2016 Football Preview - blog.rctc.edublog.rctc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/MCAC_2016_Football... · Rochester 55 0 Dakota College MCAC Quarter-Finals NDSCS 49 ... SCORING G TD

Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN

Rochester CTC

Rochester, MN

Central Lakes College

Brainerd, MN

Fond du Lac Tribal C.C.

Cloquet, MN

Vermilion C.C.

Ely, MN

Mesabi Range CTC

Virginia, MN

Minnesota West CTC

Worthington, MN M-State Fergus Falls

Fergus Falls, MN

Itasca C.C.

Grand Rapids, MN

Dakota College at Bottineau

Bottineau, ND

NDSCS

Wahpeton, ND

Minnesota College Athletic Conference 2016 Football Preview

www.mcac-sports.com

Justin Heckenlaible, Conference Coordinator [email protected]

1450 Collegeway Worthington MN 56187 Phone 507.372.3487 Fax 507-372-5803

Northland CTC

Thief River Falls, MN

NJCAA 2016 NJCAA

FOOTBALL

PRESEASON TOP 10

1 East Mississippi

2 Snow

3 Trinity Valley

4 Mississippi Gulf Coast

5 Butler

6 Iowa Western

7 Copiah-Lincoln

8 Dodge City

9 Navarro

10 Northwest Mississippi

20 Central Lakes

RV NDSCS

2015 MCAC Playoffs

MCAC Championship Game

Rochester 45 41 NDSCS

MCAC Semi-Finals

NDSCS 39 35 Central Lakes

Rochester 55 0 Dakota College

MCAC Quarter-Finals

NDSCS 49 7 Minnesota West

Dakota College 28 6 Ridgewater

Rochester 30 12 Fond du Lac

Central Lakes 74 0 Itasca

Minnesota College Athletic Conference A look back at 2015

MCAC 1450 Collegeway Worthington, MN 56187 507.372.3487 www.mcac-sports.com

2015 MCAC FINAL STANDINGS

Eastern Division

division overall

W L W L

Rochester 5 0 8 0

Central L akes 4 1 7 1

Itasca 2 3 5 3

Fond du Lac 2 3 4 4

Mesabi Range 1 4 2 6

Vermilion 1 4 1 7

Western Division

division overall

W L W L

NDSCS 5 0 6 2

Dakota College 3 2 5 3

Ridgewater 3 2 4 4

Minnesota West 3 2 3 5

Northland 1 4 2 6

M State-FF 0 5 1 7

Yellowjackets Win

Sixth Straight MCAC

Championship, Earn a #1

NJCAA Ranking

MCAC 2015

NJCAA All-Americans

1st Team:

Nick Rooney (QB) Rochester sophomore

Kieran Johnson (WR) Central Lakes sophomore

2ndTeam:

Joseph Putu (DB) NDSCS sophomore

Honorable Mention:

Jalen Esters (WR) Rochester sophomore

Edodamen Ejiya (LB) NDSCS freshman

Minnesota College Athletic Conference A look back at 2015 (continued)


2015 Individual Statistical Leaders

Eastern Division PASSING G ATT COMP % YDS INT TD

Nick Rooney(RO) 8 287 201 70.0 3000 5 40 RUSHING G ATT YDS YDS/ATT TD

Carlton Djam(CL) 8 135 855 6.3 15

RECEIVING G REC YDS YDS/REC TD

Jalen Esters(RO) 8 54 913 16.9 13

KICKOFF RETURNS G KR YDS YDS/KR

Carlos Duclos(IT) 8 7 299 42.7

Brandon Peters(RO) 6 3 128 42.7

PUNT RETURNS G PR YDS YDS/KR

Denzel Washington(MR) 7 7 173 24.7

SCORING G TD FG PAT1 PAT2 TOTAL

Kieran Johnson(CL) 8 17 0 0 0 102

PUNTING G ATT YARDS AVE.

