2025 Team Preview: Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars

The Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars have struggled in the past, having not posted a winning record since 2016, and not having a season of more than 2 wins between 2018-2023. However, the Cougars took a step in the right direction in 2024. After struggling to a 1-4 start, the Cougars won their last 3 regular season games in a row before ultimately getting defeated by Rochester Lourdes, one of the teams the Cougars beat on that streak, during their rematch in the postseason. The strong stretch at the end of last season could provide the spark the Cougars need to bringing themselves back to a competitive level heading into the 2025 season.   We take a look today at 5 impact players from the Cougars' team to watch out for this upcoming season!    Taking over the reins as the starting QB for the Cougars entering his junior season, Hadyn Boraas showed plenty of upside during his limited reps last season. Boraas showed great footwork, being able to move around very well in the pocket while consistently keeping his eyes down the field, and making some great throws through hard hits, not to mention he has a cannon of an arm. Boraas is just as dangerous tucking the ball and running up the middle, and he's not afraid of running through contact either, making defenders have to drag him to the ground. Boraas should be a suitable successor under Center for Zumbrota-Mazeppa, and it will be interesting to see how he will fare in his first full year as a starter.     Ryan Tesmer has the skills and tools necessary to be an electric playmaker for the Cougars' offense. With a 29.5" vertical jump, an impressive 445 lb max squat, and a 4.47 40 yard time, Tesmer is quite a talented athlete. That athletic ability translates well as a WR, using his speed to garner separation, making him a viable deep threat, while also turning on the jets after the catch to outrun the secondary. Tesmer is able to extend his body and make difficult catches turning his body in opposite directions, and he also does a good job catching through contact. Tesmer is also utilized as a jet-sweep option, using his speed and vision to find lanes on the outside and gain solid yardage on the ground. Tesmer has stood out as well as a reliable Kicker for their special teams' unit. Tesmer certainly can help the Cougars win in many different ways for the team.     Ben Flaaen is another well-defined two-way starter for the Cougars as an outside WR and Safety. At WR, Flaaen uses his length and hand-work to win in 1-on-1 situations, being able to reach over DBs on fade passes over their heads, showing flashes as a goal-line threat. Flaaen is effective as a run-stopper, doing a great job at getting around the edge and into the backfield, while also showing solid closedown speed and a good punch on the ball to knock it out, being able to set the edge and contain the outside run very well. I could very well see Flaaen fitting as an effective LB/Safety hybrid defender at the next level.     Logan Schurke has proven to be a very good lockdown CB for Zumbrota-Mazeppa who can guard 1-on-1 situations well. Schurke has quite a knack for interceptions, making it dangerous to throw it near his vicinity, as he could easily get his hands on it. Schurke shows solid coverage ability, including in goal-line situations, and he has the speed to take the ball back all the way to the other end-zone when he picks it off. Schurke is a ball-hawk who is fun to watch on the secondary, while also being difficult for offenses trying to pass the ball in his direction.     Wyatt Rostad doesn't have much film currently on him, but he's been a solid presence for the Cougars' secondary at Free Safety. A solid run-stopper, Rostad was able to plug the outside gaps, taking good pursuit angles and showing good tackling form to stop the ball-carrier. Rostad's presence is also felt on special teams, where he's had success on kickoff coverage. Rostad has been putting in work in the weight room this offseason, posting a 385 lb max squat, 405 lb max deadlift, and 245 lb max bench press. Rostad is growing toward being quite a strong athlete heading into his senior season, and that physical development could parlay into a significant campaign heading into the next recruiting class.

The Zumbrota-Mazeppa Cougars have struggled in the past, having not posted a winning record since 2016, and not having a season of more than 2 wins between 2018-2023. However, the Cougars took a step in the right direction in 2024. After struggling to a 1-4 start, the Cougars won their last 3 regular season games in a row before ultimately getting defeated by Rochester Lourdes, one of the teams the Cougars beat on that streak, during their rematch in the postseason. The strong stretch at the end of last season could provide the spark the Cougars need to bringing themselves back to a competitive level heading into the 2025 season.