Monticello @ Spring Lake Park: Game Recap & Top Performers

Thursday night, under the bright lights of Spring Lake Park High School's stadium and a warm October evening, Spring Lake Park hosted a then 4-2 Monticello squad with serious Northstar West-Maroon District and Section 6AAAAA implications on the line. It was a heckuva ball game that came down to the very last drive of the contest, and the superstars of the matchup, namely Monti's Wisconsin Badgers commit [player_tooltip player_id='234761' first='Luke' last='Emmerich'] and Spring Lake Park's DL tandem of [player_tooltip player_id='1581527' first='Jason' last='Eagle'] (Bemidji State commit) and 2026 DT [player_tooltip player_id='944592' first='Brodie' last='Gemlo'], a 6'4, 270 lber., had great showings in an awesome Friday Night Lights showdown. Check out PrepRedzoneMN's Game Recap and Top Performers, as well as the game MVP, below!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/img_6379.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1525837" style="width:815px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Right before kickoff </figcaption></figure>   --   Game Recap   Spring Lake Park received the opening kickoff of the ball game and put together one of the most impressive offensive drives I've seen all season. The Panthers, led by their triple-option rushing attack, ate up all but three minutes of the first quarter. Spearheaded by sophomore QB [player_tooltip player_id='1633390' first='Nolan' last='Roach'] and RBs [player_tooltip player_id='605396' first='EJ' last='Monluo'] (2026, 6'1, 190), [player_tooltip player_id='605457' first='Lamari' last='Brown'] (2026, 5'9, 180), and Hunter Callier/[player_tooltip player_id='1648532' first='Tyler' last='Wilkinson'], the Panthers used big runs by Brown, as well as two 3rd down and three 4th down conversions, to drive 70+ yards down the field that culminated in a Monluo TD run from six yards out. 7-0 Panthers, just like that. The good times kept rolling for the Panthers defensively, as an overthrown hitch on 2nd down turned into an interception by the Panthers' sticky and athletic CB [player_tooltip player_id='1257223' first='Sawyer' last='Thomsen'], putting SLP at Monti's 30 with 2:37 left in the first. The Panthers got right back to work, with Monluo floating by would-be tacklers with his long legs and Brown - who was arguably the twitchiest, sudden, and electric RBs I've seen in 2024 - to get right back near the endzone. As the first quarter expired, SLP was sitting at a 3rd and goal from the six-yard line, with the game firmly in control.   However, the tides are known to turn, and Spring Lake Park, who was forced out of the endzone on third, fumbled the snap on 4th and goal, turning the ball over to Monticello regardless of the recovery and handing the momentum back to the Magic. The second quarter was filled with offensive churn, including big plays by Badger commit [player_tooltip player_id='234761' first='Luke' last='Emmerich'], and [player_tooltip player_id='605457' first='Lamari' last='Brown'], and defensively by Spring Lake Park's [player_tooltip player_id='944592' first='Brodie' last='Gemlo'] (DT, 6'4, 270), [player_tooltip player_id='1581527' first='Jason' last='Eagle'] (DL, 6'3, 235), and [player_tooltip player_id='1120544' first='Jamal' last='Smith'] (2026, LB, 6'1, 175). No points to be had, and the half ended 7-0 in favor of Spring Lake Park.   It was like a flip of a switch, and Monticello, who received the second-half kickoff, came out of halftime with a fire lit under their butt, driving 67 yards and into the endzone behind the legs of sophomore 6', 195 lb. RB [player_tooltip player_id='1633387' first='Cale' last='Holthaus']. Holthaus is a strong kid with some serious leg drive after contact, and turned the rushing attack of Monti up to 10. The Magic also used one of the biggest plays of the night - a beautiful [player_tooltip player_id='234761' first='Luke' last='Emmerich'] high-pointed snag over two DBs outstretched arms for a ridiculous contested catch - to get down to the 1-yard line, where junior 6', 205 lber. Garett Bauer finished the drive out from a yard out. After a SLP flag before the PAT, Monti decided to go for two, where Holthaus found paydirt to take an 8-7 lead. Monti then forced a punt on the following series, got the ball back at their 25, and then used a [player_tooltip player_id='1633385' first='Carson' last='Deibele'] (2027, 6'3, 165) to Emmerich BOMB to get back into SLP's red zone. Junior Cole Mueller found paydirt later in the drive on an end-around. End of three, 15-7 Monti, and this game had been flipped on its head.   The fourth quarter was exciting, as Monti used more Holthaus hard running, to go up 22-7 with 7:39 left in the ball game. Spring Lake Park wasn't going down easy, however, and in what was a must-score series, got the rushing attack back into synch. Monluo, a couple of well-timed flags, and more electric runs from Brown, to drive back into the endzone, and ball game, thanks to a smooth Monluo TD run with 4:29 left in the ball game. 22-14 Monti. Spring Lake Park then went for the onside kick but didn't recover. However, they forced a turnover on downs deep in their own territory, thanks to some tenacious Gemlo defense from the middle of the DL, to give themselves one more chance to tie things up. Spring Lake Park, now out of timeouts and forced to throw the ball, struggled to put something together, and despite a couple of first downs in the drive, took a sack from Monti sophomore Cole Schwickerath, ending the comeback attempt and putting the Magic firmly in control of the section. Huge win for Monticello on the road. What a game!   