles for loss.

BOLD, always in the mix for a Prep Bowl, are off to a 2-0 start with wins over very good teams from Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City and Upsala/ Swanville. The Warriors will have their hands plenty full this week when they

travel to No. 9-ranked Browerville/Eagle Valley.

No. 3-ranked Mahnomen Waubun is off to a great start with two wins as is No. 4 Murray County Central.

Mahnomen Waubun has outscored opponents 68-8 through two weeks and Murray County Central has outscored their opponents 62-16. Both teams should pose problems for opponents throughout the 2021 campaign.

Dawson-Boyd at No. 5 is also 2-0 with a 66-8 margin in points scored.

Brayden and Braxton Hahn have proven to be a tough duo for opponents to deal with.

Randolph could be a sneaky sleeper in Class A having shut out both their early opponents and outscoring them 99-0. Senior QB Jacob Weckup has already thrown for 564 yards and 11 touchdowns in two games. At 6’2”-180, he has been a force on the field. His big hookup has been brother Nathan Weckup, who has caught three TD passes and has 215 yards receiving. They will face No. 7 Rushford-Peterson in Week 6, which should prove to be a great match up.

Rushford-Peterson, meanwhile, is also 2-0 with a couple early wins over Medford and Fillmore Central. Led by the quarterbacking and running ability of Malachi Bunke, the Trojans could be a contender down the stretch.

Pine River-Backus, Browerville/ Eagle Valley and Ada Borup West round out the top 10 in Class A. Match-Up of the week: No. 2 BOLD at No. 9 Browerville/Eagle Valley RANKINGS Class 2A 1. Blue Earth Area 2. Eden Valley-Watkins 3. Redwood Valley 4. West Central Area/Ashby 5. Blooming Prairie 6. Minneapolis North 7. Moose Lake-Willow River 8. Caledonia 9. Kimball Area 10. Maple River

CLASS 2A

Blue Earth Area

Blue Earth Area comes in atop the Class 2A field thanks to two convincing road wins to start the season. They defeated Windom 59-0 in the season opener and followed up with a 43-13 win at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial.

They have made great strides the past few years, ending last season 7-0 and continuing their win streak into this year. With 18 seniors and 19 juniors and plenty of size with several guys over 250 pounds, the Buccaneers appear to be the team to beat early on in Class 2A. But it won’t be easy as they will sooner or later have to face some formidable foes such as No. 2 Eden Valley-Watkins. The Eagles have soared past both opponents so far this year after finishing 5-1 last year. The Eagles are always a strong contender in Class 2A.

FRIDAY NIGHT SPOTLIGHT

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Ain’t in it for the money

by RYAN JOHNSON

Let’s Play Football

Let’s Play Football Columnist

Growing up in a small rural community it was a rarity for a local athlete to compete at the collegiate level beyond high school.

My hometown sent a couple of kids to local colleges in a handful of sports but was by no means a feeder program. I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that we were such a small town that no one had the time to commit to one sport full time. We were kind of all expected to do our share and change our gear for the next season.

At the end of our senior year in high school that was kind of that, athletic career over and done with and time to go to school and get on with the rest of our life. I was able to play four years of college football and honestly, I think I am one of only a handful of kids from my community to do so. I played community college ball and then went to a small Division III liberal arts college. Along the way, I met some amazing people, including my wife, and made contacts that assisted me in where I am today. If I had to claim a win or loss in life I would say I have won this game for sure.

The school I am now in is bigger than my hometown and the next two towns down the highway from it as well. Growing up, if anyone had the ambition to play college athletics they were thought of very highly for taking on the challenge to commit to a child-

hood passion. recruiters. I “I am saddened to see Many of the encourage athletes, and coaches to and hear about football the parents, tell their athplayers whose focus I am now letes to train seems to be on working with hard, comscholarships, not seem to have pete hard, a very differand as their following team and or ent focus on teams progcommunity dreams.” participating ress they will at the next gain more exlevel of athposure along letics than what I knew. the way. We tell them this because this I am saddened to see and hear is what we hear from the recruiters about football players whose fothemselves. cus seems to be on scholarships, not For smaller programs in smaller following team and or community locations these kids may need to gain dreams. I have seen situations that some exposure through these types of kids would rather walk on at the Dicamps etc. but for a kid to wake up the vision I level than take a full ride to a day after hoisting the trophy blows me Division 1 FCS or D2 or D3 level. I away. But for kids and parents to focan’t believe people would turn down cus on forty times over hard work, disall of that money! More often than not cipline, commitment, and life success I see kids that walk on end up walking it makes me think that we may have to off almost as quickly and end up givkeep our priorities in check. I would ing up on the game as a result. rather have a higher overall number This desire to make it to the top of of athletes that play and train for the the top trickles down into not only the love of the game as opposed to a small athletes playing but also their training. number of all-stars.

All of a sudden the parents and athI have no problems with kids letes are now not necessarily training having dreams and working hard to to win a state title but maybe to win achieve them, what makes it hard for a scholarship. This isn’t always the me is when the parents have dreams case. Don’t get me wrong I am not for their kids. Parents organizing growing old and bitter here but let’s training and coaching outside of what just say that I have been seeing a lot we trainers and coaches are already more of this in recent years. I know of doing presents a dangerous overtraina young man who won a state title for ing situation. More is not always his football team on Friday night and better and if athletes aren’t getting was at a combine the next morning tryenough rest and recovery it could be ing to showcase his talents to potential devastating to the kid. In my 20+

years of coaching, I have learned of so many situations of athletes simply doing too much, and are overtrained.

I tell coaches to have conversations with the parents of their athletes and tell them that they are doing too much and need to back off. Usually, parents have been receptive to us and the common response from them is that they just want their kids to achieve success.

At times I feel that society has created a monster from the standpoint that the focus of athletics is to obtain a scholarship and are willing to do anything to help them get it. Hopefully, we can support our athletes, help build them up, provide a road map to their dreams and not damage them along the way.

Ryan Johnson – “RJ” played football for Normandale Community College and Augsburg University. He now teaches physical education at Wayzata High School and is the Strength and Conditioning Coordinator for Wayzata Public Schools, a position he began in 2000. Wayzata Athletics have captured 64 team state titles in his tenure and Johnson works directly with the threetime state champion football program as Director of Operations and Player Development. Johnson was named the NSCA 2017 National High School Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. He is the Regional Director / Secretary for the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA).

Officiating: Communication key component for on field success

by TOM RIITTERS I have been blessed to be part of a high school officiating crew that strives to be the best it can be on every given play. In this week’s edition of The 3rd Team, I’d like to share with you the importance of communication amongst an officiating crew before, during and after a game. As I highlighted last week, communication is a key component in the overall success of an officiating crew. For this article, I will focus on the communication practices of successful crews that I have both been part of, and had the opportunity to observe.

Successful crews do not just get together on a Friday night, get dressed and hit the field. Communication between the crew members the night prior to the game prepares us to officiate the night of the game. During the week, effective crews are researching teams, reading articles from local newspapers about the teams they are working with that week, and even reaching out to coaches to gather information about their players and team. All these practices lead to a level of preparedness

that can only serve to help the crew.

On game day, whenever possible, our crew drives to our game together.

This gives us ample opportunity to discuss the aforementioned items, and gives us a decent baseline heading into the game. Our intra-squad “car prep sessions” are used to discuss anything we have learned about the teams, and to be sure we are all on the same page with any obscure or unusual situations that we may potentially encounter during the course of a game. If a crew does not travel to a site together, these types of discussions often happen in the locker room prior to the crew taking the field.

Once on the field, that is where the art and practice of communication between the members of the crew is paramount to a crews overall success.

Our crew spends this pregame time observing the teams as they warm-up looking for formation keys, defensive alignment, and a host of other items that serve to give us an edge come game time. Our crew gets together toward the end of pregame to go over any unusual things that were noticed during this time. Having this time to give us a “heads-up” for potential pit-

falls is very beneficial.

Once the game begins, our communication is mainly handled through our O2O system (Official 2 Official).

These are the earpieces that you see many officials, even in the high school ranks, using now. Use of the O2O system streamlines our communication practices during the game. As an umpire, it is very helpful for me in penalty enforcement, ball spotting, and time clock management. Granted, there are still situations where you will see officials “huddle” when discussing something, but with the use of the O2O systems, game flow is so much better from a communication aspect.

Lastly, successful crews utilize both the halftime intermission and their postgame locker room time to reflect on the actions of the half/game.

As officials, we don’t have to make halftime adjustments; we just have to communicate with each other on what it is that went well, and what we need to improve on as a crew. Our crew has always felt comfortable with each other when things go askew. Yes, we are critical of each other when we need to be, because we want to be successful, but it is always done in a respectful

manner.

Bottom line is that the officials you are watching, and hopefully supporting, rely on many aspects of effective communication as they prepare for, work and reflect on the game. Just like communication is vital between coaches and players, it to is just as vital for The 3rd Team as well!

Good luck to your team this week. And, as always, please remember that the officials are out there working as hard as they can to ensure that your athletes are safe and play within the rules of the game. Please keep that in mind as you head to the game this week!

If anyone would like any information about becoming a high school official or would like a topic covered in future articles, please feel free to contact Tom at tomriitters@yahoo. com.

Tom Riitters is a graduate of Little Falls Community High School and of Saint John’s University. He is currently an elementary teacher in the Upsala School District. Tom has been officiating football at the youth, high school and college level for over 20 years.

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September 16, 2021

7

The High Ankle Sprain

by ERIC KOHN The running back hits the open hole with a burst of speed. His left ankle is planted and he readies himself to perform another jump cut to get into the secondary when he is hit from the outside by a linebacker that is pursuing down the line. He feels immediate pain in the outside of his ankle and is unable to put full weight on it. He limps off the field and seeks out the training staff for assessment.