Chad Mapes(CL) 6 18 636 35.3 KICKING G FGA-FGM PAT ATT- PAT MADE PTS

Matthew Gulland(RO) 8 9 6 55 45 63

TACKLES G UN-AST(3) AST(1) POINTS

Jabrill Johnson(VE) 8 71 56 269

INTERCEPTIONS G INT.

Eight tied with 3 each 8 3

2015 Individual Statistical Leaders

Western Division PASSING G ATT COMP % YDS INT TD

Dane Massey(RW) 8 200 86 43.0 1079 15 9

RUSHING G ATT YDS YDS/ATT TD

Raumello Cooper(RW) 8 78 518 6.6 6

RECEIVING G REC YDS YDS/REC TD

Mitchell Sanders(ND) 8 26 391 15.0 4

KICKOFF RETURNS G KR YDS YDS/KR

Jordin Noggin(ND) 4 6 225 37.5

PUNT RETURNS G PR YDS YDS/RET

Brandon Brice(RW) 7 5 181 36.2

SCORING G TD FG PAT1 PAT2 TOTAL

Dallas Cook(ND) 6 8 0 0 0 48

PUNTING G ATT YARDS AVE.

Jakob Racimo(ND) 8 56 1941 34.7 KICKING G FGA-FGM PAT ATT- PAT MADE PTS

Jakob Racimo(ND) 8 10 7 15 14 35

TACKLES G UN-AST(3) AST(1) POINTS

Ejodamen Ejiya(ND) 8 37 41 152

INTERCEPTIONS G INT.

Joseph Putu(ND) 7 5

Central Lakes

Curtis Brisk

Carlton Djam

Teddy Sherva

Kyree McLean

Barry Moreland

Andrew Walock

Daniel Zins

Dakota College @ Bottineau

Jocelyn Antoine

Troy Bitterle

Jayvon Campbell

Jacob Collins

Debert Desty

Shaquille Ellis

Tyler Manuel

Brison Savoy

Bowen Sweeney

Clarence Theophile

Fond du Lac

Damon Barnes

Kendarian Carter

Keonte Connelly

Logan Crowser

Damon Garner

Destyn McNeil

Carlin Powe

Marcel Richardson

Victor Rollins

Malik Williams

Itasca

Antorio Bailey

Bakorey Davis

Bobby Hentz

Nathan Johnson

Jordan Mach

DeVon Nelson

Josh Oberle

Zach Skelton

Jonathan Strain

Isaiah Wallace

Mesabi Range

Zack Hilliard

Jonathon Hogan

Deundra Mobley

Shaheem Sanders

Alphonso Timmons

Keendarius Truesdale

Minnesota West

Joshua Bentil

Lavez Burton

2015 FOOTBALL

ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM

Houston Coleman

Devin Davis

Tyler Kurrasch

Madison Lewis

M State-FF

Rusty Becker

Justin Gordon

T.J. Loines

Jared Olsgaard

Jonathon Siira

Nelson Valerio

NDSCS

Ejodamen Ejiya

Taeveon Johnson

Kameron McNary

Joseph Putu

Nathan Schmidt

Dalton VonRuden

Nicholas White

Guei Zleh

Northland

Pierre Elysee

Kevin Lanning

Tafario Mckrachon

Doug Peterson

James Rigdon

Philip Szwedowicz

Ridgewater

Jack Goeman

Chandler Langford

Glenn Meyers

Alex Partridge

Carl Williams

Rochester

Drake Freeman

Kamery Garlick

Anders Grahn

Matthew Gulland

Jaylen Johnson

Ryan Just

Jeffery Keene

Matthew Lassa

Nick Rooney

Cody Scherff

Spencer Sorenson

Cody Stanger

Joseph Warner

Connor Watts

Vermilion

Jeremiah Patterson

Kyle Waugh


MCAC talent headed to the “Next Level” in 2016

School POS 4-Year School

Central Lakes

Carlton Djam RB Univ. of Minnesota

Jake Faber QB Angelo State University

Elais Arlington WR Concordia-St. Paul

Curtis Brisk OL Valley City State Univ.

