Alumni
Central Lakes College on to State JC Championship at SCSU
Mon, November 02, 2009 - Posted by Coach Johnson
Vermilion had nipped CLC 27-26 in last year's state semifinals.
"It was nearly as thrilling as last-season's post-season match-up," Medeck said. "This one came out in our favor, thankfully."
|
CLC finished with 565 total yards while limiting the Ironmen to 299.
"The greatest day offensively for our program since I've been here," Medeck said. "An incredible effort by a number of guys, but most noticeably by offensive coordinator Jim Strohmeier. The ability for our offense to progress and get better throughout the season, despite all of the injuries and illnesses we have had, is a total credit to him.
|
The Raiders fell behind 7-0 on the game's second play and trailed 23-8 at the half. CLC outscored the Ironmen 28-7 in the second half for their second trip to the state finals in three years.
In the first half CLC scored on a safety and 2-yard run by Taute.
"We had a difficult start, trailing after the second play of the game due to a flea-flicker trick play," Medeck said. "Our offense controlled the clock and moved the ball well, but was only able to manage one score in the first half, and our defense played poorly, allowing 23 points early, the most all season in one half."
In the third quarter, Taute scored on runs of three and six yards. In the fourth he scored on a 1-yard plunge.
|
Medeck said there were three keys to the Raiders' offensive success.
"First, the offensive line had their best day of the year, leading the way for 275 yards rushing and not allowing any sacks," he said. "Second, Taute had his best day as a college football player. His will to win really led our team. Third, Erickson provided numerous explosive plays.
"I'm so proud to be a part of this program and have the opportunity to lead this group of men. They have worked hard, set high expectations, and followed through. We are back where we wanted to be, competing for a championship. This is truly a special group."
Central Lakes 8 0 15 13 - 36
Vermilion 7 16 0 7 - 30
CLC scoring plays
First quarter
Safety, (punt snapped out of end zone)
Dennis Taute 2 run (kick failed)
Third quarter
Taute 3 run (Felipe Castro kick)
Taute 6 run (Colt Gatzemeyer run)
Fourth quarter
Taute 1 run (Castro kick)
Tyler Erickson 14 pass from Andrew Maskell (kick failed)
CLC individual statistics
Rushing: Taute 52-250, Maskell 2-17, Brandon Julius 1-4, Gatzemeyer 1-3, Alex Leach 2-1
Passing: Maskell 12-23-0290
Receiving: Erickson 7-207, Julius 3-56, Leach 2-27
Team statistics
Rushes-yards: CLC 58-275, Ver 161
Pass comp-att-int-yds: CLC 12-23-0-290, Ver 138
Total offense: CLC 565, Ver 299
Fumbles-lost: CLC 1-1, Ver 0-0
Overall: CLC 9-1. Next: CLC vs. Rochester, MCAC championship game, 1:30 p.m. Sunday at St. Cloud State University.
Taute and Ash continue to Lead CLC to victories at Brainerd
Sat, September 26, 2009 - Posted by Coach Johnson
CLC remains unbeaten (Excerpts from CLC sports)
By NATHAN BROWN
Sports Writer
Some days are better than others.
Despite not having one of their better days offensively, the Central Lakes College Raiders pulled out a grueling 17-7 win over the Itasca Vikings during homecoming Saturday. The Raiders were dominant early as Colt Gatzemeyer orchestrated 116 first-quarter yards, including a seven-play, 48-yard touchdown drive highlighted by Gatzemeyer connecting with Tyler Erickson on a fade route from the 11 to put the Raiders up 7-0.
Early in the second quarter, Gatzemeyer appeared to have the Raiders primed to put the game away as he conducted the Raiders’ third drive deep into Viking territory. A sack on third-and-long left him injured, which restricted his mobility and ability to pinpoint the remainder of his passes. Faced with a long third down with less than 2 minutes remaining in the first half, the Raiders returned to the fade route as Gatzemeyer connected with Erickson. Following a block by Kevin Beehler, Erickson was off to the races resulting in a 40-yard gain and the day’s longest play from scrimmage.
Five plays later, Dennis Taute received a pitch to the right side, side-stepped one Viking, stiff-armed another, and spun his way in around a third defender to cap-off the 9-play, 82-yard drive, giving the Raiders a 14-0 halftime lead.
Taute carried the ball 24 times for 99 yards and one touchdown. He has eclipsed 90-yards rushing in each of the past three games. Taute’s running was accompanied by the dynamic duo of Gatzemeyer to Erickson, who connected five times for 62 yards as the Raiders marched off 246 total yards.
The Raiders will put their 4-0 record on the line as they travel to face the Rochester Yellowjackets Saturday.
Central Lakes adds another win, Taute, Ash and Wright Help bring the Victory
Mon, September 14, 2009 - Posted by Coach Johnson
Central Lakes College surprises No. 20 Mesabi
VIRGINIA - Quarterback Colt Gatzemeyer passed for 158 yards and two touchdowns and Dennis Taute rushed for 97 yards to help the Central Lakes College Raiders sting the 20th-ranked Mesabi Norse 16-8 in non-division play Saturday.