IF this athlete’s ankle is not correctly diagnosed and treated appropriately a long journey of chronic pain, instability and inability to return to high level performance will be in his future. There are 3 main types of ankle sprains, the high ankle, medial and most common lateral ankle sprain. What is a high ankle sprain? How does it happen and what steps can be taken to help the athlete return from the injury?

A high ankle sprain or syndesmosis injury, differs from a common lateral ankle sprain in many ways. The mechanism of injury with the common lateral ankle sprain is a “rolled down and in” movement of the foot and ankle and the pain is usually felt below the lateral ankle bone or malleolus. The opposite is true with a high ankle sprain with a mechanism of the foot rotating out. Another mechanism of injury occurs with a planted foot and the athlete falling forward. The pain is localized in the front or above the outside ankle bone (lateral malleolus).

The high ankle sprain occurs when the tibia and fibula are stressed and pushed apart. This can create stretching of the ligament that holds the bones together at the ankle (anterior distal tibiofibular ligament). The syndesmosis membrane between the two bones which helps to create stability can also be stressed apart.

This anatomy difference is one of the reasons the high ankle takes longer to recover from. Walking on a high ankle injury will limit healing due to more stress being placed on the injured ligament which creates more separation of the tibia and fibula.

The latest research shows that the frequency of high ankle sprains occurs one out of every 10 ankle injuries. The first step is

to seek medical attention from your sports medicine provider on the field. They will quickly assess you and determine severity of injury. The use of x-ray radiographs is commonly performed to help rule out any fractures that may have occurred in the ankle bones and to determine if there is increased space between the tibia and fibula.

If a high ankle sprain is diagnosed,

begin by following the recommended treatment plan provided by your sports medicine provider. The use of crutches and a protective boot will provide initial immobilization and help to decrease pain.

The use of RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) are to be followed to start the healing process. After 4-6 weeks the use of the boot is usually replaced with a more functional sports brace as you begin the rehabilitation process. It is imperative to immobilize initially and allow the ligament to heal before stressing it again.

At the 4-6 week mark your sports medicine provider will begin the process of returning strength, balance, and endurance back to your ankle and lower extremity. This process of gradually adding more stress to the ankle is done only without increased pain or swelling. If either occur, the process is slowed to allow adequate healing before progressing.

Pain is the guide with returning back to activities. The rehab process must include many balance exercises. This is the key to avoiding chronic injury. The injured ankle has many receptors in the joint that become damaged and need to be addressed during recovery. Balance exercises from simple, one legged stance holds to more complex, single leg hopping will help get you on the path back to the field.

Early assessment, correct diagnosis, immobilization and gradual progression of stress to the healing ankle will lead to the successful return to sports after a high ankle sprain.

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

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PREP GAME OF THE WEEK: CLASS 5A

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Sauk Rapids-Rice could be a team to be reckoned with SAUK RAPIDS-RICE 42, ST. CLOUD TECH 21

The Sauk Rapids-Rice football team gets pumped up before kickoff of their game against St. Cloud Tech Sept. 10 at Sauk Rapids -Rice Middle School Stadium. The Storm took a 36-0 halftime lead on their way to a 42-21 victory. PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

by TOM FENTON Sauk Rapids Herald/Star Publications

The second play of the game and the last play of the first half told the story, and it was an easy read for the Sauk Rapids-Rice football team. Put it this way – it was more like Dr. Seuss than Stephen King.

The Storm did whatever they wanted early and often in their Sept.

10 contest against Tech. They threw

the ball, ran the ball and played the same stingy defense they did in their season-opener in a 42-21 victory over Tech at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Stadium.

“We’re not anything special yet, but I think our goals are bigger than our current state,” SRR coach Phillip Klaphake said. “The kids are hungry, so we’ll dangle those carrots out in front of them.”

The Storm led 36-0 at halftime,

leaving most of the second half the opportunity for many players to make their varsity debuts.

Senior quarterback Dom Mathies had time to throw on every attempt, and with athletic receivers on his side, the result was a record-setting performance. Mathies threw five touchdowns – all in the first half – to break the school record for touchdown passes.

On the game’s second play,

Mathies threw what looked to be a relatively harmless sideline pass that Alex Harren turned into a 69-yard touchdown on the game’s second play.

Jayce Walrath intercepted a Tech pass on the Tigers ensuing drive and moments later caught a Mathies pass and

PREP GAME OF THE WEEK

continued on page 9

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PREP GAME OF THE WEEK continued from page 8

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Sauk Rapids-Rice senior quarterback Dom Mathies rushes for a gain during the Storm’s 42-21 over St. Cloud Tech Sept. 10 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Stadium. Mathies threw for five touchdowns – all in the first half – to break the school record for touchdown passes in a game. turned it into an 11-yard lowed Klaphake to give touchdown. several players their Mathies varsity debut.

“We have a lot of added a 41“The secrespect for Zimmerman yard scoring ond half was and their staff and they were strike to Alex a lot of kids extremely well prepared for us.” getting some Harren and a 6-yard conlearning exMike Kleinschmidt nection to his periences,” Albany Head Coach brother, Andrew Klaphake said.

Harren, on the first “Everbody’s first explay of the second quarperience in varsity football ter for a 29-0 lead. When SRR turned isn’t that good. We know that’s going over Tech on downs with less than 10 to happen. There were some frustratseconds left in the first half, Mathies ing moments, but there’s a lot of talent hit Andrew Harren for a 21-yard there. That’s why we throw them out touchdown on the next play, sending there. We let them take their lumps so the large home crowd into a frenzy. next time they’re not so new.”

“Our offense is clicking,” said AnThe Storm put their unbeaten redrew Harren, who caught four passes cord on the line at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 when for 73 yards. “We all know each other they took on 1-1 Alexandria. The Carand hang around outside of football. dinals opened the season with a 36-20 We’re just having fun. We knew we loss to state powerhouse Hutchinson wanted to be really physical against before beating Bemidji Sept. 11. them and they played a lot of man-toSauk Rapids-Rice 42, Tech 21 man defense, so we threw the ball a Tech 0 0 7 14 – 21 lot. Our game plan worked.”

SRR 22 14 6 0 – 42 The five touchdown passes for First quarter: SRR – Alex Harren Mathies broke a school record pre69 pass from Dom Mathies (Walker viously held by John Cloeter, Tyler Loesch 2-point conversion). SRR – Bjork and Cade Milton-Baumgardner.

Jayce Walrath 11 pass from Mathies “I had no idea that was possible,” (Owen Arndt kick). SRR – Alex Harsaid Mathies, who completed 13 of 18 ren 41 pass from Mathies (Arndt kick). passes for 268 yards. “I didn’t see that Second quarter: SRR – Andrew Harcoming at all. It felt great. We’ve got ren 5 pass from Mathies (Arndt kick). so many people that play well togethSRR – Andrew Harren 21 pass from er. I distributed the ball and everybody Mathies (Arndt kick). Third quarter: caught it. I can count every one of Tech – 2-yard run (kick good). SRR these guys. We just have that connec– Austin Horn 13 run (kick blocked). tion. We all know each other so well Fourth quarter: Tech – 10 pass. Tech and that makes it so fun.”

– 12 run.

The Storm were coming off a SRR rushing: Horn 5-47, Alex momentum-building win over rival Harren 4-32, Mathies 4-14, Zach Sartell but did not let over-confidence Kosloske 6-10, Broden Flakne 3-8. become a factor against a Tech team SRR passing: Mathies 13-18-276 0, that entered the game 0-2 after losses Jack Klein 3-6 48 0. SRR receiving: to Sartell and Moorhead.

Alex Harren 3-124, Andrew Harren The first-team defense for SRR 4-73, Carter Loesch 2-36, Walrath has yet to give up a point.

3-29, Mason Welch 1-26, Bryce Lund “We’ve got a lot of two- and three 1-16, Cole Paulson 1-10, Ethan Anyear-starters, so we’ve got great chemderson 1-25. SRR tackles (solo-asistry,” said junior Travis Biery, who sists): Max Loesch 5-1, Matthew had five tackles. “We communicate at Golembeski 4-0, Cole Ackerman 3-4, a high level and we do whatever we Alex Harren 2-0, Walker Loesch 2-0, can to get ready.”

Travis Biery 2-3, Chayce Laroque 2-2, The Storm finished with 425 yards Graham Doherty 2-1, Kosloske 1-2, of total offense while giving up 244.

Flakne 1-1, Carter Loesch 1-5, Will Austin Horn added a 13-yard White 1-4. touchdown run on SRR’s first drive of the second half. The large lead al-

Sauk Rapids-Rice senior tight end Jayce Walrath gets around the end on his way to an 11-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter of the Storm’s 42-21 victory over St. Cloud Tech Sept. 10 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Stadium. Walrath set up the touchdown by intercepting a pass from his linebacker position a few plays earlier.

Sauk Rapids-Rice senior defensive end Carter Loesch – a Minnesota-Duluth recruit – chases St. Cloud Tech quarterback Murray Garrison in the first quarter of the Sept.

10 clash at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School Stadium. The Storm improved to 2-0 with their 42-21 victory while dropping the Tigers to 0-3.

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September 16, 2021

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So, you want to play D1 Football. Now what?

by PAUL REPPENHAGEN This article is first in a series by Paul Reppenhagen, father of current Texas Christian University player Ben Reppenhagen. His articles will discuss the recruiting process for those wanting to play Division I football.

Nothing beats Friday Night Lights.