Casey Giesseman OL Valley City State Univ.

Trey Blanchard RB Montana State-Northern

Beau Wilhelm WR Montana State-Northern

Dakota College at Bottineau

Dimitrius Patterson SB Tennessee (WO)

Joe Hines RB Ohio Dominican

Davarious Jenkins DB Avila

Kermit Malone DB Kentucky State

Kris Nelson DB Kentucky State

Jaquan Dews DL Lindenwood-Belleville

Paulo Ta’a DL Northern Michigan

Kelsey Poe LB Concord

Davonta Johnson DB Ohio Dominican

Joacelin Antoine DB Kentucky State

Clarence Theofile DB College of Notre Dame

Tomaris Coney DB Heidelberg

Fond du Lac

Sam Johnson WR Notre Dame College

Gavin Leach DE U– Nebraska Kearney

Damon Barnes WR SD School of Mines

Carlton Goss OL Waldorf College

Victor Rollins OL Alabama A & M

Joshua Bender FB Valley City State Univ.

Justin Lacayo DE Missouri Southern

Keonte Connelly LB Minot State Univ.

Marcus Bruton-Williams OL UW-Stevens Point

Jon Avril DE UW-Stevens Point

Marcel Richardson DT Notre Dame College

Jalen Simmons RB Univ. West Georgia

Te’Vaughn Hurse RB Winston-Salem St. Univ.

Itasca

LeAndre Benion DB Robert Morris

Damaree Bell LB Lindenwood Univ.

Carlos Duclos WR Henderson State Univ.

Jakeise Jaco DL Waldorf College

Quinn Frisell QB Crown College

Breon Melvin WR Bethel University

Raquan Monroe LB Lindenwood Univ.

Sedric Stewart DB Winston Salem State

Levi Watson DL Eastern Illinois

M State-Fergus Falls

Rusty Becker DL Univ. of Calif.-Berkeley

NDSCS

Ejodamen Ejiya LB North Texas

Josh Dorsey DL Southern Missouri

Joseph Putu DB Tusculum College

Darren Kelley DB NDSU

Frantz Polimice DB Concordia St. Paul

Corey Presley LB Concordia St. Paul

Shelly Johnson DB Concordia St. Paul

Jahkye Mcclarron LB Concordia St. Paul

Cameron Moat OL Warner University

Jose Hernandez OL Presentation College

Ridgewater

Carl Williams OT Valley City State Univ.

Tyler Howell SL Valley City State Univ.

Glen Meyers K/P Augsburg University

Alex Partridge DE Bemidji State University

Nick Rusch-Maier HB UW-River Falls

Rochester

Jalen Esters Missouri State

Zeek Carr Upper Iowa Univ.

Kamery Garlick Univ. Colo-Pueblo

Randy Jones MSU-Mankato

Ryan Just Univ. of Minnesota

Larry Moore MSU-Mankato

Cody Scherff UNLV

Jonathan Rojas Winona State Univ.

Ryan Burton Concordia-St. Paul

Diondre Green Arkansas Tech

Billy Kellogg SW Oklahoma State

Patrick Bolton Missouri Western

Cody Stanger Seton Hall

Drake Freeman Walsh University

Victor Rivera Mount Union

London Covington Saint Xavier Univ.

Charles Jefferson West Texas A&M

Vermilion

Rashad Ross OLB Lindenwood Univ.