Top Performers   Game MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='234761' first='Luke' last='Emmerich'] (Monticello) WR/S/occasional QB. 6'2, 200 lbs.   Wisconsin Badgers commit Emmerich was a fun one to watch and had a sneaky good ball game, getting better as the quarters wore on and absolutely coming through in the most high-pressure situations for the Magic. Always stout on defense, Emmerich made around double-digit tackles throughout the ball game, preventing the Panthers from finding success out on the edge and coming into contact like a heat-seeking missile. Emmerich had some big-time collisions throughout the night and was on both cleanup duty - acting as the last line of defense and sweeping up loose ball carriers in space - as well as disruptive at or behind the LOS. Offensively, Emmerich took snaps at both WR and QB and really created some splash plays as a receiver later in the ball game. His 50/50 snag over the heads of two SLP defensive backs, in a beautiful showing of ball skills, vertical ability, and body control. He also had a catch on a floated post route down the field showing off some good ball-tracking ability, and was a good route runner who could create separation as well. Filled out frame, was rangy and physical, also returned punts, and brought some good energy and competitiveness to the ball game. I'm happy I got to watch Emmerich before he heads to Mad Town soon.   Monticello:   [player_tooltip player_id='1633387' first='Cale' last='Holthaus'] - 2027. RB. 6', 195 lbs.   Sophomore RB Holthaus was the sparkplug that got Monticello back into the ball game in the second half. I was impressed by his lower body strength, balance, and physicality during the ball game, but came away even more excited after I found out he was a sophomore. Strong, filled out, thick upper and lower body, ran hard and kept his legs pumping through contact, good vision and burst, and was a physical North-South kid who beat SLP's defense down in the second half. He had a couple of particular reps that stood out. On a 5-6 yard run, Holthaus carried SLP's DII commit for a couple extra yards, and that kid was 235 lbs., and Holthaus also had a devasting hit as a lead-blocker opening holes for his fellow RBs, sending SLP's captain flying onto his butt. Lot of good football left for this kid!   [player_tooltip player_id='1120535' first='Garett' last='Bauer'] - 2026. LB/ATH. 6', 205 lbs.   Vocal leader, two way contributor, played hard through the whistle, and had some strong tackles and reps on defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='945907' first='Andrew' last='Hoheisel'] - 2025. DE. 6'5, 185 lbs.   Hard to miss Monti's exceptionally long, lean, and tall DE [player_tooltip player_id='945907' first='Andrew' last='Hoheisel']. At 6'5, 185 lbs., Hoheisel has a ridiculous amount of length and room to fill in, and he had some good reps where he used it to his advantage in both run and pass defense. Tough mismatch for opposing blockers and has a higher pass-rushing ceiling than most.   [player_tooltip player_id='1202041' first='Ethan' last='Willmert'] - 2025. LB. 6'1, 225 lbs.   Thick ILB prospect who was productive all four quarters. Made some splash plays for his defense, particularly drive-stalling or drive-killing TFLs behind the LOS, and did a good job of reading his keys, triggering on the ball with urgency, and tackling with physicality. Depending on where he'd potentially play in college, Willmert would be ready to play early and is an important piece to Monticello's defense and 2024 success.   [player_tooltip player_id='1120555' first='Julian' last='Wanna'] - 2026. 6'3, 270 lbs.   My favorite of Monticello's offensive linemen, Wanna was competitive, physical, had a good motor, and played hard between the whistles. I saw him nearly puke from physical exertion, and he had a couple of strong reps of him getting out into space and blocking downfield. Good size, only a junior, and is having a good year with Monticello.   [player_tooltip player_id='1633385' first='Carson' last='Deibele'] - 2027. QB/CB. 6'3, 165 lbs.   Another 2027, Deibele still has some developing to do, but he kept his offense moving when they needed him most and had some solid throws, particularly to the sidelines and on out-breaking routes, throughout the evening. Honestly, I really liked him at cornerback. He had a heckuva PBU that I thing was wrongly called for DPI, and his length and COD ability helped him stay sticky in man coverage on SLP's few passing attempts. Good athlete, good frame, two-way contributor, sophomore starting varsity, and versatile. I'm excited to check him out the next couple years of varsity action.   Spring Lake Park:   [player_tooltip player_id='944592' first='Brodie' last='Gemlo'] - 2026. DT. 6'4, 270 lbs.   