No matter where you live, high school football is awesome! The only problem with it is, when you’re a senior, it ends. If you’re good though, you likely have the dream of playing Saturdays, on TV, with huge crowds, great bands, cool SWAG, and all the pageantry that goes along with it. That means you’re dreaming of playing D1. Fantastic! But how do you go from high school standout to D1 commit or walk-on? Read on.

I played DIII football and baseball in Michigan. But it has been 30 years since I last put on the football pads. I was recruited to play at D1 schools – Army, Air Force, WMU, EMU — but had no idea how to go about the process.

Things have changed a lot in recruiting since then but most parents and players still have no idea how to go about it. It’s full of land mines, potholes, and dead ends. I learned the hard way; by going through it.

My son, Ben, was a top linebacker in MN for St. Thomas Academy. Sometime between his sophomore and junior year, he came to us and said he wanted to play football at Michigan (I’m a Michigan fan since I grew up watching them). Whoa! Ok. That’s certainly an audacious goal. So, I went to work trying to figure out how to make it happen. Long story short, he’s now playing at TCU and had offers at Wake Forest, San Diego, UPenn and Stanford. But it was a roller coaster ride and I wish I had known then what I know now.

First, know the numbers. There are 255 D1 Schools (130 FBS, 125 FCS) and approximately 29,000 rostered D1 football players. That’s about 5800 new D1 players each year. There are approximately 500,000 high school seniors in the US playing football. So, that means about 1.2% of high school senior football players are going to play D1 each year. The reality is, no matter how much you may want to play D1, it’s hard to make it. It’s even harder if you don’t have an organized approach or don’t have someone that can help guide you – what to do, when to do it, how to go about it, etc.

Wanting to play major college football is no easy task. Paul Reppenhagen says hard work can open up opportunities, but waiting for those opportunities isn’t enough. Photo by Jason Barum

The first question to ask yourself is “Do I really want to play D1 football?”

A lot of kids think they want to play D1 because of what they see on TV. They think it will be an extension of their high school experience. It isn’t. College football is a business. It’s a huge commitment and it’s hard. Yes, it’s fun, you meet a lot of great guys and have great experiences. But make no mistake, you sacrifice a lot of the traditional college experience to play in college. You must really, truly want to play the game at that level. You need to love it because if you don’t, it will show up on the practice field. Coaches at that level have no time for players that don’t love playing football. Simply put, their jobs and livelihoods are on the line.

The next question to ask yourself is “Do I have the necessary combination of size and skill?” Just about everyone playing D1 was a stud on their high school team. Everyone is going to be big, fast, or big and fast. All programs are looking for fast guys. If you run a legit 4.4 or faster, you will find a place to play. Schools will find you if you go to camps. Coaches never feel they have enough speed. If you are big – 6’6” or taller, 275 or heavier, you will find a place to play. Schools will find you if you go to camps. Coaches never feel they have enough size on the OL and DL. If you’re not really fast or really big, then you better have some compelling combination of the two. You should also know that you have your work cut out for you. You’re going to have to do

a lot of networking, go to a lot of camps, send out a lot of correspondence to get coaches interested in you. It’s not impossible. It just takes more work.

The third question you need to ask yourself is “What am I really willing to give up to play D1?” If you’re dead set on playing only a certain position, only at certain schools, you’ll narrow your chances. If you really want to play at that high level, you may need to switch positions, choose a school with lower academic standards, or look at schools in different geographic areas. Those choices aren’t inconsequential. You need to be honest with yourself on what you are willing to do to play D1 ball.

Now here’s the deal. You kind of want to have all that figured out by your sophomore year of high school. What?

That seems crazy. Yes, it does seem crazy but you can’t wait until your senior year to get going on the recruiting process. It’s too late by then. You’ll be relying on hope which is never a good strategy. You want enough games to be able to generate good film content. You need time to cultivate conversations with coaches. You need to go to enough camps to get a good look. You need time to visit colleges to check out the vibe and see if you’ll like the campus and people. Sometimes, you don’t know if you’ll like a school until you physically walk the campus, see the stadium, check out the surrounding city, etc. All of that takes time. To get my son recruited, we visited 16 different D1 programs the summers of his sophomore and junior

year. That means eight weekends of each of those two summers we spent on the road going to camps/colleges. As I said, all of that takes time.

Does everyone that plays D1 have to do that? No. As mentioned, if you’re really fast, really big, or have some compelling combination of the two, college coaches will likely find you. Those are the three-, four-, and five-star recruits.

If you’re not one of those, then yes, you do need to do quite a bit of work or be willing to live with what you get. If that isn’t enough to motivate you into action, consider this fact. There are 86 D1 FBS players rostered from MN high schools.

That’s only 0.6 percent of all the FBS players rostered. The point is, while we have some great talent here in the state, we aren’t necessarily a recruiting hot bed. D1 college coaches aren’t constantly canvasing MN looking for talent.

If you want to get noticed coming out of MN, you have to work at it.

What does that mean – work at it?

It means you have to approach your recruiting like a communications or ad campaign. You must establish your message, outline who’s likely to be interested in you and why, script out how you’re going to differentiate yourself and get attention. You have to plot out when and where you’ll attend camps, who you’ll talk to when you’re there, how to send out teaser communication before the camp so you’re top of mind with coaches. You need to prioritize and rank your school preferences; investigate the type of players they recruit and the offense and defensive schemes they run. Find out where their coaches are from and where they played ball so you can make some connection and stand out from others. Send follow up notes to coaches and update them on your progress. As I said, you have work at it.

In my next article I will get into more specifics about the recruiting process – things to do, things to avoid, tips to consider. While the process seems daunting, it’s also very exciting and fun.

You may send out dozens of letters and hear nothing and then, one day, boom, you get some interest from a coach.

They key take away here is if you want to increase your chances for playing D1 ball coming out of MN, you must drive the process yourself. Don’t leave it up to your coach. Don’t leave it up to your parents. You have to drive the recruiting bus yourself.

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FRIDAY NIGHT SPOTLIGHT continued from page 5_____________________________________________________

No. 3-ranked Redwood Valley are also off to a 2-0 start, but will play No. 10 Maple River this week in what will be a great match up.

Senior quarterback Alex Lang and senior WR/S Drew Lundeen are both top-notch players leading the Cardinals.

West Central Area/Ashby comes in at No. 4 after a hard fought opening win over Barnesville who was ranked No. 4 in our pre-season rankings but this week dropped out of the top 10 just barely. West Central followed up with a nice 48-12 win over Staples-Motley.

Blooming Prairie might be the Awesome Blossoms, but they’re also a pretty awesome football team. They extended their win streak to 20 games with two wins to start the season. But they are now in a different section, which could mean different results after winning the Prep Bowl in 2019.

That’s because they will have to deal with teams like Minneapolis North, ranked No. 2 in our pre-season coaches poll, but who fell to No. 6 this week after a 28-21 loss to Fridley, albeit Fridley is a Class 4A school who was also ranked high coming into the season. There is no doubt North will be there at the end of the season having played a tougher schedule than most, if not all 2A schools.

Moose Lake-Willow River is at No. 7 after a gritty 28-21 won over Hermantown and then a 55-0 slaughtering over International Falls last week.

And falling from No. 1 to No. 8 after seeing their 71-game win streak come to an end is the 5-time current state champion Caledonia Warriors.

The Warriors dropped their opener against Lake City. After being tied 13-13 at the half, Lake City ran away with it in the second half to win 30-13.

Of course, Caledonia rebounded with a win last week, and maintain a top-10 position in the rankings. But it will be interesting to see how the Warriors fare

in 2021.

Kimball Area and Maple River round out the top 10 in what looks like will be a very competitive class this fall.

Match-Up of The Week: No. 10 Maple River at No. 3 Redwood Valley RANKINGS Class 3A 1. Cannon Falls 2. Annandale 3. Litchfield 4. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 5. Pierz 6. Waseca 7. Fairmont 8. Albany 9. Dassel-Cokato 10. Breck

CLASS 3A

Bombers cannon their way to the top

The Cannon Falls Bears are 17-2 in their last three seasons, including a 7-0 run last year in the COVID-shortened campaign.

They are off to a 2-0 start this season thanks to a 17-14 win over Rochester Lourdes last week. The Bombers use a “T” offense that has proven difficult to defend, and they have a strong defense to boot, making them, so far, the team to beat in Class 3A. Annandale senior quarterback Carson Gagnon threw six touchdown passes in the first half alone against Glencoe-Silver Lake last week. Three of them went to fellow senior Bryce Fobbe. Gagnon has eight TD passes already as the No. 2-ranked Cardinals look to be one of the top teams to compete in Class 3A. Litchfield at No. 3 is another stal-

wart in this class. They trounced Milaca 32-8 in the opener, and Milaca turned around and defeated previously top-ranked Albany. That is why Albany drops to No. 8 and Litchfield ups to No. 3.

Litchfield’s ground attack has been stellar with six rushing touchdowns in a 48-7 win over Holy Family School and four more against Milaca. Lukas Kuehl is the main back and had 242 yards and three scores in the Milaca win.

Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, better known as D-G-F, comes in at No. 4 this week after posting two quick wins to start the season, a 16-0 win over Thief River Falls and a 20-18 nail biter over Pequot Lakes.

Pierz, a perennial power, is in the middle of the pack for the top 10. They have yet to give up a point after two shutouts against Holdingford (20-0) and Minnewaska (41-0). Chances are the Pioneers will be competing for a section title when that time comes.

No. 6 Waseca got a huge scare last week when head coach Brad Wendland collapsed on the sideline during the end of their 21-13 win over St. Peter.

The good news is Wendland was revived and is currently recovering. More good news is that his Bluejays are off to a 2-0 start after beating St. Peter and Marshall to start the 2021 campaign.

