Lake City Program Profile: Beauties and the Beast

Lake City, MN, sheer beauty!  That is, witnessing a tight spiral departing Justin Wohler’s right hand, zipping through the defense, and into the soft hands of his favorite target, Carson Matzke.  The Tigers have earned unprecedented program success and a #1 state ranking under Head Coach Trevor Narum.  Coach Narum is in his 14th season with the Tigers and is seeking a program first state title.  If accomplished, that would be three years less than it took legendary basketball coach John Wooden to win his first championship.  Coincidence?  No more than the snow storm that prevented Coach Wooden from interviewing at the University of Minnesota, who then opted to take the hoops job at UCLA. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="49836" first="Justin" last="Wohlers"], QB, 6’6 205 (2022) Like so many successful gridiron teams, the Tigers have a top end signal caller.  Justin's poise could be attributed to his height, but is more likely an understanding of scheme and belief in the system.  His calmness in the pocket is refreshing.  He is accurate when stationary, but even better on the move.  Not sure we’ve seen a better throw than his 52 yard dime, moving left vs. PEM his junior year.  His patience carries over into the run game, as he both sets up blocks and is confident and strong in the finish. Next Level: Move to throw. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11414595/Justin-Wohlers">Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11414595/Justin-Wohlers</a> &nbsp; <img class=" wp-image-220395 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Carson-Matzke-crop-2712x1781-1634744159-300x197.jpg" alt="Carson Matzke" width="198" height="130" /> Carson Matzke, WR, 6’3 175 (2022) Deep ball specialist and more!  Not sure how long Carson has been hauling in moonbeams from Justin (probably goes back to grade school recess), but his ability to still himself with the ball in flight is a lost art in football.  Improvement in the remainder of his game is evident from junior to senior year.  He has a sneaky glide pre-catch and also some slither post-catch.  Carson will catch in traffic, can toe-tap near the sideline and high point. Next Level:  Added strength for yards after contact. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11539627/Carson-Matzke">Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/profile/11539627/Carson-Matzke</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Max-Balow-crop-3090x2029-1634744864.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-220410 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Max-Balow-crop-3090x2029-1634744864-300x197.jpg" alt="[player_tooltip player_id=" width="198" height="130" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="116254" first="Max" last="Balow"], LB, 6’1 215 (2022) If our sport had a utility position, Max would play it.  With regard to toughness, Max looks and plays the part.  He processes well at ILB, fits with urgency and finishes with passion.  Make no mistake, he can be a phenomenal defensive player at multiple levels in college.  However, for offensive units who pride themselves on "taking the will of a defense", he is crafty and versatile enough to handle fullback or U.  He can catch (holds for PAT), understands angles (covers on kick) and is one of the best blockers I’ve seen through and after contact. Next Level: College Ready! Offense or Defense, Max can make that call!! Hudl: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11414612/Max-Balow">https://www.hudl.com/profile/11414612/Max-Balow</a> &nbsp; Matt DeMars, WR, 6’4 180 (2022) Our first mystery man!  Big-time track athlete who clocks sub 4.5 in the forty.  College programs can time for themselves or reference "Tunnel Screen vs. Caledonia".  You can find his highlights (#26) on Justin Wohler’s film. Next Level: Refine catch technique and display 4.5 in all facets of his game.