Experience is Huge in High School Football
“We needed to execute on both sides of the ball and be confident as well.” Minneota Head Coach Chad Johnston said, recapping the 50-7 win over the Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Thursday night. “We didn’t know what to expect tonight, we have an almost entirely different lineup than last season and not a lot of seniors. The seniors we have returning this season have done a tremendous job showing leadership to the rest of the young team.”
The Vikings returned 6 seniors this season, four of them found their way into the end zone. Cole Sanow struck first, catching a screen pass, then turning on the jets for a 51-yard score. Blake Reiss rumbled his way into the end zone from 16 yards out while also scoring a 2-point conversion. Alex Saltzer had two scores in the air from 58 and 81 yards out. Logan Sussner capped off the scoring with a 3-yard snag.
Alex Saltzer- The Minneota MascotThe Offensive Line played exceptionally well for a first game for a lot of them. A line that includes:
Center: Cole Myhre
Guards: Beau Bannish & Grady Moorse
Tackles: Jackson Esping & Jacob Citterman
Highlighted Players from Minneota
2020:
Running Back/Linebacker- Cole Sanow (15 att. 54 yds. 1 td., 1 rec. 51 yds. 1 td.)had a great night running the ball showing both his power and speed creating big plays. Defensively, muscles through blocks and delivers a hit to the ball carrier.
Wing/Linebacker- Blake Reiss (6 att. 69 yds. 1 td.) also showed his speed, finding seams in the defense and accelerates into the open field. He is a great chase-down guy on defense, never giving up on a play away from him.
Tight End/Defensive End- Logan Sussner (2 rec. 24 yds. 1 td.) really uses his size to his advantage on both sides of the ball. Overpowers the lineman to get into the backfield and uses his frame to fight off defenders to go up and get the ball.
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back- Alex Saltzer (5 rec. 177 yds. 2 tds.) is a dangerous vertical threat, he has lots of break-away speed and is very sure-handed.
2021:
Defensive Back- AJ Myhre flew all over the field on defense and made more than his fair-share of tackles out of his position.
Linebacker- Joseph Rybinski found himself in the offensive backfield on numerous accounts and made the tackle.
2022:
Quarterback: Kade Lozinski (9-16, 265 yds. 4 tds., 2 att. 0 yds. 1 td) made his first start under center and had himself a whale of a game scoring 5 total touchdowns.
“We’re a young team with a lot of talent,” said senior Quarterback Sawyer Otto, “we just need our young players to keep with the process and play with confidence, the more playing time they get, the more confident they will get.”
The Panthers were also in the same boat, having a very young starting squad. While having a lot of inexperience, they showed a lot of potential for the rest of the season. They struggled offensively throughout the night, but were able find the promised land for their only score on the night right before the end of the half. Otto found senior receiver Lucas Gervais for a short score through the air with 21.7 seconds left on the clock.
Zick- Devereaux PhotographyPlayers Highlighted from TMB:
2020:
Quarterback- Sawyer Otto (6-13, 40 yds. 1 td. 1 int., 12 att. 40 yds.) showed great mobility and elusiveness when under pressure. Also threw some great balls and made quick decisions. Is also very hard to keep contained as a runner.
Tailback/Linebacker- Konnor Zick (5 att. 21 yds.) had a great defensive game making impressive open-field tackles on the perimeter. A very lengthy defender.
Offensive/Defensive Lineman- Trevor Eisfeld lead the way on the defensive side making many tackles for loss. A very high-motor player.
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back- Lucas Gervais (3 rec. 33 yds. 1 td.) was able to find ways to be a good target, going up and getting the ball. Defensively played well in the zone defense.
2022:
Tailback/Defensive Back- Ayden Horner (6 att. 27 yds.) is very shifty and quick, very hard to corral and contain in the open field.
Offensive/Defensive Lineman- Tony Nelson has a very big frame and is difficult to keep out if the backfield.
Minneota will host the Lakeview Lakers next Friday while TMB will travel to New Ulm to take on New Ulm Cathedral.