The Bluejays finished last season 6-1 with their only loss coming to topranked Rocori. This season should be a strong one for Waseca, with hopes Coach Wendland can return to the sidelines soon.

Fairmont is right there with Waseca, having also beat St. Peter and Marshall in their first two contests, even by better margins.

Led by senior 6’4” quarterback Zach Jorgensen, the Cardinals could be a contender down the stretch.

Albany, the pre-season top-ranked squad, fell to Milaca in their second game of the season, albeit a close one

30-28.

The Huskies are a traditionally strong program, however, and despite losing quality seniors off last year’s squad, could very well win out the rest of their regular season schedule and remain a one-loss team.

Dassel-Cokato and Breck round out the top 10 in Class 3A with still six games to go. Like most classes, it’s anybody’s guess who will rise to the top come section playoff time.

Match-Up of The Week: No. 2 Annandale at No. 9 Dassel-Cokato

RANKINGS Class 4A 1. Hutchinson 2. Becker 3. Kasson-Mantorville 4. Stewartville 5. SMB 6. Fridley 7. Rocori 8. Orono 9. Simley 10. Mound Westonka

CLASS 4A

Hutchinson claims top spot

The Tigers from Hutchinson have already played three games this season and have made mincemeat out of each of their opponents, including Class 5A school Alexandria.

In addition, they also defeated St. Cloud Apollo and Willmar and have done so largely by running the ball.

With a strong offensive line and three

FRIDAY NIGHT SPOTLIGHT continued on page 14

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VIKINGS PREP SPOTLIGHT: Waconia 20, Robbinsdale Cooper 14

Robbinsdale Cooper senior QB Joe Russell, one of the better QBs in the metro, rolls out against Waconia. Russell threw for 294 yards and two scores in the game. He has tossed for 546 yards on the season and five touchdowns.

Waconia outlasts Robbinsdale Cooper at TCO Stadium

by BRYAN ZOLLMAN Co-Publisher, Let’s Play Football Max McEnelly had more than 230 all-purpose yards as Waconia outlasted Robbinsdale Cooper in front of a large crowd in the Minnesota Vikings Prep Spotlight game held at TCO Stadium Sept. 10.

McEnelly scored two touchdowns to help lead the Wildcats over the Hawks 20-14.

After a scoreless first quarter, Robbinsdale Cooper scored first when senior quarterback Joe Russell connected with senior wide receiver David Connors. An extra point by senior placekicker Leo Garcia made it 7-0 But the Wildcats rallied for two scores before the end of the half for a 14-7 lead. At the 7:04 mark sophomore QB Austin Randall hit senior wideout Sam Koppi for a 38-yard score. Tanner Micke drilled the extra point for a 7-7 tie.

Then, with Cooper driving, Waconia came up with a huge turnover when Koppi picked off a Russell pass at the Cooper 44-yard line. McEnelly carried the ball several times eventually scoring on a 15-yard run with 1:27 left. Another Micke extra point gave the Wildcats a 14-7 lead.

Waconia also received the ball at half time and didn’t waste much time as McEnelly raced in from 47 yards out for his second score of the game

and a 20-7 lead with 11:36 to play in the third quarter.

Both defenses held each other at bay the rest of the quarter until Cooper broke a big play at the 10:35 mark of the fourth quarter. Russel connected once again with Connors, this time on a 79-yard score. Garcia’s kick brought the Hawks to within a touchdown.

The Hawks had a chance to tie the game or take the lead midway through the quarter when they put together a strong drive from their 25-yard line all the way to Waconia’s 8-yard line. They were first and goal when a holding call brought them back to the 18-yard line. After two incomplete passes they connected on a 10-yard gain to set up a 4th and 8 from the 8-yard line. But Gage Mueller and Jorge Toledo sacked Russel for a loss and change of downs. Waconia suc-

Waconia’s Sam Koppi snares a one hander in the Wildcats 20-14 win over Robbinsdale Cooper in front of Cooper’s Jaxon Howard. Koppi had a touchdown catch and an interception in the game. cessfully ran out the clock to seal the 20-14 win.

McEnelly finished with 174 yards rushing on 24 carries. The 200-pounder has 303 yards on the season and four touchdowns. Koppi led Waconia receivers with four catches for 69

yards, including the one touchdown.

He also had the big interception that led to a score.

Cooper’s Russell threw for 294 yards on 16-for-27 passing. Connors

PREP SPOTLIGHT continued on page 13

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Thankfukl to be alive, Waseca’s coach honored by Vikings Waseca head coach Brad Wending soon. When speaking with doctors, land started to feel dizzy towards the he found out just how lucky he is to end of their season opener against be alive.

St. Peter. The Bluejays were on their “I kind of complained when they way to a victory when Coach told me I couldn’t go home,” Wendland took a knee in the Wendland said in an interfinal seconds. view witht he Mankato Free “It happened over the Press. “The doctors said, ‘Do course of a few seconds,” you realize how many peoWendland told KEYC News. ple survive cardiac arrest if “I thought this doesn’t feel they’re not in the hospital?’ I very good. I’m just gonna take said, ‘Half?’ They said it was a knee here for a second, and less than 1 percent.” then when it passes, I’ll come Waseca Schools posted back up and go on with whatthe following on their Twitter ever. That’s the last thing I reBrad Wendland account after the incident: member.”

“The community of Wendland, 48, collapsed.

Waseca has always been strong and Team trainers and medical personsupportive - and when people are in nel rushed to his aid. need, you will always find a sea of Two Mayo Clinic Athletic Trainblue standing together ready to help. ers and a nurse who was in the stands We appreciate our families and staff sprung into action. After chest comand everything you do for each other, pressions on Wendland were unsucour schools and our children. Wasecessful, they used an AED device ca always has strength in numbers! which shocks the heart back into acSo please continue to pray for Coach tion.

Wendland and his family, and thank According to a report from KSTP. you for your support already towards com, restarting a heart using the AED his recovery. We’re rooting for you, is rare. But it worked for Wendland, Coach! You are #wasecastrong.” who became conscious and started The Minnesota Vikings, who honbreathing again. or a high school coach of the week each He was rushed to the hospital for week, bestowed that honor to Wendfurther treatment and is expected to reland. The school will receive a $1,000 cover. from the Vikings/NFL in his name as Wendland has since returned the Vikings Coach of the Week. home, but will take a month off from teaching. He hopes to return to coach-

September 16, 2021

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PREP SPOTLIGHT continued from page 12_________

led all receivers with seven catches for 171 yards.

The Wildcats improved to 1-1 on the season while the Hawks fell to 1-1.

The Wildcats had lost to Robbinsdale Armstrong 23-17 in the season opener. Cooper had defeated Orono 43-27 in the opener. Waconia will play Orono Friday, Sept. 17 while Cooper will host Robbinsdale Armstrong.

This week’s Prep Spotlight game at TCO Stadium is Class 5A match-up between St. Thomas Academy (2-0) and Cretin-Derham Hall (0-2).

Up Next: Vikings Prep Spotlight Friday, Sept. 17 Cretin-Derham Hall vs.

St. Thomas Academy 7 p.m.

TCO Stadium

Waconia players celebrate with their fellow students at TCO Stadium after winning the Minnesota Vikings Prep Spotlight game 20-14 over Robbinsdale Cooper. This week St. Thomas Academy will take on Cretin-Derham Hall at TCO Stadium as the second installment of the Prep Spotlight Game. The Vikings are in their third season of hosting high school games at their training facility. The game is co-sponsored by Twin Cities Orthopedic.

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September 16, 2021

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FRIDAY NIGHT SPOTLIGHT continued from page 11____________________________________________________ strong backs who have scored four touchdowns each through three games, the Tigers appear to be the team to beat in 4A. Those backs include Levi Teetzel, Alex Elliot and Mitchell Piehl. All three backs have more than 30 carries on the season and have combined for 850 yards.

Becker, a mainstay in 4A for years, comes in at No. 2 with a pair of wins to start the season, including a convincing 28-0 shutout over rival Rocori.

In that game Carter Callahan rushed for 100 yards and two scores. Callahan followed up with three more TDs in a 47-0 win over Delano in Week 2.

Kasson-Mantorville is the No. 3 team heading into Week 3.

They had a 42-16 win over previously ranked Winona thanks to six rushing touchdowns, including four by junior quarterback Matt Donovan.

Stewartville cracks the top five at No. 4 after wins over Mankato East and Albert Lea, and outscoring them 10320.

SMB is ranked No. 5 after a 15-12 season-opening win over highly-touted Fridley on a 4th quarter score by Sanjay Redd, his second of the game. They followed up with a 48-20 win over North St. Paul and will try to stay unbeaten against DeLaSalle in Week 3.

Fridley falls right behind SMB after that tough season-opening loss. But they bounced back in Week 2 with a 2821 win over Minneapolis North. North, albeit a Class 2A school, is a great Class 2A program and plays mostly a 4A schedule.

Fridley’s MJ Newton ran for 240 yards and three touchdowns in that game.

Rocori, Orono, Simley and Mound Westonka round out the top 10, which is likely to change and see some teams drop out and new teams enter in the coming weeks.

Match-Up of the Week No. 1 Hutchinson vs. No. 2 Becker (This game is Sept. 24 after Hutchinson gets a bye this week) RANKINGS Class 5A 1. Moorhead 2. Andover 3. St. Thomas Academy 4. Mankato West 5. Mahtomedi 6. Rogers 7. Elk River 8. Spring Lake Park 9. Chaska 10. Alexandria

CLASS 5A

Spuds are no duds Moorhead lost some talent off last year’s squad that went undefeated, but started right where they left off with two wins to start the 2021 campaign.