2016 MCAC Schedule

Eastern Division Western Division Central Lakes (CL) Dakota College @ Bottineau (DC)

Fond du Lac (FDL) Minnesota West (MW)

Itasca (IT) M State-Fergus Falls (FF)

Mesabi Range (MR) NDSCS (NDS)

Rochester (RO) Northland (NL)

Vermilion (VE) Ridgewater (RW)

Week 1– 8/27 RW @ MR RO @ NDS

NL @ VE DC @ CL

IT @ MW FDL @ FF

Week 8– 10/15 FDL @ MW IT @ NDS

DC @ MR RW @ RO

VE @ FF NL @ CL

Week 7– 10/8 MR @ RO MW @ NDS

CL @ VE DC @ RW

FDL @ IT FF @ NL

Week 6– 10/1 CL @ MR FF @ MW

VE @ IT RW @ NL

RO @ FDL NDS @ DC

Week 4– 9/17 MR @ FDL NL @ MW

RO @ VE NDS @ RW

CL @ IT FF @ DC

Week 5– 9/24 MR @ VE MW @ DC

IT @ RO RW @ FF

FDL @ CL NL @ NDS

Week 3– 9/10 IT @ MR MW @ RW

VE @ FDL DC @ NL

RO @ CL NDS @ FF

Week 2– 9/03 CL @ RW MW @ RO

MR @ NL VE @ DC

NDS @ FDL FF @ IT

Week 11– 11/6 MCAC Championship

@ St. Cloud State University

Week 10– 10/29 Playoff Semi-Finals

Sites TBD

Week 9– 10/22 Playoff Quarter-Finals

Sites TBD

Around the MCAC...2016 Players to Watch


Greg Lewis Central Lakes

Damon Garner Fond du Lac

Eastern Division

Jack Leius Itasca

Uriah Guy Fond du Lac

Jack Marsh, Jr. Fond du Lac

Kyree McLean Central Lakes

Cody Rau Central Lakes

Emmanuel Henry Central Lakes

Matt Soldner Central Lakes

Maurice Willis Central Lakes

Mykal Riley Central Lakes

Tyrone Eastern Fond du Lac

Javonte Johnson Itasca

Jonathan Strain Itasca

Jordan Dyess Itasca

Josh Oberle Itasca

Malik Foy Itasca

Zahid Hujurat Itasca

Roshea Grays Itasca

Zepher Resnick Itasca

Tyler Koch Central Lakes

Seth Zins Central Lakes

Will Pendergraph Central Lakes

Miles Kelly Fond du Lac

Brandon Pylar Fond du Lac

Ja’Paul Sinkfield Fond du Lac

Vincent Carreker Fond du Lac

Terrance Wenzel Fond du Lac

Brandon Perce Rochester

Chase Salerno Rochester

Connor Watts Rochester

Dakota Jahnke Rochester

Dylan Stetter Rochester

Eli Smith Rochester

Jamal Stovall Rochester

Montrel Moore Rochester


Keishawn Hayden Dakota College


Eastern Division (continued)

Kenzell Jefferson Vermilion

Carlis Richardson Vermilion

Matthew Tillman Vermilion

Leandro Dibrito Vermilion

Myron Riley Vermilion

Ryan Walker Vermilion

Justin Freyholtz Vermilion

Dustin Hardy Vermilion

Western Division

Devin Davis Minn.West

Tyrone Topps Minn.West

Terrell Price Minn.West

Farod Anderson Minn.West

Tyler Kurrasch Minn.West

Kenny Reid Minn.West

Jose Olvera Minn.West

Jared Kinley Minn.West

Jared Olsgaard M State-FF

Nathan Christenson M State-FF

Abram Aho M State-FF

James West M State-FF

Johnl Jones M State-FF

Ed Guyton M State-FF



Western Division (continued)

Charles Walker NDSCS

Rodolph Zieh NDSCS

Jaquon Cogshell Ridgewater

Tavaris Bushner Ridgewater

Brandon Brice Ridgewater

T’ummie Sankey Ridgewater

CJ Borlies Ridgewater

Chance Krumwiede Ridgewater

Komotay Koffie NDSCS

Lucas Uransel NDSCS

Tyler French NDSCS

Keyon Thomas NDSCS

Nick White NDSCS

Lajuan Ransom NDSCS

Demetrius Johnson NDSCS

Central lakes

Head Coach: Greg Medeck Starters Returning: 13 (Off: 5 Def: 8)

