This is Sparta: Team Preview
Sparta finished 2021 with a 3-6 record overall and a 2-7 conference record. This put them in second to last place in the conference. I didn’t have to look at this team too long to have my expectations for 2022…
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Continue ReadingSparta finished 2021 with a 3-6 record overall and a 2-7 conference record. This put them in second to last place in the conference. I didn’t have to look at this team too long to have my expectations for 2022 build up well beyond that finish. They return a cuople key pieces to an offense that averaged nearly 23 points per game. Defense is where they will need to most breakout players as they have to replace the majority of their top producers there, but with an offense to lean on Sparta should have a cushion for their defense to learn and strength along the way.
The Mississippi Valley Conference looks wide open this fall. So many of the teams are looking to replace key pieces of their offenses and defenses. With the amount of turnover occurring throughout the conference it is a major bonus to have cornerstones at key positions like QB and RB/WR. Sparta is one of the few lucky teams to have that. They return one of the best 2024 QBs, and they have a playmaker who can do damage out in space. With both back and ready to take the next step forward we could see Sparta make a push for the postseason with a winning conference record, and just maybe, a conference championship. Let’s dive into the team!
2021 Results (3-6 Record)
Aug 20: Lost to Baldwin- Woodville 6-17
Aug 30: Beat Mauston 39-14
Sept 3: Beat La Crosse Logan 56-42
Sept 10: Beat Tomah 55-7
Sept 17: Lost to West Salem 7-33
Sept 24: Lost to Holmen 20-42
Oct 1: Lost to Onalaska 0-28
Oct 8: Lost to La Crosse Central 7-39
Oct 15: Lost to River Falls 14-43
Players Lost to Graduation
Nick Kent, RB- Leading Rusher
Chris Jacobs, WR- 2nd Leading Receiver
Tye Klass, LB- Leading Tackler
Ty Leitzau, DL- Most TFLs, 2nd Most Tackles
Players to Know
Thomas enters the season as one of the top options at QB in the WI Class of 2024. he has a great frame, live arm, and a dual threat to his game that is going to help push Sparta’s offense to the next level. Thomas has the talent to take over games on teh ground or through the air. I have high hopes and expectations fro the junior. The team is going to go as he does, so his leadership will be as huge of a key to his game as his talent is.
The 5’7″ 165 lbs WR is going to go off this fall. Last year he posted 13 total TDs, and was the leading receiver on the team. The slot WR is also a dangerous return man. His strengths fit both spots so well too. Carson is able to see the field so well and find the openings/seams. He has the elusiveness in the open field to be hard to contain with the ball in his hands, and he has the speed to turn short yardage receptions into big plays.
Highlights
Layden Ott
Layden Ott
I don’t know much about Layden, yet. However, just looking at his stats I am excited. He is clearly a big play threat as he turned his limited receptions into roughly 25 yards per catch. If he can keep that big play threat going with a larger workload then you can expect a big breakout year, and an increased interest from the next level. I’ll be keeping an eye on him.
Other Players to Know
Michael O’Rourke
Michael O’Rourke
Emmett Brooks
Emmett Brooks
David Dethart
David Dethart
2022 Schedule/ Games to Circle
Aug 18 vs Baldwin- Woodville
Aug 26 @ Mauston
Sept 2 @ La Crosse Logan
Last year, this battle turned into a shootout between the two offenses. Laufenberg threw four TD passes, and ran for two more. Kelsey caught two of the four. To be able to secure a playoff spot, Sparta needs to secure victories in at least four conference games. With all the graduation that Logan had this past summer, Sparta needs to take the W here so they can have an early count in the W column for conference play. If their leaders repeat what they did last year then this will end how they want it to.
Sept 9 vs Tomah
Sept 16 @ Reedsburg
Sept 23 vs Holmen
Sept 30 vs Onalaska
Oct 7 @ La Crosse Central
Central is another conference opponent who lost a ton of production, leadership, and wins to graduation. This is another chance for Sparta to turn a 2021 loss into a 2022 win as they look to take control of the MVC. With this being the second to last game of the fall it is in position to be a key game. A game that can secure a playoff berth, or keep them alive in a playoff race. Central is going to be filled with new starters, but they will be experience by this matchup, so it could turn into a great game with high stakes.
Oct 14 @ Baraboo
If this game has the stakes that i think it could then you can bet I will be there to cover it live. Not only could this be a conference championship game, it could also decide who goes to the playoffs and who goes home. Both teams are looking like the most prepared in the conference make a run at a championship and playoff berth. The two didn’t play in 2021, so we will get a fresh matchup with high stakes between two teams that should prove to have a solid collection of talent.
Championship History
Championships: N/A
Runner Ups: N/A