The Spuds defeated both Bemidji and St. Cloud Tech.

They may have lost Trey Feeney, an all-state quarterback, but they are relying on junior QB Gavin Quade, who has already thrown for nine touchdowns in two contests.

The Spuds will get a good test this week with Bemidji.

Andover is ranked No. 2 after two impressive wins to start the season, a 49-14 win over Brainerd and a 28-13 win over No. 7-ranked Elk River.

Junior wide receiver Sam Musungu is averaging 107 yards a game receiving and quarterback Connor Develice has hit five different receivers for touchdowns and has tossed for 374 yards in the first two games.

St. Thomas Academy is a power in 5A and this year is no different.

Kasson-Mantorville is off to a good start, most recently with a win over Winona to move to No. 3 in Class 4A. They throttled Two Rivers last week 55-0. Savion Lopez, a sophomore running back, already has six touchdowns on the season.

The St. Thomas Academy defense is nearly impenetrable, having allowed just 269 yards of total offense through the first two games.

Mankato West is making noise down south and comes in at No. 4 heading into Week 3.

They defeated Rochester John Marshall 61-0 to open the season and followed up with a 41-7 win over New Prague last week. They will get a bit tougher test when they host Owatonna in Week 3.

Mahtomedi is a top five team in 5A thanks to a couple early season wins and a nice come-from-behind 2320 win over Cretin-Derham Hall last week. They should slide past Hill-Murray in Week 3 to remain unbeaten.

Rogers started with a couple nice road victories over Bemidji and Monticello, but will have a tough test at home in Week 3 when they host Andover.

No. 7 Elk River lost to Andover, but is a formidable foe in 5A and should get a win over Coon Rapids in Week 3.

No. 8 Spring Lake Park should maybe be ranked higher after defeating Cretin-Derham Hall and Benilde-St. Margaret’s in their first two contests.

They have Chanhassen in Week 3 with a chance to go 3-0 and climb the ladder further.

Chanhassen, meanwhile, was a pre-season top 10 squad, but fell out of the top 10 after losing a defensive battle against No. 9 Chaska 6-2, moving Chaska into the top 10.

Alexandria rounds out the top 10 thanks to a nice win over Bemidji after a tough loss to the top team in 4A, Hutchinson.

Match-Up of the Week No. 2 Andover at No. 6 Rogers

RANKINGS Class 6A 1. Eden Prairie 2. Lakeville South 3. Maple Grove 4. Shakopee 5. St. Michael-Albertville 6. Wayzata 7. Rosemount 8. Lakeville North 9. Minnetonka 10. (T) Farmington and

Prior Lake

CLASS 6A

Eagles continue to soar, but Cougars lurking It’s already looking like a Clash of the Titans in 6A football.

Eden Prairie maintains the top spot, but of course that could change when they play No. 2 Lakeville South in the marquee match up of the season so far.

The Eagles had no problem with East Ridge in the opener, but had to fight hard to get past a very good Farmington squad in Week 2, 37-29.

Junior quarterback Nick Fazi was almost perfect against Farmington going 10-for-13 with three TDs and no picks.

But they will have to battle a tough and equally strong team from Lakeville South. The Cougars will have the home field advantage and are coming off a 12-0 win over neighborhood rival Lakeville North. The Cougars are going to pound the ball on the ground and use their stingy defense to try and keep Eden Prairie’s offense at bay. Eden Prairie will have to ficus on stopping the Cougar backfield and push through their strong offensive line to get to the likes of junior Carson Hansen, who is averaging 150 yards rushing through the first two games.

No. 3 Maple Grove isn’t to be counted out either as a contender for a trip to the Prep Bowl. The Crimson are off to a 2-0 start and are coming off

a 56-18 win over Totino-Grace. They also showed off their firepower against Osseo in the opener, winning 49-7.

Senior running back Derrick Jameson has ran for 123 and 149 yards in his first two games while scoring six touchdowns.

Shakopee is No. 4 in the coach’s poll and is coming off a convincing win over No. 10 Prior Lake, 49-27. Junior running back Jadon Hellerud has more than 300 yards rushing and is averaging 7.1 yards per carry and has scored four touchdowns so far. They will play No. 9 Minnetonka in Week 3.

There’s no surprise seeing St. Michael-Albertville in the top five in the state.

After defeating Forest Lake handily, they needed a fourth quarter touchdown to squeeze past Centennial 19-16 in Week 2.

The Knights can attack on offense in a number of ways with a strong running and passing game, which could wreak havoc on defenses.

It’s also no surprise to see Wayzata in the top 10. At No. 6 the Trojans have yet to give up a point. They shut out Roseville 42-0 and followed up with a 23-0 blanking of Champlin Park.

Rosemount, a year removed from Mr. Football Jake Ratzlaff, is still a contender thanks to a strong slew of returning players. They trounced Eagan 47-7 in the opener and then beat Edina 31-19.

Their next game, however, will be against No. 8-ranked Lakeville North.

North lost to South last week, and looks to rebound past the Irish in Week 3.

Their one victory came against Eastview in the season opener, 21-0.

Minnetonka, Farmington and Prior Lake round out the top 10 in what looks like another year of great football for the state’s biggest schools.

Every Friday and Saturday for the next six weeks will determine a lot of where teams are ranked and where they sit come section playoff time.

Match-Up of the Week No. 1 Eden Prairie at No. 2 Lakeville South

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MIAC ROUNDUP No. 17 Bethel off to good start

Will battle No. 7 St. John’s Sept. 25

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel Royals used a huge fourth quarter to pull away from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in a 28-7 victory in the first game at the newly remodeled Royal Stadium. The Royals scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to break a 7-7 tie since late in the first quarter. BU had a pair of turnovers inside the Pioneers red zone in the second quarter before eventually wearing down the WIAC opponent, running for 87 yards and three touchdowns on 13 fourth quarter carries.

Senior quarterback Jaran Roste ran for 53 of those 87 fourth quarter yards and two touchdowns to go along with a 4-4 performance through the air for 69 more yards in the final stanza.

The Royals defense was stout all game long, holding the high-powered aerial attack of UWP quiet, allowing just 176 yards passing and 234 yards of total offense. BU amassed 461 yards of total offense. Safeties Nate Farm and Matt Feldick were the Royals leading tacklers with eight and seven tackles respectively. UWP senior quarterback Colin Schuetz threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns in their season opener and has averaged over 273 yards per game through his first two + years as a starter. Against BU he was just 20-36

Bethel’s Sid Boros tries to evade defenders in Bethel’s recent win. The Royals are ranked No. 17 in Division III and will take on No. 7-ranked St. John’s Sept. 25. for 157 yards and an interception with four minutes into the game. UWP went yards into the endzone with just 3:11 no touchdowns. three-and-out on their first possession remaining in the game. The Royals The Royals wasted little time in before putting together a 10-play, 80weren’t done yet though as the defense taking an early lead as Sid Boros made yard drive on their second possession forced a pair of incompletions folan incredible run after a catch on the to even the score at 7-7. Early in the lowed by an interception on a deflectfirst possession, juking a pair of desecond quarter the Royals were able ed pass at the UWP 38-yard line. Roste fenders and then outrunning another to drive down to the UWP five-yard capped off the game with a highlight across the field to the end zone. The line before a loss of three on a run was reel run, high stepping out of tacklers 42-yard connection put BU up 7-0 just followed by an interception in the end grasps and outrunning the secondary zone on a broken route. Bethel threatto the pylon from 33-yards out. Freshened again late in the second quarter man kicker Jack Hanson, who doubles after being setup with great field poas a forward on the Bethel soccer team sition by a partially blocked punt by and scored a pair of goals in their 4-0 freshman Jacob Holmen. On the first victory on Friday afternoon, added the play, Roste found Joey Kidder for 17 extra point for the 28-7 final score.

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – He totaled three tackles (two solo), yards to the UWP 13-yard line but a The Royals will now take next Saint John’s University seincluding the tackle for fumble on the next play with 26 secweekend off for their bye week before nior defensive lineman Collin loss and forced fumble onds remaining in the half kept the traveling up to Collegeville to take on Franz (Otsego, Minn./Rogers) that clinched the victoRoyals off the scoreboard. the Saint John’s University Johnnies was named the MIAC Footry. He also added three The third quarter saw both teams on September 25th. The No. 6-ranked ball Defensive Player of the quarterback hurries and end drives with a pair of punts each beJohnnies and No. 17-ranked Royals Week on Tuesday, Sept. 7. blocked an extra point late fore the Royals completely took over will tangle at 1 p.m. from Clemens In the closing seconds of in the second quarter. in the fourth quarter.

A four-play, 41Stadium. last Saturday’s (Sept. 4) seaThe sixth-ranked yard drive to open the fourth saw the son opener, Franz stripped the Johnnies return followRoyals finally regain the lead as Roste ball from then-No. 23 Auroing their bye week with ran it up the gut from three yards out. ra’s All-American quarterback a 1 p.m. kickoff against Gavin Zimbelman on 4th-and- Collin Franz Martin Luther on SaturThe next BU possession saw Bryce goal from the 1-yard line and day, Sept. 18, in Clemens Kunkle power his way through the SJU recovered to seal the 39-33 win.

Stadium. interior of the Pioneers defense, pulling defenders with him over the eight

Johnnies’ Collin Franz earns defensive honor

MIAC WEEK 2: TOP PERFORMERS

Tanner Dubois, QB Concordia-Moorhead 36-for-49 319 YDS, 4 TDS

Aresenio Black, DB St. Olaf INT, Forced Fumble

Damien Silus, K/P Concordia-Moorhead 47.7 YDS AVG

Michael Veldman, QB Gustavus Became all-time passing leader

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One team campaign shows unity across all levels of Minnesota As the 2021 football season prepares to kick off for Minnesota high schools, colleges and the NFL, the difficulties of the 2020 season makes players, coaches, parents and fans appreciative of a normal return to the field. As a way to commemorate how far we have come as a community, the Minnesota State High School League, Minnesota Football Coaches Association and the Minnesota Vikings collaborated to create a helmet sticker that can be worn by football players, at every level, throughout the state.