Yrs Coaching: 10 Career head Coaching Record: 78-22

2015 Overall Record: 8-3 2015 division Record: 4-1

PROJECTED Top OFFENSIVE Players:

Name Pos H.S./ COLLEGE Supporting Statistics/Info

Emmanuel Henry OL Warren Township (IL)

Will Pendergraph OL West Potomac (VA)

Cody Rau WR Litchfield (MN)

Greg Lewis RB Wauwatosa West (WI)

PROJECTED Top DEFENSIVE Players:


Kyree McLean DB Zion-Benton (IL)

Tyler Koch DL Papillion (NE)

Maurice Willis DB Robbinsdale Cooper (MN)

Mykal Riley LB Shakopee (MN)

PROJECTED Top SPECIAL TEAM Players:


Seth Zins K Verndale (MN)

Matt Soldner LS Rocori (MN)

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: Must replace key skill positions (QB, RB and WR) that were very productive in 2015.

Good depth is present at most positions and quality balance provides for an optimistic outlook.

Strong leadership along the offensive line will be a focal point.

Defense: High expectations exist for this group as many defenders got game experience a

year ago as freshmen. Solid depth and a great “team” concept should propel this unit in 2016.

Special teams: A good number of potential athletes to support all of the special teams sets

solid expectations. Capable return men along with a strong kicker and punter should compli-

ment the special team depth.

Incoming recruiting class: Key newcomers will embrace vital roles early at a variety of

positions. This young group has the appearance of being the perfect compliment to a solid

group of veterans.

Key to Success in 2016:

1) Solid play in all three phases, including consistent execution

2) Ability to take the learning experience one step at a time and trust the process

3) Early growth and development of the younger players, coupled with great leadership from a

large, strong group of sophomores

MCAC Football Team Previews


eastern Division

Fond du lac

eastern Division



Head Coach: Terry Fawcett Starters Returning: 2 (Off: 1 Def: 1)





Tyrone Enstern RB Pattonville (MO)

Jack Marsh, Jr. OL Smith-Cotton (MO)

Miles Kelly WR First Coast (FL)

Brandon Dylar TE University (FL)



Uriah Guy CB Grandview (MO)

Damon Garner DL Port Allen (LA)

Vincent Carreker DL Bishop-Hartley (OH)

Ja’Paul Sinkfield DL Pensacola Catholic (FL)



Terrance Wenzel KR Proctor (MN)

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: Matt Iovine from Zephyrhills Christian (FL) has been named the starter for new

head coach Terry Fawcett. TE Brandon Dylar was highly recruited and has big play ability at

tight end.

Defense: The front four looks to build on the 51 team sacks last year, tops in the NJCAA.

Special teams: Need to win the battle for field position and convert all PAT’s

Incoming recruiting class: The team has bonded well in camp and the receiving corp has

height and skill. Good team speed.


1) Stay healthy

2) Team discipline

3) Consistent special teams play

itasca

eastern Division



Head Coach: Tom Inforzato Starters Returning: 9 (Off: 5 Def: 4)





Roshea Grays RB LaVergne (TN) 2nd Team All-Division

Josh Oberle WR Thorp (WI) 2nd Team All-Division

Malik Foy RB Winter Park (FL) incoming freshman

Javonte Johnson OL Dunnellon (FL) incoming freshman



Zahid Hujurat LB Dunnellon (FL) incoming freshman

Jack Leius DB Robbinsdale Armstrong(MN) incoming freshman

Jonathan Strain DL LaVergne (TN) starter in 2015

Jordan Dyess LB Racine Park (WI) starter in 2015



Zepher Resnick K Norman County East (MN) incoming freshman

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: Will focus on fundamentals and discipline at the line of scrimmage. Taking care of

the football, moving the chains and executing in the red zone will be very important to build

off from last season’s big step forward.

Defense: With few returning sophomores the Vikings will expect incoming freshmen to

step up to the challenge of the fast paced MCAC offenses. Getting off the field on third down

is always pivotal.

