BEMIDJI - Troy Hendricks was away from coaching football for six years after guiding the Bemidji Lumberjacks from 1995-2001.
Hendricks returned to education in 2008-09 and when the football position opened last spring he applied and got it.
But Hendricks knew he had a rebuilding job on his hands. Bemidji has suffered from lack of players and futility since he left.
The rebuilding process may have accelerated Friday after Bemidji stunned the favored Brainerd Warriors 15-13. Bemidji had lost nine straight games to Brainerd and had been outscored 301-104 in that stretch.
"I have the utmost respect for (Brainerd coach Ron) Stolski and his program," Hendricks said. "I always felt before if we could ever beat Brainerd it set a real tone for our program and put us on the right track. Obviously, this was big. Losing to Willmar last week we felt like we didn't come out in the first half and play well. We're so green, so young.
"I actually thought we might fall apart at the beginning (Friday) the way we came out but the kids really responded. They showed that resiliency, heart, and character and hopefully that helps the program and builds the numbers. Numbers is what it's all about. If I could have the numbers that Brainerd has it just makes life so much easier."
Punishing running game
A power running game, complemented by the passing of sophomore quarterback Mitchell Hendricks, spurred the Lumberjacks. Fullback Evan Olson pummeled his way to 68 yards on 20 carries. Halfbacks Czar Woods and Kevin Nelson combined to add 105 yards.
Mitchell Hendricks threw for 142 yards and a score.
"I really think our receivers are phenomenal," Troy Hendricks said. "They don't know how good they are yet. This is the best corps of receivers I've ever had, but two juniors and a sophomore are the main three, and I've got a sophomore quarterback.
"... But I felt we could throw tonight. We just had to pick our spots."
100-yard Warriors
Brainerd wide receiver Kyle Crocker and quarterback Reid Mimmack exceeded the 100-yard mark for the second straight week.
Crocker caught five passes for 118 yards and a score. Mimmack completed 12 of 25 passes for 154 yards.
Starting in a hole
Even though Bemidji controlled the ball and had 100 more total yards it had dreadful field position.
The Lumberjacks started six of their eight possessions in their own territory. Their first four started inside their 10.
MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861.
To Subscribe to the Brainerd Dispatch, Click Here.
Note: Comments are not edited and don't represent the views of The Brainerd Dispatch. Please read our posting rules in the terms of service policy. To report a post that may be inappropriate, click the triangle alert icon.
Top Commented Articles