The logo features an outline of the state of Minnesota, the “One Team” slogan and the laces of a football that connect the two. Decals have been sent to every high school team in the state as well as all college teams, a total of 366 high schools and 32 collegiate teams.

The Vikings will wear the helmet decals in the August 14 preseason game vs. Denver at U.S. Bank Stadium. Lapel pins for coaches and staff have also been distributed.

Teams are invited to share photos and other content displaying their involvement in the One Team program throughout the year by using the hashtag #OneTeamMN on all personal and team social media platforms. Posts using this hashtag will be randomly selected throughout the season to receive a contribution to the school’s football program.

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State Records Minnesota Source: Minnesota High School Football Coaches Association

Individual Defensive Records SOLO/UNASSISTED TACKLES GAME (15 MINIMUM) No. Player School Year 22 Brian Sauer White Bear Lake 1996 Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton 1995 21 Andy Dimmel 19 Nathan Snider Minnewaska 2012 Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton 1996 18 Jeff Adams 18 Matt Jarland Harmony 1984 18 Ben Passeri Deer River 1978 17 Gabe Amore DeLaSalle 2018 17 Marc Sonnen Tartan High School 2008 17 Rich Gauthier Blaine 1988 17 Dana Melius Winthrop 1974 16 Bill Barnett Stillwater 1973 16 Mark Kosek Delano 1987 16 Jeremiah Kalland Spring Lake Park 1992 16 Bryan Kuempel Spring Lake Park 1994 16 Tyler Decker Maple Lake 1999 15 Charles Webb Minnetonka 2011 15 Kyle Risinger Minnetonka 2007 15 John Shevlin Eastview 2002 15 Scott Anderson Le Sueur 1987

Opponent Coon Rapids Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Paynesville Martin County West Glyndon-Felton Pine River Simley Mahtomedi Park Center Fairfax Park ??

Centennial Columbia Heights St. Croix Lutheran Eden Prairie Eden Prairie Eden Prairie Sibley East

SEASON (125 MINIMUM) No. Player School 181 Mike Weiske Westbrook 140 Todd Simonette Mankato Loyola 133 Mike Schull Motley 130 Bill Kehoe Chokio-Alberta 128 Happy Chakolis Mpls. North

Year 1982 1992 1977 1993 1991

Games 14 14 9 14 9

CAREER (240 MINIMUM) No. Player School 344 Jake Meixl Mankato Loyola 275 Nathan Snider Minnewaska 272 Ted Greely Kimball 271 Reed Olander Crosby-Ironton Jamie Steffensmeier Mankato East 260 247 Adam Rasley Deer River 244 Brandon Novak Becker 243 Eric Stenzel Mankato West

Years 1997-01 2009-12 1984-87 2007-10 1998-01 1990-93 1993-95 1996-99

ASSISTED TACKLES GAME (21 MINIMUM) No. Player 24 Dave Oswald 24 Brian Sauer 22 Josh Grover 21 Billy Peterson 21 Joel Staats

School Southland White Bear Lake Le Sueur-Henderson Spring Lake Park Winona

SEASON (145 MINIMUM) No. Player School 195 Scott Nyegaard Hallock 153 Brett Natthajer Morris 150 Tom Gaughan Sartell 147 Dale Messer Sartell 146 Dan Nelson Redwood Falls

CAREER No. Player School Jamie Steffensmeier Mankato East 364 332 Eric Stenzel Mankato West 321 Tom Gaughan Sartell 311 Jake Meixl Mankato Loyola 307 Dan Seymour New Prague

Years 1998-01 1996-99 1976-78 1997-01 1987-89

TOTAL TACKLES: ASSISTED AND UNASSISTED GAME No. Player School Year 39 Chuck Woolhouse Big Lake 1973 35 Chuck Woolhouse Big Lake 1973 33 Eric Brust Montevideo 1978 32 Brian Hennen Burnsville 1985 32 Matt Gwash Cook County 2000

Opp Isle St. Michael Litchfield Bloomington Jefferson Deer River

SEASON No. Player School 258 Mike Weiske Westbrook Jamie Steffensmeier Mankato East 257 232 Brett Lindamen Westbrook 225 Luke DePestel Minneota 222 Jeremiah Kalland Spring Lake Park

Year 1982 2001 1985 1993 1992

CAREER No. Player School 655 Jake Meixl Mankato Loyola Jamie Steffensmeier Mankato East 624 587 Eric Stenzel Mankato West 579 Tim DeVlaeminck Minneota 553 Ted Greely Kimball

Years 1997-01 1998-01 1996-99 1986-89 1984-87

Games 14 13 14 14

TACKLES FOR A LOSS/SACK Note: Many schools do not differentiate between sacks and tackles for lost yardage.

GAME (4 MINIMUM) No. Player School Year Opp 10 Adam Brown Pillager 2000 New York Mills 9 John Nash Orono 1990 Brooklyn Center 6 Scott Hesse Stillwater 1976 North St. Paul 6 Butch Goergen Southland 1981 Byron 6 John Shevlin Eastview 2002 Eden Prairie

Year 1974 1996 1999 1987 1987

Opponent Goodhue Coon Rapids LeCenter Coon Rapids Moorhead

Year 1988 1988 1977 1971 1991

Games 14 14 9

SEASON No. Name 32 Regis Eller 32 Mike Spindler 31 Joe Peterson 31 Ken Larkin 30 Tony Cudo

School Breck Park Center Anoka Rosemount Rosemount

CAREER No. Name 65 Jeff Amundson 51 Nate Dwyer 49 Steve Stauff 47 Andrew Muer 45 Grant Pope

School Year Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 2009-11 Stillwater 1993-96 Cleveland 1995-97 Perham 2007-09 Waterville-Elysian-Morristown 2009-11

Year 1996 1997 1985 1993 1994

39 35 34 34 33 33 33

Mike Hara Totino Grace Stephan Olson, Jr. Burnsville Jerid Schoeck Hancock Matt Garin Eastview Todd Ratzlaff Rosemount Ryan Hartwig LeCenter Brad O’Keefe LeCenter

2001-02 2014-16 1990-91 2005-08 1988-89 1991-93 1993-95

INTERCEPTIONS GAME Int Player 5 Jamie Fields 5 Josh Stougard 5 Jay Loven 5 Harold Stevens 5 Harold Stevens 5 Dana Melius 4 Joe Kneip 4 Terrance Alm 4 Tyler Isaackson 4 Steve Esselink 4 John Treptau 4 Andrew Hale 4 Tom Schoenfeld 4 Robby Ott 4 Eric Norskog 4 Jim Bell 4 Blaine Schnaible 4 Ed Bahr 4 Harry Johnson 4 Curt Billehus 4 Ray Bratsch

School Year Mpls. Washburn 2009 International Falls 2006 Swanville-Grey Eagle 1987 New Prague 1973 New Prague 1973 Winthrop 1974 New Prague 2011 Lakeview 2005 Lakeview 2003 Hills/Beaver Creek/Ellsworth 1998 Becker 1997 Anoka 1996 Lester Prairie 1994 Deer River 1989 Adrian 1987 Simley 1987 Adrian 1984 Int. Falls 1983 Big Lake 1971 Starbuck 1959 Le Sueur 1950

SEASON Int Player 17 Harold Stevens 15 Adam Carlson 15 Mark Mokoff 15 Adam Platt 14 Todd DeBates 14 Tony Kley 13 Steve Myren 13 Robby Ott 12 Josh Strougard 12 Dana Melius 12 Harold Stevens

School New Prague St. Clair Northfield Lakeville Stewartville Lester Prairie Cambridge Deer River International Falls Winthrop New Prague

CAREER Int Player School 37 Eric Vollbrecht STMA 34 Harold Stevens New Prague 27 Tony Kley Lester Prairie 27 Dana Melius Winthrop 25 Austin Pfisthner Cromwell 25 Barry Wohler Bird Island-LL 24 Cody Hendrickson Cromwell 22 Scott Anderson Verndale 20 Mark Hustad Battle Lake 20 Dave Wrightman Trimont 20 Robby Ott Deer River 20 Kirk Midthun Triton

Opponent Blue Earth Virginia Upsala Farmington Kenyon Sleepy Eye Chaska Cedar Mountain-Morgan Westbrook WG Edgerton Big Lake White Bear Lake ??

Blackduck ??

Hastings ??

Greenway Ogilvie Long Prairie Belle Plaine

Year 1973 1989 1996 1992 1981 2002 1983 1989 2006 1974 1974 Years 1991-94 1972-74 2000-02 1970-74 2011-14 1977-79 2004-07 1985-88 1973-75 1979-81 1988-89 1992-93

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Vikings mourn the loss of Mick Tingelhoff

The Vikings are mourning the loss of a man who never missed a moment during a storied 17-season career.

Mick Tingelhoff passed away Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at the age of 81.

Tingelhoff started an incredible 240 games for the Vikings, the most in a row by any NFL center and second-most of any player in franchise history behind Jim Marshall’s 270 at defensive end. He also handled long-snapping duties in an era that predated such specialization.

The Wilf family ownership group of the Vikings described Tingelhoff as the “anchor” of the team through some of the best seasons in NFL history.