Special teams: Discipline in the kicking and return game will be a major focus of the 2016

season, especially early on. Fundamentals are a main focal point to ensure special team success.

Incoming recruiting class: High expectations in the Vikings camp with 55 new faces

competing for playing time in hopes of continuing the upward trend built in 2015. Should be

more consistent across the board.


1) Mesh as a team

2) Continue to improve throughout the season

3) Play with intensity and enthusiasm

Mesabi range

eastern Division



Head Coach: Dan Lind Starters Returning: 12 (Off: 7 Def: 5)





Devontae Carter QB Decatur (GA) 74-142, 52%, 957 yds

Tae Howard WR Hutto(TX) 13 rec-168 yds

Gary Vaughn WR Northwood (DC) 16 rec-186 yds

Jiminquas Johnson TE Oak Ridge (TN) 22 rec-289 yds



Kyle Williams LB Carl Sandburg (IL) 16 solo tackles, 35 asst

Jonathon Hogan LB Clarenceville (MI) 15 solo tackles, 10 asst



Gary Vaughn WR Northwood (DC) 231 return yards

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: Better numbers this year but team will need to develop quickly.

Defense: Some good returning talent and leadership skills.

Special teams: Should be an improved area with more speed across the special teams.

Incoming recruiting class: Will have better speed this year but young and inexperienced.


1) Stay healthy

2) Have patience to develop the young players

3) Must be balanced on offense, defense and special teams

rochester

eastern Division



Head Coach: Eric Waldstein Starters Returning: 4 (Off: 2 Def: 2)





Connor Watts WR Mankato West (MN) starter in 2015

Jamal Stovall QB Central High (IL) dual threat QB

Montrel Moore RB Central High (IL) returning from 2015



Brandon Perce LB West Allis Central (WI) physical player with good instincts

Eli Smith LB Southwest (WI) athletic newcomer

Dakota Jahnke DL Blue Earth Area (MN) returning from 2015



Dylan Stetter K Rockford (MN)

Chase Salerno P Chatfield (MN)

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: The offense is lined with talented returners, an athletic offensive line and athletes

on the perimeter. They will rely on getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers and

letting them make plays.

Defense: The defense is very stout with some athletic linebackers and a tenacious front line.

This is a group that will fly around with a nose for the football. Expectations are high for this

very fast and athletic unit.

Special teams: The special teams will be full of starters and players that can make special

things happen. They will pay attention and realize how important special teams are to overall

success.

Incoming recruiting class: The class for first year Yellowjackets Coach Eric Waldstein

is loaded with talented freshmen and experienced transfers that will fill the roles of the

graduating sophomores.


1) Leadership from the players will be vital to overcoming the many forms of adversity faced

2) Keeping players healthy is always a challenge and is a key any season

3) Ball security will be a large factor for this team, both limiting turnovers on offense and

creating them on defense

vermilion

eastern Division



Head Coach: Sterry Etheridge Starters Returning: 10 (Off: 5 Def: 5)





Ryan Walker QB Walled-Western Lake (MI) 36 TD senior year

Matthew Tillman RB Agape Christian (FL) 1000 yds as a senior

Dustin Hardy OT Robertsdale (AL) 4 yr. All-County, Alabama All-Star



Myron Riley DB Thornton Township (IL)

Leandro Dibrito DB Shea (RI) 2 time All-State, Rhode Island All-Star

Kenzell Jefferson DB Livionia Churchill (MI)



Justin Freyholtz P Andover (MN)

Carlos Richardson PR Hazelwood East (MO)

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: Hope to be fundamentally sound.

Defense: Be sound, play fast and be physical.

Special teams: Look for consistency.

Incoming recruiting class: 58 newcomers join the Vermilion program.


