Game Report: Mounds View vs White Bear Lake

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two AAAAAA schools clashed last Thursday night in a hard-fought battle that saw Mounds View Mustangs grit out a 28-6 win over the White Bear Lake Bears. Both sides showcased flashes of collegiate talent, and I'm pumped to showcase some of the standouts!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB: Charlie Woodcock 6'2" 210 lbs White Bear Lake 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By far White Bear Lake's top defender on the night, <strong>Woodcock</strong> was a force to be reckoned with as he was constantly blowing up the Mustang's offensive plays. Often being seen lining up on the edge of the LOS, <strong>Woodcock</strong> was able to create effective pressure in pass situations but arguably put forth a better performance during the run game where he was able to fly around and light up ball carriers. I was impressed by his quickness for his size, as well as <strong>Woodcock's</strong> ability to stop ball carriers on contact. He's a solid under-the-radar LB prospect who I'll pay closer attention to throughout his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>QB: [player_tooltip player_id='551361' first='Jacob' last='Sampson'] 6'3" 190 lbs Mounds View 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was not aware of how quick and nimble <strong>Sampson</strong> is, and he blew me away by immediately breaking off an 80-yard touchdown run off of QB power. The Winona State commit routinely impressed me with his talents on the ground, and <strong>Sampson </strong>also showcased sound passing abilities later on in the second half. <strong>Sampson's </strong>game has elevated to a new level and I'm excited to see how he progresses during the rest of the 2024 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>K/P: Ernest Goodwin 6' 200 lbs White Bear Lake 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Typically I don't notice kickers or punters, but <strong>Goodwin</strong> completely blew me away with both his kicking and punting throughout the game. He went 2/2 on field goals, nailing one from 27 and one more from 33. His kickoffs routinely reached the furthest echelons of the return team, and perhaps most impressively <strong>Goodwin's </strong>punts were able to completely flip the field in favor of the Bears. Whoever gets this versatile specialist is grabbing a steal of a prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='1204482' first='Joey' last='Muhlstein'] 5'10" 190 lbs Mounds View 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some will recognize <strong>Muelstein's </strong>name from the state wrestling tournament where he placed in the AAA189lb bracket last season. Last night, however, <strong>Muhlstein </strong>was an offensive Swiss army knife making plays wherever he was needed. He can carry the rock, block, run routes, and line up at any skill position on the offensive side of the ball. MIAC and WIAC schools would be well served to offer the returning All-Conference athlete. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: Connor Holte 6'2" 305 lbs White Bear Lake 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bear's offensive line's right side was LOADED, starting with <strong>Holte</strong>. Throughout the first half the big man steamrolled whatever defensive lineman was in front of him which allowed their offense to pound the rock dominantly behind his blocking. He moves well for a prospect of his size, and I'd love to see him get more recruiting love. <strong>Holte</strong> is built like a fridge, and whichever college picks him up will get a unit capable of rag dolling defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id='551440' first='Tyrese' last='Behnken'] 6'2" 205 lbs White Bear Lake 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My eyes were immediately opened to <strong>Behnken </strong>when he came out and blocked a punt early on in the first half. He was in on several tackles throughout the night and possessed a quick first step off of the line of scrimmage. His speed in general was impressive and <strong>Behnken </strong>showed off excellent pursuit abilities when he was hawking down a ball carrier. He already holds one NSIC offer from Minnesota State Moorhead and it wouldn't surprise me if a few more flew his way during his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: [player_tooltip player_id='1120575' first='Robert' last='Essie'] 6'3" 285 lbs Mounds View 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big right tackle for the Mustangs was a monster last night and multiple times was seen driving his defender into the dirt. By judging his foot speed, you would never guess that <strong>Essie </strong>is upwards of 280 lb. He's not some gentle giant either, <strong>Essie </strong>is incredibly aggressive and brings it every play. He can seal an edge and moves incredibly well in space, if there was a biggest stock riser from Thursday's game, I'd award that honor to <strong>Essie</strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='1190036' first='Mitchell' last='Olson'] 5'9" 190 lbs Mounds View 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The primary ball carrier for the Mustangs last night was senior Mitchell <strong>Olson</strong>. He holds a few NSIC offers as well as some WIAC ones, stemming from an excellent camp circuit where he was able to showcase his true 4.4 speed. While he wasn't able to break off any massive gains, he was able to make some impressive quick cuts upfield and break a few tackles. <strong>Olson </strong>also had a nice punt return as well. He's due for a giant breakout game at some point in the season where he truly gets to show off what he's capable of. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->