College Football: Raiders get 1 more

BRAINERD — Greg Medeck called it one of the hardest things he’s had to do.

When the Central Lakes College Raiders head football coach learned Vermilion was forfeiting their game scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 8, he knew he needed to do something.

The Raiders were scheduled for a bye this weekend and without a game last week, Medeck was concerned his team would be rusty heading into the Minnesota College Athletic Conference playoffs which are scheduled to start Sunday, Oct. 23.

Medeck hit the phones and secured a matchup that CLC last squared off with in 1955. The Raiders will travel to Collegeville to face the St. John’s University junior varsity noon Sunday, Oct. 26, at Clemens Stadium.

“It was the most strenuous, challenging task of my whole entire season,” Medeck said. “I called almost 20 different college programs and they either already had a game scheduled, already reached their maximum number of JV games they could play or they suffered too many injuries to field a JV team.

“This was the only game and it’s a credit to (St. John’s head coach Gary) Fasching that he was willing to help us out. I think it was more about helping our program out than his. I’m so grateful that he was willing to partner with us. It was the only one I had left.”

The Raiders will enter Sunday’s matchup with a 2-3 overall record. CLC last played Oct. 1. Instead of a 22-day break between games, CLC will hopefully get back to a normal week of practice before playoffs begin.

“Our kids wanted this so bad and I feel like they need it,” Medeck said. “We knew going into the season we were likely going to have a bye the last week of the season, but consecutive byes is too much for a college program to stay focused. When we found out about the cancellation of the Vermilion game it was really challenging for us. There just wasn’t any way I wanted to see our team finish the regular season that way and prepare for the postseason.

“This is huge for us. Not only is it another chance for us to compete, but to work on ourselves.”

Medeck said the news of the new game created applause and cheering amongst his players. There was also added excitement about playing in that environment against a storied program.

“I shared with the team how I think that’s one of the best environments in all of college football in the entire country,” Medeck said. “It’s a special place to go play and a privilege. I think they’re excited for the venue. They’re excited for the opponent and they’re just excited for the chance to play again.”

This will be Medeck’s first time coaching against a Division III junior varsity team. The last time these two teams faced off, the Johnnies defeated CLC 32-6 according to records collected by former head and assistant coach Lowell Scearcy.

JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at 218-855-5856 or jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop .

Who: Central Lakes College vs. St. John’s University Junior Varsity

When: Noon, Sunday, Oct. 16

Where: Clemens Stadium, Collegeville