“Mick Tingelhoff was the anchor of the great Vikings teams during an amazing era that included four Super Bowls,” the Wilf family said in a statement. “A humble but strong leader, he defined toughness. Mick’s legacy will live on as a Hall of Famer, on the field and off the field. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Tingelhoff’s career began as an undrafted free agent linebacker in 1962.

He shifted to center in Minnesota’s second preseason game and went on to start all 14 games at the position — the only Vikings rookie center to open every game until Garrett Bradbury did so for all 16 of the 2019 season.

A run of six consecutive Pro Bowls for Tingelhoff began in 1964. He also earned the first of his five selections to the All-Pro First Team for his role in helping Minnesota record the first winning season in franchise history (8-5-1).

Tingelhoff was instrumental in Minnesota’s transformation from a fledgling franchise into a divisional dynasty. Minnesota won the NFL or NFC Central 10 times in Tingelhoff’s final 11 seasons and advanced to Super Bowls IV, VIII, IX and XI. Hall of Fame Head Coach Bud

Grant, who coached Tingelhoff from 1967-78, described the center as a “pillar” that supported the success of the team.

“When we came to the Vikings, Mick was the pillar of what we built our team around, he and Jim Marshall.

Mick led by example,” Grant said. “His toughness and his durability and intelligence, he was a great football player and one of the greatest Vikings of all-time. I loved Mick Tingelhoff.”

Tingelhoff’s No. 53 jersey was retired by the Vikings on Nov. 25, 2001, the same day that he was inducted to the Vikings Ring of Honor. He had to wait another decade-and-a-half, however, for his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Aug. 8, 2015).

A member of the Minnesota Vikings 25th and 40th Anniversary Teams, Tingelhoff also was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings in 2010.

Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton proudly presented his “best friend” for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

“I came to the Vikings a year before Mick, but we left at the same time. He was my guy,” Tarkenton said Saturday after learning the news. “He played 17 years, never missed a game, never missed a practice. Mick was my best friend by far.”

A little more than six years earlier, Tarkenton and Tingelhoff stood shoulder-to-shoulder in Canton, Ohio.

“Mick’s a man of little words, but a lot of action,” Tarkenton told a crowd of more than 22,000 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. “He’s so proud to be in this Class of 2015.”

Tarkenton choked up when he said Tingelhoff “waited 37 years,” before adding, “but Mick’s in the Hall of Fame.”2

Mick Tingelhoff is second only to Jim Marshall in games played in a Vikings uniform. Undrafted, he signed as a linebacker and eventually moved to center where he earned a trip to six consecutive pro bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. Above he is shown during the 1974 season.

GAMES PLAYED

TRIVIA QUESTION #1

Viking legend Mick Tingelhoff passed away recently at age 81. He is one of only five players in franchise history to play in 200 games.

Can you name the other four?

TRIVIA QUESTION #2

Which Minnesota Vikings tight end played more games than Matt Blair, Fran Tarkenton, Chris Doleman, and John Randle?

TRIVIA QUESTION #3 This active Vikings leader in games played has played in more games than Tommy Kramer, Sammy White, Randy Moss, Gary Zimmerman and Todd Steussie.

Who is he?

Answers to Minnesota Vikings Trivia can be found on page 22

20

September 16, 2021

Let’s Play Football

Steve Hutchinson

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The Heart of a Hall of Famer

by CRAIG PETERS CANTON, Ohio — Steve Hutchinson’s Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speech blended humor and heart the way the guard combined technique, power and determination during his 12 NFL seasons.

Intense authenticity joined every word of gratitude he extended toward people who helped him punch his ticket to football immortality.

The native of South Florida who became an All-American at Michigan opened by noting the intense rivalry between the Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes.

“If you would have told me prior to my graduation from the University of Michigan that I would be excited about standing in the middle of Ohio in August, I would have said you were crazy, but that is exactly the case. My college coach Lloyd Carr used to ask us, ‘Where would you rather be?’

“Well, Coach, my answer is ‘nowhere’ because as far as I’m concerned, there’s not a better place on Earth than Canton, Ohio.”

Hutchinson has had his sights on Canton since watching enshrinement ceremonies as a child and wondering “if I could ever make it there too.”

He became a first-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2001 and backed it up before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 as a highly sought free agent who proved to be a team-changing leader.

Teammates, coaches and opponents knew it wasn’t a matter of if but when.

The moment became official Saturday night in front of 18,383 fans as he stood in his custom-fit Gold Jacket and saw his bronze bust for the first time, moments after former Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck presented him for en-

Steve Hutchinson unveils his Hall of Fame bust in Canton, Ohio, becoming the latest Viking enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

shrinement. wish I could go back Hutchinson was and tell myself elected in Febru“To the kids out there who are something to ary 2020 on the help myself dreaming of playing in those eve of Super future. stadiums or wondering if you could inIf the Bowl LIV. He I could go was in a hotel one day be up here as well, never back now, near his homeI’d tell mygive up on your dreams. ” town when he self not to got “The Knock” fear failure, but Steve Hutchinson from Pro Football to fear not giving Hall of Fame Presiit your all. You are evdent and CEO David Baker. erything I could have asked His wife Landyn captured the emofor in a son, and watching you grow up tional reaction from inside the room warms my heart. Have as much confi— more palpable than many things in dence in you as I do. It’s going to be an ever-increasing digital world. Hugs fun watching you figure yourself out between the couple and their daughter, in these next few years. I need both of Lily, and son, Luke, followed. you to figure out how incredibly proud They were there for “The Knock” I am to be your dad. This might look in Hutchinson’s third year of eligibility like my biggest accomplishment, but as he became the 335th inductee and being your dad always has and will be learned the news at 3:35 p.m. (ET). my greatest honor.”

They also know what “the call” had He then thanked Landyn for bemeant in previous years. ing by his side since eighth grade and And although the enshrinement for forming a great team that enabled him the Centennial Class of 2020 was deto focus on his career to reach his goals. layed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the “You always found a way to lift family was able to celebrate together. my spirits after a bad game, bring me “Lily and Luke, I thought the days countless bags of ice after numerous you were born were going to be the surgeries, raise two great kids and best two of my life,” Hutchinson said somehow find a way to have dinner from the stage, choking up. “That was made, errands run and handle the bills just the start. all while having that unmistakable “Lily, when I look at you, I see so smile on your face,” Hutchinson said. much of myself. You are strong, brave “I could talk for days about how much and beautiful,” he continued. “That lityou mean to me, but you already know tle girl who stole my heart has grown that. I’m incredibly proud to be your into a young woman I am extremely husband, and I love you.” proud of. Always maintain that pasBaker described the opportunision, that fire and that great personality, ty to welcome Hutchinson to one of no matter what path you choose. the most exclusive clubs ever created.

“Luke, watching you grow up is Hutchinson realized Friday during a like rewinding my life. It’s crazy to see Gold Jacket luncheon that he was no the amount of similarities we shared at longer an admirer but a member. that age,” Hutchinson said. “I always “People talk about how great it is to deliver ‘The Knock’ on the door of these guys, but I also have to call the guys who don’t make it,” Baker said.

“There were several years where I called Hutch and said, ‘I hope to have better news.’ When I finally knocked on his door, he was — you’ve probably seen the video of him pacing back and forth — he was elated. It was special.

He was crying, big ol’ Hutch.

“When that happens, they’re not thinking about how much money they made or how many Super Bowl rings or Pro Bowls they had,” Baker added. “I’m sure he was thinking about his mom or dad, or the coach that inspired him or his teammates. That’s what I love capturing for a guy like Hutch. When we put that Gold Jacket on him [Friday], it was like the whole history of the league, from the first time they laced up a pigskin to the last time [Commissioner Roger Goodell] presented a Lombardi Trophy. I think Hutchinson made a commitment early in his career, wanting to be the best, and Steve Hutchinson — I’ve got a predicworking every day to one day being a Hall of Famer.

tion for all of you Minnesota Vikings fans — is going to be a great Hall of Famer.”

Hutchinson started all 169 regular-season games he played, helped Shaun Alexander and Adrian Peterson lead the NFL in rushing in separate seasons, and garnered seven Pro Bowls and five First-Team All-Pro selections.

He went entire seasons without committing a penalty twice for a life of anonymity in the eyes of many fans and delivering a technical excellence backed by brute force.

“There’s different types of players, but he would be considered a mauler,” Tobeck said in a video introduction before helping Hutchinson unveil his bust. “It’s not always good enough to just block a guy. Steve wanted to finish a guy.

“Getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a dream for some and a goal for others,” Tobeck added. “Steve came in from day one, ‘I want to be the best in the league. I want to be a Hall of Famer.’ Those are stated goals. You really have to admire a guy like that who is willing to come out and have the courage to put himself out there and have the courage to do the work that it takes to be there.”

Word was out and validated by the time Hutchinson arrived in Minnesota in 2006.

Guard Randall McDaniel, who was enshrined in 2009, didn’t get to play with Hutchinson, but he did watch him.

“I liked the way he played when the Vikings brought him in, the nastiness to go after guys,” McDaniel said.

“That’s what you’ve got to be to be a good lineman. We’re the hammer, and everybody else is the nail. That’s why I loved the way Steve finished the blocks.

“He’s being rewarded for what he did on the field,” McDaniel added. “No one knows what we’re doing out there unless we’re doing something wrong, but in the end your teammates know, and he’s right where he should be. He’s on that team now. The joke is you can never be cut from this team, even after you die.”

Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman, who joined Minnesota’s personnel department in 2005, said Hutchinson led by example.

“He went with the approach every week that he was going to beat his man, and to see him physically dominate … until the whistle blew, to show his presence on the field, that’s why he’s in the Hall of Fame,” said Spielman,

HEART OF A HALL OF FAMER continued on page 21

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September 16, 2021

21

“Success isn’t always comfortable or easy.