The Spring Lake Park Panther I was most excited to see on Thursday night, Gemlo lived up to the hype, and looks, plays, disrupts, and competes like a Division 1 defensive tackle, full stop. Gemlo has legit, premier size at 6'4, 270 lbs. at one of football's most sought-after positions, and boy, did he know how to use it. Gemlo has great balance, heavy, active hands that he uses to absorb and defeat multiple blockers in a rep, and is ferocious after the ball. If he wants to, he can shut down an offensive series single-handedly and was a drive-stopper against Monticello in some of the most important positions of the game. Stays upright and eats cut blocks, good motor that will pursue and clean up loose ball carriers, and is more than a handful to block play to play. Despite constant doubles and extra attention, he made his mark on the game all four quarters.   [player_tooltip player_id='1581527' first='Jason' last='Eagle'] - 2025. DL. 6'3, 235 lbs.   Bemidji State got a good one in their 2025 DL commit [player_tooltip player_id='1581527' first='Jason' last='Eagle']. Big, strong, eye-catching defensive lineman, Eagle created penetration and found his way into Monti's backfield on more than a couple of occasions. His get-off and strength at the contact point caught my eye, as well as his nonstop hustle. Eagle tracked down some loose Monti ball carriers far downfield, showing big-time effort and hustle in addition to his size and disruptive ability. Can't wait to watch this kid in the Northern Sun.   [player_tooltip player_id='1257223' first='Sawyer' last='Thomsen'] - 2026. CB. 6'1, 185 lbs.   One of the darkhorses in the still-developing 2026 recruiting class, Thomsen is an athletic, sticky, experienced, and playmaking cornerback with some real-deal stickiness and collegiate upside. Had some good reps against Badger commit Emmerich in coverage, had that explosive and splash play INT in the first quarter on a beautiful read, and has some swag that you need at the CB position. Good speed and body control, I wish I got to watch him a little bit more, and I don't have any athletic numbers on him that I can recall, but I think he's got the skillset to play CB in college right now. Get at him!   [player_tooltip player_id='605457' first='Lamari' last='Brown'] - 2026. RB. 5'9, 180 lbs.   The #1 performer on the SLP side of yesterday's ball game is easily RB [player_tooltip player_id='605457' first='Lamari' last='Brown']. This kid could produce in any kind of rushing attack, not just the triple option, and is about as twitched-up, sudden, and elusive of a ball carrier I've seen since I moved back to Minnesota. Brown's footwork and ability to cut on a dime had defenders reaching, grabbing, and missing all night long, and he was devastating and exciting in space, getting SLP's crowd hyped on a couple of big, elusive runs throughout the game. Also had good hands out of the backfield, was physical, balanced, and could run behind his pads, and was a tough kid who didn't take an offensive rep off. I loved watching Brown compete, and make people miss, yesterday night in Fridley.   [player_tooltip player_id='605396' first='EJ' last='Monluo'] - 2026. RB. 6'1, 190 lbs.   The Thunder to Brown's Lightning, Monluo possesses good size and long legs that helped him seemingly float by defenders on his impressive runs throughout the night. Good contact balance, solid speed, and was a more North/South, slasher of a RB who had some good runs when he got out onto the edge. Tough kid, solid vision, and brought a good wrinkle to SLP's rushing attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='234852' first='Teddy' last='Wackman'] - 2025. LB. 6'2, 185 lbs.   The heart & soul of the Panthers' defense, as well as their defensive on-field play-caller, Wackman is a kid who has impressed me every time I've seen him. High-energy, focused, and competitive, Wackman has a good frame that could really develop in a college S&C program, shows good instincts and a nose for the ball, is fast and slippery when defeating blocks, and has the play speed to pursue sideline to sideline. His best football is in front of him, college coaches!   Gavin Christianson - 2026. OC. 6'5, 225 lbs.   The tallest and longest of the SLP offensive line, Christianson played offensive center and had good flexibility and bend for a taller OL. Love the frame, love that he played interior, and your offensive centers are generally your smartest offensive linemen and football players, Christianson also had no issues in the physicality department. New 2026 OL with good upside to know!

Thursday night, under the bright lights of Spring Lake Park High School's stadium and a warm October evening, Spring Lake Park hosted a then 4-2 Monticello squad with serious Northstar West-Maroon District and Section 6AAAAA implications on the line. It was a heckuva ball game that came down to the very last drive of the contest, and the superstars of the matchup, namely Monti's Wisconsin Badgers commit Luke Emmerich Luke Emmerich 6'2" | 200 lbs | DB Monticello | 2025 State MN and Spring Lake Park's DL tandem of Jason Eagle Jason Eagle 6'2" | 230 lbs | DL Spring Lake Park | 2025 State MN (Bemidji State commit) and 2026 DT Brodie Gemlo Brodie Gemlo 6'4" | 260 lbs | DL Spring Lake Park | 2026 State MN , a 6'4, 270 lber., had great showings in an awesome Friday Night Lights showdown. Check out PrepRedzoneMN's Game Recap and Top Performers, as well as the game MVP, below!