1) Utilize a high volume group of good character student-athletes

2) Experienced, new coordinators on both sides of the ball

Dakota college at

bottineau



Head Coach: Dan Davis Starters Returning: 3 (Off: 2 Def: 1)





Debert Desty WR Boynton Beach (FL) 3 rec-32 yds, 1 TD

Tyler Manual OL Hinckley (CO) 1st Team All-Division



Keishawn Hayden DE Atherton (KY) 1.5 sacks, 3 TFL



John Jones P/K East Lake (FL) 19-25 PAT, 2-5 FGM

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: With very few starters returning (2) and an entirely new offensive staff, predictions

will be hard to come by. A solid group of young players will have to jell quickly for success

to happen in the early going.

Defense: One starter returns so very young at all positions. Will need some adjustment time

to the college game.

Special teams: The starting placekicker and punter returns and some newcomers have

been added that could make an impact.

Incoming recruiting class: A solid class made up of good kids who work hard and are of

sound character.


1) New offensive players and the new coaching staff must come together quickly and create

a cohesive unit

2) Many new faces all over the team make it important for all to get on the same page quickly

western Division

Minnesota west

western Division



Head Coach: Jeff Linder Starters Returning: 8 (Off: 4 Def:4)





Terrell Price WR Inskter (MI) 1st Team All-Division

Tyrone Topps OL Michigan Collegiate (MI) 1st Team All-Division

Jose Olvera OL Sibley-Ocheyedan (IA) 2nd Team All-Division

Jared Kinley WR Worthington (MN)



Kenny Reid DE Wisconsin Lutheran 1st Team All-Division

Devin Davis LB Southfield (MI)

Tyler Kurrasch LB Ellsworth (MN) 2nd Team All-Division

Farod Anderson DB Western Int’l (MI)



NA

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: Good sophomore leadership but will be very young overall. The keys will be to

eliminate mistakes and turnovers which plagued this unit last season.

Defense: The defensive unit has only four returning starters, however, the recruiting class

looks to be very competitive and athletic.

Special teams: A very athletic unit but will not possess a strong kicking presence. Will have

to improve and become very consistent for the team to be successful.

recruiting class: A solid core of incoming freshmen and hoping they can get acclimated to

play at a high level quickly. Coaches are happy with the progress shown thus far. Games will

be the true test with a very young team, they must improve each week.


1) Will have a hard working team that will try to improve at least 1% each and every day

2) Must pay attention to the little things that will get the team top where they want to be.

3) Players must control all they can control

m state-Fergus falls

western Division



Head Coach: Steve King Starters Returning: 11 (Off: 8 Def: 3)





Jared Olsgaard QB Park Christian (MN) Medical redshirt in 2015

Jonl Jones OL Fridley (MN) 1st Team All-Division

Nathan Christenson WR F.F. Hillcrest (MN) 2nd Team All-Division

Fatah Malone WR Irondale (MN)



Edward Guyton DL Richfield (MN) 1st Team All-Division

Abram Aho LB Fergus Falls (MN) Medical redshirt in 2015

James West LB Milwaukee Lutheran (WI)

Jeff Helander DL Minnewaska Area (MN)



Jordan Foss K F.F. Hillcrest (MN)

Edward Guyton LS Richfield (MN)

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: For the first time in many years, four starters return to the O-line to go along with

depth at the QB and RB positions. Many new receivers join the ranks and have a lot yet to learn.

Defense: Only three starters return to a defense that was solid in 2015. Some quality players

will step in especially along the D-line.

Special teams: A highly successful high school kicker joins the Spartans from in-town

Hillcrest H.S. and that will hopefully translate into more red zone points. Long snapper

Ed Guyton also returns which is crucial. This area should show marked improvement in 2016.