Felipe Castro kicked a 23-yard field goal to open CLC’s scoring. Gatzemeyer threw second-quarter touchdown passes of 30 yards to Dustin Kramer and 28 yards to Alex Leach.
“This was a strong test for us as Mesabi was nationally ranked, undefeated and coming off a state championship,” Raiders coach Greg Medeck said. “We responded well by winning the game on the road. There are many aspects that we would like to improve on and start seeing our football team get better each week.
“Next weekend we host a tough Itasca team for our homecoming.”
The victory raised CLC’s overall record to 3-0 while admistering Mesabi its first loss.
Andrew Hallberg and Kyle Hedlund recovered fumbles for the Raiders, who led 16-0 in the second quarter.
“With third and goal at the 1-yard line we fumbled, which led to a large swing of momentum as Mesabi went 99 yards, mostly on two big pass plays, to cut the lead to 16-8 at half,” Medeck said.
“It stayed that way the rest of the game as both defenses remained tough,” Medeck added. “We saw some nice things from our passing game in the first half. Dennis Taute had another strong showing, rushing for nearly 100 yards for the second consecutive game.
“Kyle Crozon and Jordan Moll both recorded great days on defense, with more than 10 tackles apiece as well as a sack each. Karl Hunt had a great interception that he returned to the Mesabi 3-yard-line.”
Central Lakes 3 13 0 0 - 16
Mesabi 0 8 0 0 - 8
CLC scoring plays
First quarter
Felipe Castro 23 FG
Second quarter
Dustin Kramer 30 pass from Colt Gatzemeyer (kick failed)
Alex Leach 28 pass from Gatzemeyer (Castro kick)
Team statistics
Rushing: CLC 39-106, M 142
Passing: CLC 11-19-1-158, M 126
Total yards: CLC 264, M 268
CLC individual stats
Rushing: Dennis Taute 26-97, Dustin Parker 1-9, Brandon Julius 2-3, Michael Iverson 7-1, Colt Gatzemeyer 3-2
Passing: Gatzemeyer 11-19-158
Receiving: Ryan Fay 3-51, Dustin Kramer 3-43, Alex Leach 1-28, Tyler Erickson 1-15, Nick Graber 1-12, Dan Ngandali 1-4, Michael Iverson 1-1
2009 Alumni Move on to the College Fields
Tue, August 04, 2009 - Posted by Coach Johnson
The 2009 college football season is about to begin and several former Wolves players will be heading to camps at a variety of colleges around the area.
Major Hopp will be returning to Valley City State in North Dakota as an offensive linemen.
Roy Ash returns to Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minnesota as a sophomore. Roy hopes to start at linebacker on a strong Raider team.
Dennis Taute will also return to CLC as a running back. Dennis hopes to hold down one of the running back positions for the Raiders.
2009 graduates will also be heading to pre-season camps:
QB Alex Hass will be going to Bemidji State along with WR Myles Swenson.
OG Stephen Girard will be going to Hamline hoping to play for the Pipers on the offensive line.
RB / OLB Jerad Sikkink is heading to St. Scholastica in Duluth. Jerad hopes to play at Strong Safety.
OG / LB Greg Wright will also be attending Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
Randy Hjort competes in NAIA All-American Bowl
Sat, May 02, 2009 - Posted by Coach Johnson
All-star game, pro tryout keep Hjort on field
By Gary Larson
Mille Lacs County Times
It looked like Randy Hjort had strapped on his football helmet and tightened his pads for the last time when Valley City State University (N.D.) ended its 2008 season last fall.
But, things changed this spring. Last Saturday, Hjort, a 2005 Milaca graduate, was one of four players representing Valley City at the third annual College Fanz/Victory Sports Network NAIA Senior Classic football game Saturday at Pirate Stadium in Platte City, Mo. Hjort’s National team topped the American team 24-10.
“I had a great time,” said Hjort, a four year-starter at right tackle at Valley City. “It was fun playing with and against the top players from NAIA schools across the country.”
And, it’s not over yet. Hjort will head to Cincinnati later this week to take part in a tryout camp being conducted by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League.
Hjort got to play in seven series at the Senior Classic. Some of his time was spent blocking for running back Greg Fountain of Campbellsville College (Ky.) who rushed for 70 yards and was named the National team’s offensive player of the game. “I was happy with my play,” said Hjort, a member of Milaca’s state tournament basketball team in 2003. “I’ve been working out during the winter and this spring and I held up pretty well. Besides being a lot of fun, the game was a good tune-up for the Edmonton camp.” The tryout camp is Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College of Cincinnati. The workouts will include strength, speed and agility tests. Hjort is 6-foot-6, 275 pounds and hopes to be looked at as an offensive lineman, a spot he’s very familiar with. But, he’s open to try the other side of the football, too.
