|
|
Friday, September 29, 2006
|
|
BHS faces homecoming test Apollo stands at 1-3 after tough losses Sports Editor Records sometimes can be deceiving.
The Brainerd Warriors (3-1) host the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles (1-3) in their homecoming game Friday night. The Eagles have lost to Willmar and Sauk Rapids, two of the early surprise teams in the Central Lakes Conference, and to Sartell, which is unbeaten and ranked third in Class 4A.
"They have had a tough schedule, not unlike ours," Warriors coach Ron Stolski said of Apollo. "They have played good teams with good records, and have played them pretty well. Their games have been close."
Apollo lost 30-26 to Willmar and 35-21 to Sauk Rapids before defeating Fergus Falls 38-0 and losing 38-14 to Sartell.
Eagles coach Jon Benson said the Eagles entered the season with considerable inexperience.
"We knew it would take a couple games to fire on all cylinders," Benson said. "The first two games we were two big plays away from being 2-0 and going to Fergus Falls.
"We played three quarters of good football against Sartell. It was 19-14 to start the fourth. Turnovers sealed the deal for Sartell. We played well but we fell short in the turnover game. That killed us."
Brainerd is riding a three-game win streak but Stolski conceded the Warriors could be 1-3 just as easily as 3-1. Brainerd rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Moorhead and Rocori and wore down Bemidji in the final 12 minutes.
"We pulled two out of the hat, but we didn't get lucky, we earned them both by playing hard in the fourth quarter," Stolski said. "I think records are very deceiving. I think it's particularly true about both teams.
"I think it's also obvious that we're improving. Our improvement has come through all the experiences. The kids now have four games under their belt. I think they're becoming tougher, physically and mentally, which you need to be.
"The kids have responded beautifully. We've asked them to focus, they have focused and they have risen."
Apollo hopes to rise up behind quarterback Mitch Bidleman, running backs Matt Hickman and Luke Skay and tight end Seth Noreen.
Hickman has rushed for 222 yards. Bidleman has passed for 382 yards and five TDs. Noreen, a highly touted 6-foot-6, 230-pound target, has 194 receiving yards and three scores.
"Our kids are fired up," Benson said. "They can see they're getting better every week. They're ready to make a strong run the last half of the season.
"We have no pushovers left, Brainerd, Bemidji, St. Cloud Tech and Rocori. We feel like if we can get things rolling we can finish on a good note and be ready for the playoffs."
Last week Brainerd pulled away from a 10-7 lead against Bemidji, scoring 14 straight points to win 24-7. The Warriors' ground game got rolling as running back Bo Jedinak rushed for 107 yards and quarterback Nate Schaefbauer for 98.
Brainerd stood out on defense, allowing the Lumberjacks to rush for eight yards, forcing three turnovers and sacking the quarterback three times.
Safety Jed Magstadt had 11 tackles and his third interception of the year. Linebacker Zach Doud also had 11 tackles.
Defensive back Corey Hermanson had a fumble recovery and three pass breakups on three consecutive downs in a fourth-and-goal situation.
Mike Bialka can be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
|
Schools has an opening fo...
|
|
not a
9-5 person,
how about
11-2, 4-...
|
|
CASH!!
Independent Carrier need...
|
|
position plans sales trai...
|
|
is hiring for the following
...
|
|
|
|
Bids Being Accepted
call...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overcast, 61°
