Well, another football season is less than a week away, and if there is a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than soaking up a game at Saint John’s University, I have not found it. The weather looks to be great, and the Marietta Pioneers will be rolling into Collegeville before we know it. It’s tough to know what to expect from an unknown opponent in an opening game, but here are my thoughts on the 2007 Saint John’s University football opener.
When we have the ball
Two big strengths for us coming into this game are Alex Kofoed and our offensive line. If Kofoed is a new name to you, then you have been hiding under a rock for the past three years. The senior QB has been named a preseason all-American and threw for 2805 yards in 2006. He’ll be protected by seniors Andrew Salvato (preseason all-American), Jason Brodmerkel, Jason Primus, and junior Dan Gamache, all who return from 2006. Seniors Mike Patnode and Brian Weber will take on lead roles at running back and wide receiver, respectively. Patnode had 102 carries for 446 yards and Weber had 32 receptions for 508 yards in 2006.
The Pioneers look to be solid in their linebacking corps, and they return two key defensive linemen, as well. Seniors Brian Hahn (preseason all-American), Carter Shaver, junior Grant Cowell, and sophomore Braden Schaad all return as linebackers with varsity experience. Hahn and Cowell were the top two tacklers for the Pioneers in 2006. Up front, seniors Clay Ream (preseason all-American) and Pete Hashman return. In the backfield, senior Cody Venderlic is the lone returner. I like our chances throwing the ball in this game. Kofoed should be able to pick the secondary apart, and I like our offensive line’s chances against a defensive line with 2 newcomers. Add to that the fact that the Pioneers only recorded 18 sacks as a team in 2006, and I feel like the Saint John’s offense will shine.
When they have the ball
Like Saint John’s, the Pioneers will return experience up front with four returning linemen, 2 of whom were named all-conference in 2006. Seniors Jason Mackay (all-OAC), Lance Parrish (all-OAC), Brad Roberts, and Steve Kwolek will lead the charge. The only other real threat I see from the Pioneers is wide receiver Chad McDaniel. McDaniel was named all-OAC in 2006 after hauling in 49 catches for 741 yards. There looks to be a QB battle between 4 players, but only one of them has thrown a varsity pass for Marietta. They do return running backs Garret Banks, George Davis, and Joe Webb, but they only rushed for 240, 108, and 56 yards respectively in 2006.
Defensively for the Johnnies, juniors Nick Gunderson and Mike Schumacher return on the defensive line. Gunderson was named a preseason all-American this year, and I predict big things for him in 2007. Sophomores Josh Rose and Ryan Wimmer will return at linebacker, and seniors John Cloeter and Kevin Boegel are back at the safety positions. There will be plenty of players starting for their first time at Saint John’s University, so mistakes will be made and the Pioneers will gain yards, but I like our chances. I think a big key to the game will be shaking up their QB. If the newcomers on the defensive line can step in and take some pressure off of Gunderson and Schumacher, good things will happen.
I foresee things falling into place and the Johnnies recording their first “W” for the 2007 season, although the past has shown that the season opener is often the best time to knock SJU off. Marietta won’t be a powderpuff team (Mount Union is a regular season opponent for them, so they see some very good competition), but I think we have enough experience returning this year to get over the opening game jitters.
Bottom line: Johnnies win.
Enjoy the game!