“Offensive linemen in the pros are pretty much 300 pounds or more,” said Hjort. “So, if I’m a little light for offensive line, I think I’m quick enough and strong enough to give the defensive line a shot.
“I’m optimistic going into the camp. You always want to know how you measure up and I’m glad to get the opportunity. If nothing results from it I’ll be satisfied that I got the chance and gave it my best effort.”
Hjort’s best effort was something Valley City Coach Dennis McCulloch said game after game during Hjort’s four years in the Vikings’ line.
“Randy is one of the best and most consistent offensive linemen we’ve had at Valley City during my 12 years as head coach,” said McCulloch, who recommended Hjort for the Senior Classic. “He moved into the line right away and he stayed there. “Randy is that combination of size and quickness a coach looks for. He is agile on his feet and he likes to mix it up. He helped make our sweeps outside click.”
Valley City won the Dakota Athletic Conference title when Hjort was a sophomore. “That was a thrill-it’s a tough, balanced conference,” said Hjort, the son of Dean and Lori Hjort. “We had good teams all four years I played at Valley City. “I’m happy with my decision to go there.”
Hjort said he enjoyed playing for Milaca Coach Randy Johnson and McCulloch.
“I’ve had two great football coaches who helped bring out the best in me,” Hjort said.
He has a double major in business management-business marketing and plans to earn his degree next fall semester.
Unless, Edmonton has other plans for him. “I’ll see what happens,” he said. “If I’m fortunate enough to move on to another level in football, I’ll put my degree on hold for a semester. If not, I’m looking forward to a career in business.” Business. That’s something Hjort has been giving to defensive players on the football field for many years.
Carter Ash starts Wrestling Season at Southwest State
Tue, November 04, 2008 - Posted by Coach Johnson
Former wreslter and football player from Milaca has gone on to wrestle at the college level for the Mustangs of Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota. Carter took 2nd place in an open tournament in his first college level matches.
Carter Ash Milaca Graduate 2008
Season Ends for Taute and Ash at Central Lakes
Tue, November 04, 2008 - Posted by Coach Johnson
The Raiders of Central Lakes college in Brainerd were eliminated from the playoffs last Saturday, as they were defeated by Vermillion College in Ely. Former Milaca players, Dennis Taute and Roy Ash have been playing for the Raiders throughout the season. Dennis has been a running back while Roy has been playing outside linebacker.
Roy Ash 2008 Graduate MHS
Dennis Taute 2008 Graduate MHS
Central Lakes wins behind the rushing of Dennis Taute
Mon, September 08, 2008 - Posted by Coach Johnson
Raiders rally for 29-22 win
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
THIEF RIVER FALLS - After building a 13-8 first quarter lead, the Central Lakes College Raiders football team needed a fourth-quarter comeback to down Northland Saturday 29-22.
Raiders’ quarterback Mike Beehler led the team on a 77-yard, game-winning scoring drive that included two fourth-down conversions. The drive also ate up nine minutes of the fourth quarter.
Dennis Taute, who rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns, scored the deciding points.
“Taute had a great day running the ball with a lot of determination,” said Raiders head coach Greg Medeck. “He stepped up really big for us. Beehler showed poise and patience in executing the game winning drive. He really displayed why hi is the best quarterback in the league.”
Beehler threw for 193 yards and a touchdown on 11-of-22 passing. Justin Novak caught three passes for 103 yards and Tim Phonvidone caught at 19-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to help climb the Raider to 22-21.
The story was the Raiders’ ground game and Taute, who scored the Raiders second touchdown of the first quarter for a 13-8 edge. The Raiders finished with 177 rushing yards and 370 yards of total offense.
“It was great to be really challenged by a very good football team and get a good win,” Medeck said. “We are excited to finally come home next week in what is sure to be another tough contest.”
Defensively the Raiders held Northland to 228 yards. Charlie Jacobson tallied 2.5 sacks and Josh Ledin added 1.5 sacks.
Milaca Football players moving on to College Ball
Mon, September 01, 2008 - Posted by Coach Johnson
Dennis Taute and Roy Ash, now members of the Central Lakes Football team in Brainerd, helped the Raiders to a 40-12 win over Fond Du Lac Community College on Friday, August 29th. Ironically, the former Wolves started their college football career on the same field that they ended their high school career, that being, St. Cloud State’s Husky Field. Dennis has been one of the Raider’s runningbacks while Roy has been playing at the strong linebacker spot. Both players saw extensive action in the opening season win for the Raiders.
At Valley City North Dakota, two former linemen helped the Vikings to their opening win. Randy Hjort and Major Hopp are part of the offensive line. Randy, a senior and Major, redshirt freshman have been key players in the Vikings success.
Major Hopp, 6’ 4” 270 lb offensive line
Randy Hjort, 6’ 6” 288 lb offensive line