It requires sacrifice.”

-Steve Hutchinson

HEART OF A HALL OF FAMER continued from page 20

who grew up in Canton and Massillon, Ohio, and bought Christmas presents for his brother Chris at the Hall of Fame gift shop.

Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway was picked in the same spot (17th overall) in 2006, five years after Hutchinson was drafted. The rookie quickly looked to the incoming veteran for on-field and off-field lessons that resonated.

“I was a better 17th overall pick,” Greenway joked. “I think he would tell you the same thing. He would be honest about it.

“I think when you’re a linebacker going against an offensive lineman, you understand that you’re going against something different,” Greenway said. “There’s a lot of players that I could beat and beat repeatedly and get my way, and there’s guys that played across the league — Brian Waters with the Chiefs was different, and Steve was that guy. To get to play against him in practice and really sharpen your iron against the best in the world, Steve was certainly that. He was so strong and built unlike anybody else, and I think the way that Steve separated himself to me was his ability with his mind — a very smart guy, always had his body in

the right position. So he had the physical ability that he was born with and worked for but also the mental capability to be ahead of you.”

Greenway is forever grateful for a locker placement next to Hutchinson’s at Winter Park, the Vikings former headquarters.

“I learned a lot from him, by watching him, by taking it all in,” Greenway said. “Steve is not the most talkative guy, but you know when you get on his good side and when you become one of the clan.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Steve and how he played the game and what he stood for and his family,” Greenway added. “I emulated what he did with his family and how he interacted. Just a great dude, rough around the edges, but I always respected the way he approached the game.”

Hutchinson thanked his parents for their “selflessness and unwavering support” and for teaching him the value of hard work, as well as other family members.

He also credited coaches and teammates at all levels of football, ownerships and support staff members with the Seahawks, Vikings and Titans for

Hutchinson paved the way for many Vikings runners, none better than the great Adrian Peterson. Hutchinson became the 335th inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. whom he played, fans, the Hall of Fame and its volunteers that make enshrinement weekend an incredible destination.

Lastly, he encouraged others to set goals, pursue them and turn dreams into realities.

“To the kids out there who are dreaming of playing in those stadiums or wondering if you could one day be up here as well, never give up on your dreams,” Hutchinson said. “Hard work and dedication are two necessary ingre-

dients for success, but you can’t do it alone. Lean on that parent, that grandparent, friend, coach or teammate.

“Success isn’t always comfortable or easy. It requires sacrifice,” he added.

“I remember back to my freshman year of high school, walking out to the first of two practices in South Florida heat while many of my friends were hanging out at the beach or the pool. I had made a choice then that I wanted to be great, and I never looked back.”

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September 16, 2021

Let’s Play Football

Regular Season Games Played/Started entering 2021 Player Pos. Years Played/Started Jim Marshall DE 1961-79 270/270 Mick Tingelhoff C 1962-78 240/240 Fred Cox K 1963-77 210/0 Carl Eller DE 1964-78 209/201 Scott Studwell LB 1977-90 202/160 Ron Yary T 1968-81 199/180 Grady Alderman T 1961-74 194/178 Randall McDaniel G 1988-99 190/188 Roy Winston LB 1962-76 190/160 Tim Irwin T 1981-93 188/181 Cris Carter WR 1990-01 188/177 Jim Kleinsasser TE 1999-11 181/130 Bill Brown RB 1962-74 180/111 Steve Jordan TE 1982-94 178/149 Fran Tarkenton QB 1961-66, ‘72-78 177/171 John Randle DT 1990-00 176/150 Brian Robison DE 2007-17 173/103 Kevin Williams DT 2003-13 171/171 Paul Krause S 1968-79 171/150 Cullen Loeffler LS 2004-14 171/0 Carl Lee CB 1983-93 169/144 Alan Page DT 1967-78 160/157 Matt Blair LB 1974-85 160/130 Bobby Bryant CB 1968-80 160/128 Fred McNeill LB 1974-85 157/121 Wally Hilgenberg LB 1968-79 157/116 Jeff Siemon LB 1972-82 156/149 Chad Greenway LB 2007-16 156/144 Chris Doleman DE 1985-93, ‘99 154/142 David Dixon G 1994-04 152/134 Mark Mullaney DE 1975-87 151/97 Everson Griffen DE 2010-19 147/88 Matt Birk C 1998-08 146/123 Milt Sunde G 1964-74 146/113 Mike Morris LS 1991-99 144/0 Ed Sharockman CB 1961-72 141/126 Leo Lewis WR 1981-91 140/50 Kyle Rudolph TE 2011-20 140/132 Dennis Swilley C 1977-83, ‘85-87 139/101 Steve Riley T 1974-84 138/128 Joey Browner S 1983-91 138/115 Greg Coleman P 1978-87 138/0 Doug Sutherland DT 1971-80 136/90 Gary Larsen DT 1965-74 135/115 Dave Osborn RB 1965-75 135/69 Jake Reed WR 1991-99, ‘01 134/83 Chris Walsh WR 1994-02 134/4 Anthony Carter WR 1985-93 133/126 Bryant McKinnie T 2002-10 132/131 Karl Kassulke S 1963-72 131/117 Stu Voigt TE 1970-80 131/80 Darrin Nelson RB 1982-89, ‘91-92 129/67 Harrison Smith S 2012- 129/128 Paul Dickson DT 1961-70 128/83 David Huffman OL 1979-83, ‘85-90 128/22 Sammy White WR 1976-86 127/117 Tommy Kramer QB 1977-89 127/110 Chris Kluwe P 2005-12 127/0 Doug Martin DE 1980-89 126/94 Nate Wright CB 1971-80 126/89 Ed McDaniel LB 1992-01 125/110 E.J. Henderson LB 2003-11 125/105 Marcus Sherels CB 2010-19 123/6 Adrian Peterson RB 2007-16 123/116 Ed White G 1969-77 122/95 Antoine Winfield CB 2004-12 119/115 Wes Hamilton G 1976-85 119/93 Robert Griffith S 1994-01 119/88 Henry Thomas DT 1987-94 118/117 Tommy Hannon S 1977-84 117/103 Moe Williams RB 1996-00, ‘02-05 117/10 James White DT 1976-83 116/77 Kirk Lowdermilk C 1985-92 114/86 Randy Moss WR 1998-04, ‘10 113/108 Todd Steussie T 1994-00 111/111 Jim Hough G 1978-86 111/78 John Sullivan C 2008-15 109/93 Gary Zimmerman T 1986-92 108/108 Alfred Anderson RB 1984-91 108/71 Joe Berger C/G 2011-17 107/64 Xavier Rhodes CB 2013-19 104/97 Everett Lindsay OL 1993-98, ‘01-03 104/31 Ted Brown RB 1979-86 104/75 Adam Thielen WR 2014- 104/70 Randy Holloway DE 1978-84 103/31 John Turner DB 1978-83, ‘85, ‘87101/70 Jeff Christy C 1993-99 101/92 Hassan Jones WR 1986-92 100/55

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Q: Viking

legend Mick Tingelhoff passed away recently at age 81. He is one of only five players in franchise history to play in 200 games.

Can you name the other four?

A: Jim Marshall played in 270 games and started all 270. He is the franchise leader.

Tinglehoff was second with 240 games (he started every one), followed by Fred Cox at 210, Carl Eller at 209 and Scott Studwell at 202.

Ron Yary fell one game short at 199.

Q: Which Minnesota Vikings tight end played more games than Matt Blair, Fran Tarkenton, Chris Doleman, amnd John Randle?

A: You were probably thinking Steve Jordan. But the answer is Jim Kleinsasser. Kleinsasser played in 181 games for the Purple, starting 130 of them. He also played some fullback and half back. The Carrington, North Dakota native who played college ball at the University of North Dakota (at the time a Division II school), played 13 seasons for the Vikings before retiring in 2011. Steve Jordan, by the way, played in 178 games for the Vikings.

Q: This active Vikings leader in games played has played in more games than Tommy Kramer, Sammy White, Randy Moss, Gary Zimmerman and Todd Steussie. Who is he?

A: That would be safety Harrison Smith.

Since 2012 Smith has played in 129 games, starting 128 of them. A first round pick out of Notre Dame, Smith recently signed a 4-year contract extension with the team for $64 million.

Smith was born in August, Georgia, home of the famed Masters Golf Tournament. He played high school football in Knoxville, TN.

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September 16, 2021

TCO STADIUM WILL HOST THREE HIGH SCHOOL GAMES IN 2019

The Minnesota Vikings will host two high school football games for the third season of Vikings Prep Spotlight presented

by Twin Cities Orthopedics during the 2021 season at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.

TCO Performance Center and TCO Stadium will be utilized to continue the club’s commitment to youth football programming to showcase and grow the game at the high school level.

The facility will give high school players a unique opportunity to compete on the same fields as their NFL counterparts.

The events will include three regular-season games. Ticketed student fans will receive 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.

Fans can tune into the game on School Space Media. Tickets will be sold at participating schools and a limited number of walkup tickets will be available.

“High school football is one of our greatest traditions in America,” Minnesota Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said.

“The values and lessons our game teaches young people are foundations they carry on for the rest of their lives. We are proud to share our field with the next generation of football players and hope they make memories for a lifetime.”

2021 Prep Spotlight Schedule

Friday, September 17 St. Thomas Academy vs.

Cretin-Derham Hall at TCO Stadium Kickoff at 7:00pm (gates open at 5:30pm)

Past Prep Spotlight results: Sept. 10 Waconia 20, Robbinsdale Cooper 14

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

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September 19, 2019

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