The Bluejays put up the second-best record of 4-2 in the GNC Football Conference this fall-trailing a pair of 5-1 squads in Medford and Mosinee-and, not surprisingly, found several members on the rolls of special contributors.
Defensive lineman Tyler Schmidt and defensive back Ty Grunewald, both juniors, were unanimous First Team picks. Senior offensive lineman Eli Knoblock and junior linebacker Ben Hintze also rated First Team position.
“Tyler was a disruptive force all season long,” MHS coach Nick Sturm said. “Teams were specifically checking plays at the LOS to run away from him. His work ethic and speed are what separates him from others.
“Ty has a nose for the ball and always seems to be in the right place at the right time, his seven interceptions are evidence of this.
“Eli became a very physical disciplined football player for us. When we needed the tough yards we ran behind him. Ben was our leading tackler this season and made many big plays at the line of scrimmage. He was the emotional leader of the defense.”
Schmidt finished the season with 56 solo tackles, 8 assists, 3 sacks, 9 tackles for a loss, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Grunenwald came up with five interceptions in conference play, returning them for a total of 90 yards and a touchdown. He had 7 overall. His 80??-yard return for a score was a key play in the Antigo?? victory. He also offered 56 solos, 15 assists, 2 fumble recoveries and 2 passes broken up.
Hintze provided 95 solos, 22 assists, 6 TFL’s, 1 sack, 2 FR, 1 fumble caused and 1 interception.
Junior Alex Klug made the Second Team as both an outside linebacker and fullback, joined by senior ‘D’ lineman Austin Bonnell and junior quarterback Nick Peterson. Senior center Coleton Bloch and junior linebacker Matt Rekowski received Honorable Mention.
“After reviewing our film from this last season, Alex stood out to me as the player who improved the most,” Sturm said. “He ran with a good forward lean and became a truly punishing battering ram as the season progressed. You could see that kids were shying away from contact as the game progressed when they had to tackle Alex.
“Nick was the quiet leader of our offense. When we needed a big play, we knew we could count on him to produce. His ability to play in space was impressive.
“Austin was another great leader for us. From what I have heard, Austin developed more than any other player in the program because of his work ethic in the off-season. Austin could take on a double team, control the blockers, and still make a play.
“Coleton was a great leader for us this season. He always had a positive attitude and a good work ethic. He was a steadying force at center all season long.
“Matt really developed as the season progressed. His instincts are excellent and he finds ways to get to the ball.”
Klug ended up with 24 solos, 6 assists, 2 TFL’s, 2 sacks, 1 FR for a TD and 1 PBU. He finished 8th in rushing at 72.8 yds./game after carrying 93 times for 437 yards. His 8 touchdowns tied for 4th in the GNC.
Peterson ranked 3rd in yds./game at 108.2, after collecting 649 yards on 75 attempts with 4 scores.
Bonnell gave 18 solos, 12 assists, 3 TFL’s and 1 FR. Rekowski made 37 solos, 19 assists, 2 TFL’s and 1 sack.