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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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A frantic fall full of success Football milestones, both prep and college, top the long list of fall accomplishments Sports Editor Cleaning out the notebook after one of the most successful fall high school sports seasons in recent memory:
Fall was for football
For possibly the first time in lakes area history four football teams advanced to the state quarterfinals: Brainerd in 5A, Pequot Lakes in 3A, Pierz in 2A and Verndale in Nine-Man.
Brainerd, the only outstate team to make the final four, solidified its reputation as one of the outstate's top programs. It was the Warriors' second time in three years to the state semifinals, where it lost to Cretin-Derham Hall 45-19. The last three years Brainerd has been the only outstate semifinalist in 5A.
Pequot Lakes made the first trip in program history, Pierz made its fifth trip in seven years and Verndale its sixth trip in the last 10 years.
At Central Lakes too
Central Lakes College won the first MCAC state football title in program history, beating Rochester for only the second time. The Raiders played in the Graphic Edge Bowl, the second bowl game in program history.
The job that Greg Medeck and his staff have done in the last three years at CLC is nothing short of outstanding. The Raiders are 24-9 in his tenure as head coach, have made the state tournament all three years and have played in two state championship games.
If I was Joel Maturi, and looking for a coach (wink, wink), I know who I would call.
Yes, Mr. Henderson, anything you say
While winding my way through the bowels of the Metrodome following Friday's game against Brainerd, C-DH players were walking toward the loading dock and their bus.
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Cretin-Derham Hall offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson (77) knocked a Brainerd Warrior off his feet in Friday's Class 5A state semifinal game. Henderson stands 6-7 and weighs 335 pounds. Brainerd Dispatch/Kelly Humphrey
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Approaching was No. 77 of C-DH, tackle Seantrel Henderson, all 6-feet-7, 335 pounds of him. As a teenager, to be as imposing as Vikings tackles Bryant McKinnie (6-8, 335) and Phil Loadholt (6-8, 343), is almost incomprehensible.
He's ranked the nation's top recruit by Rivals.com. I wouldn't want to argue that with him.
Pavek vs. Seantrel
Brainerd defensive end Aaron Pavek, who played inspired football in the postseason, was assigned the task of playing against Henderson. The 6-6, 240-pound Pavek played Henderson to a draw.
"He got me sometimes," Pavek said, "but I was quicker than he was so I could get around him pretty easily and get some tackles.
"It was a good matchup all night. He gave me a run for my money, that's for sure."
Quarterbacks were king
Brainerd saw two skilled quarterbacks in the postseason, Chris Anderson of Centennial and Mark Alt of C-DH.
Anderson hurt the Warriors most with his legs, rushing for 162 yards and a TD. Brainerd contained his throwing, limiting him to 64 yards and a score.
Alt, named the first-team all-metro quarterback Tuesday by the Star Tribune, completed 15 of 17 passes for 232 yards and two TDs. He's verbally committed to Minnesota for hockey, but C-DH coach Mike Scanlan thinks he should be a top football recruit.
"Mark is a gem that's being overlooked," he said. "Yes, he's a good hockey player, and maybe that's where his future lies. For nobody to have any interest in him, in terms of a college quarterback ... this kid can play. He's as good as we've had."
C-DH alumni includes Steve Walsh (University of Miami, six NFL teams) Chris Weinke (Florida State, Heisman Trophy winner, two NFL teams) and some guy named Joe Mauer.
More than a football fall
The CLC and Wadena-Deer Creek volleyball teams capped their seasons with high finishes.
CLC made its eighth trip to the national tournament in the last 10 years, its ninth trip in all, under the direction of coach Jane Peterson, who has built the Raiders into one of the top programs in NJCAA Division III.
The Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines went to the Class 2A state tournament for the second straight time and captured the consolation championship.
Last weekend, Brainerd's Katy Etterman, a soaking wet 5-1, 100 pounds, dove to seventh place in the Class 2A state meet, the highest finish in program history.
Earlier this fall, Brainerd's Jimmy Dean and Manon Gamon-Deering of Little Falls earned all-state honors in the 2A state cross country meet.
Brainerd's girls' tennis team went to the 2A state tournament for the first time in program history. The doubles team of Taylor Headlee and Zoe Houle became the first Warrior girls to play at state since 1991.
And, the Staples-Motley Cardinals won the consolation championship in their fifth straight state tennis tournament.
Mike Bialka, sports editor, may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerd dispatch.com or at 855-5861.
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