Historic night at Johnson Field

NEW ULM -- New Ulm High School head football coach Rick Van Roekel, who has been at the helm of the Eagles for 11 seasons, said that he cannot remember a back that has "rushed for that many yards in a game."

And it is no wonder. Micah Neidecker's 22 carries for 269 yards in a 28-14 win over Blue Earth Friday night set a new school record at NUHS for rushing. The previous mark was 267 yards set by Don Johnson back in 1970 against St. Peter. Larry Zimmerman is third on the one-game list with 242 yards in 1970 against Wells, now called United South Central.

But the 267-yard mark set by Johnson has an asterisk by it as NUHS was forced to forfeit some games that year because of players who had broken Minnesota State High School League rules during the season.

'There was no doubt that offensive line was getting the holes for him," said Van Roekel. "Once he got an opening, he was gone. He played a heck of a game."

Van Roekel said that the weather conditions dictated what could and could not be done offensively. "It did limit us to not throwing the ball as much, but once we started having success running the ball and Micah was making big yardage running, there was no reason to pass the ball. We ran the ball more than we had planned to because I did not think that we would be able to move the ball that much (on the ground).

"What really helped us was when we get a touchdown (a 70-yard run by Neidecker) on the first play of the game. That boosts everybody's confidence, and I don't care what you say, that takes the air out of the opposing team."

EAGLES SIZE FACTOR: Van Roekel said that the size advantage in both the offensive and defensive lines that New Ulm had against Blue Earth " was the key. Our offensive line just pushed their people around and our defensive line just completely shut down Blue Earth's offensive line. That is the nice thing that we have this year in both our lines is not only size but also quickness. We dominated on both sides of the line of scrimmage."

Blowing holes in the Bucs' defensive line were center Jon Colburn (172 pounds) right guard Mike Neveln (215), right tackle Chris Dauer (286) with Kory Andersen (277), left tackle Matt Schuetzle (265). That is quite a side of beef coming at you on every play.

DEFENSE GETS MORE CONFIDENT: Van Roekel said that the defense, which he coaches, is getting more and more confident each game. "I don't think that we really have a big weakness defensively. We have room for improvement; if we have any weakness it is the way that we play the pass but we are getting better at that. Our play of our defensive line and linebackers is really tough. The confidence factor just grows during the game for us. The defense holds three and out and then our offense comes in and scores points it is a nice tandem to have."

BRAUN IMPROVES: One name that you did not hear a lot about last football season was Nate Braun. But this year, the 6-foot-4, 302-pound senior has really stepped up his game on defense.

"Last year, to be honest, we thought that he would be better defensively and there were games last season that we played other people because we felt that Nate was not doing the things that we felt he could do," Van Roekel said. "But this year, he has really played well. Last night (against Blue Earth) they had a running back break away and the guy had the angle on Nate, but Nate caught him. If Nate misses him the guy would have scored. He has played terrific football for us this year. He is big and quick. Other teams have to double-team him and if they don't, Nate will win the battle."

Both of New Ulm's losses (Luverne and Detroit Lakes) were games where they did not beat New Ulm, the Eagles beat themselves. "After the loss to Detroit Lakes (ranked first in 4A), the kids knew that they could play with anyone."

SCHMIDT STEPS UP: Another player who has stepped up his game for the Eagles this season is senior quarterback Matt Schmidt. Last year, Schmidt seemed tentative at quarterback but this year he has become a football player.

"I don't know what the difference is between last year and this year," Schmidt said. "I am going out there and trying to do what is best for the team. We have been waiting for this season since last year and I don't want to let any of the guys down. I just want to be a leader out there and do everything I can to help."

Schmidt also said that the coaches have really gave the team confidence in practice and in games. "They are great to work with," he said. "They get us ready each week. I love playing for these guys; they are so positive."

Schmidt also commented that coach Ron Bunkers, who designs the offense each week, always has new ideas each game. "We put in a new offensive set (for Blue Earth) and it confused them; their linebackers did not know where to go and that gave Micah more room to run. And he was able to get outside more because they were more spread out."

Schmidt said that he would like to play college football. "We will see how it goes. I loved basketball early on, but football is right up there now."

SCHUGEL FEELS HOUNDS PLAYED WELL: Cathedral High School quarterback Joey Schugel is one of the top college football/baseball (outstanding shortstop) prospects in the area, said that he felt that his team played well "for the conditions" in their 30-8 win over Buffalo Lake-Hector Friday.

""The offense played good for only having one turnover in the rain," he said. "I think that our offense is starting to play well. The biggest thing is that our offensive line is starting to come together and making big holes for our backs."

Schugel is also a running as well as passing threat which has peaked the interest in St. Cloud State as well as other colleges. "I went up to St. Cloud last week and talked to the coaches. They have shown the most interest in football as well as South Dakota State, Trinity University in Texas."

Schugel said that if it comes down to it, he would rather play baseball in college than football. "I have gotten a letter from the University of Minnesota and St. Cloud as well as Waldorf College and Winona State."

PALMER HITS STRIDE: Cathedral head football coach Denny Lux said Saturday morning that "each week, there is somebody stepping up, and last night it was Mitch Palmer who had a nice game. He scored twice and kicked a couple of extra points. This team has really shown, in the last four games, that it is not one or two guys that lead the team and that there are different guys that will step up and play for us."

Palmer really worked hard in the off-season in the weightroom and is has shown. "He (Friday night) broke some tackles and has that good speed and has good balance so when he gets through the hole and makes his cuts. His offseason work is paying off."

NOSBUSH HAS BIG GAME: Lux said that linebacker Jesse Nosbush has played well "because our defensive line is taking up the blockers; our noseguard is always getting double-teamed. Jesse is really hungry to make tackles (20 Friday night) and he has been a mainstay all year. We are solid up the middle with our noseguard, middle linebackers and safety."

Lux said that his team "was intense. We forced three turnovers and have a plus-12 in giveaways/takeaways. It is tough to pick out one player on defense or offense. On offense, we have four guys (Schugel, Palmer, Brandon Reinarts, Matt Furth) who we can give the ball to, which makes it hard for defenses to key on one or two guys."

Column by Jim Bastian, Journal sports writer