Incoming recruiting class: A solid group of recruits with high character and a strong work

ethic. Feel good about balance and depth at each position in addition to added speed across a

much deeper offensive line


1) Stay healthy

2) Develop a sense of family immediately

3) Maturity

NDSCS

western Division



Head Coach: Merle Johnson Starters Returning: 9 (Off: 5 Def: 4 )





Tyler French TE Ben C. Rain (AL) 22 rec, 274 yds, 12.5 ave, 4 TD

Keyon Thomas WR Mpls. North (MN) 5 rec, 153 yds, 30.6 ave, 2 TD

Charles Walker OL Campus Magnet (NY)

Rodolph Zleh RB Mount Pleasant (RI)



Nick White DE Royal Palm Beach (FL) 2nd Team All-Division, 52 tackles, 22 TFL,

13.5 sacks

Lajuan Ransom DE Cane Ridge (TN) H.M. All-Division, 21 tackles, 6 TFL, 6

sacks

Demetrius Johnson DB Annapolis Christian (MD) 2nd Team All-Division, 42 tackles, 3 INT

Komotay Koffie DB Knoxville Central (TN)



Lucas Uransel K Liberty (IL)

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: The 2016 version of the Wildcat offense will be dependent upon how the offensive line

develops. With only one returning offensive lineman and a number of quality new comers it will

be important for the team work to come together quickly. Additionally, key positions such as QB,

RB and WR’s will need to be filled in.

Defense: The defense looks to continue being successful having a reputation of being a hard-

nosed unit. White and Ransom anchor the front, with DB Johnson roaming in the secondary. The

defense will continue utilizing mixed coverages and heavy pressure packages to keep offenses

off balanced.

Special teams: A pair of new kickers will lead the special teams. Several newcomers will

provide speed and athleticism to shift momentum.

Incoming recruiting class: A strong recruiting class covering all aspects of the game will

hopefully yield great benefits.


1) Finding the right combination of players to make the Offense, Defense and Special Teams work

at a high level.

northland



Head Coach: Jim Cox Starters Returning: 5 (Off: 3 Def: 2)





Pierre Elysee WR Orlando (FL)

Christian Vinson WR Anthony (FL)

Kaleb Torgerson FB Thief River Falls (MN)

Kevin Evans RB Groveland (FL)



Quadarius Gordon CB Ocala (FL)

Duane Barnes CB Mounty Dora (FL)

Kevin Dawson LB Tallahassee (FL)

Paul Jackson DT Mobile (AL)



Carter Burks P Grygla (MN)

Season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: An experienced receiving group will have to wait for the development of an all

new offensive line and QB. Great early season thus far.

Defense: Like the offense, the defense will be made up of new faces. Early practices have

been extremely encouraging.

Special teams: An excellent, returning punter will be surrounded by hustling youth.

Incoming recruiting class: A very talented group. The interim staff and returning staff

recruited well.


1) Discipline

2) How fast the freshmen mature

3) Getting off to a quality start

western Division

ridgewater

western Division



Head Coach: Lloyd Danzeisen Starters Returning: 6 (Off: 3 Def: 3)





CJ Borlies QB Pequot Lakes (MN)

Chance Krumwiede OG Hutchinson (MN) 2nd Team All-Division

T’ummie Sankey RB Jefferson Davis (AL)

Yohanna Shokai RB Lincoln (NE)



Brandon Brice S Hazelwood East (MO) 1st Team All-Division, 4 INT, 4 TD

Tavaris Bushner CB Buchtel (OH) 1st Team All-Division, 4 INT

Jaquon Cogshell CB Brainerd (MN) 2nd Team All-Division



CJ Borlies K/P Pequot Lakes (MN)

season prOSPECTUS:

Offense: A very young unit, however, a new group of wide receivers shows promise. The

running game looks solid and two QB are battling for the starting role.

DEFENSE: Three quality DB return and the new players have looked solid. The linebackers

will be more athletic than in 2015 and overall the defense will be quicker.

Special teams: A new kicker/punter that has showed good skills. The return game look solid.

Incoming recruiting class: The 2016 squad has more speed and athleticism than a year

ago.


1) Stay healthy

2) A young offensive group will have to learn how execute at a high level quickly

Documents

2016 Football Preview - blog.rctc.edublog.rctc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/MCAC_2016_Football... · Rochester 55 0 Dakota College MCAC Quarter-Finals NDSCS 49 ... SCORING G TD