After a blowout victory in 2006 and a nail-biter in 2007, the Johnnies face the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Falcons for the third consecutive year this Saturday at Clemens Stadium. 2006 saw the Falcons abandon their long-time wishbone offense in favor of a zone offense. They struggled with the switch and were consequently drubbed by the Johnnies 41-9. They seemed to adapt well to the change and caused Johnnie fans much anxiety in last year’s contest, with the Johnnies prevailing in the end 21-10. With some key offensive players returning this season, the Falcons will bring a formidable contender to the table.
Offensively, the Falcons return five starters. Calling the signals is senior quarterback Storm Harmon (6-2, 200). Harmon completed 202 of 342 passes in 2007 for 2163 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also threw 17 interceptions. His main target, sophomore Michael Zweifel (6-1, 185), returns after a WIAC record-breaking freshman campaign. Zweifel broke the WIAC single game record with 18 receptions versus UW-La Crosse. He hauled in 97 receptions for 1056 yards and was named to the D3Football.com Preseason All-American second team for 2008. At the other wide receiver, sophomore Nate Thoreson (6-1, 195) returns. Thoreson caught 10 passes for 205 yards last year. The Falcon’s other main receiving threat is junior tight end Ryan Hansen (6-3, 210). Hansen caught 48 passes for 502 yards in 2007. The Falcons return only one offensive lineman in senior center Scott Witte (6-6, 333). Witte is a three-year starter. The remainder of the Falcon offense is unknown as they have not played a game yet.
SJU’s Michael Schumacher chases down UWRF’s Storm Harmon in 2007 (Photo by John Biasi)
Defensively, the Falcons return only 2 starters in junior defensive backs Ben Arata (5-9, 176) and Ross Potter (6-0, 180). Potter was second on the team in tackles last year with 69. Arata ranked third in tackles with 57 and also tallied one interception. The remainder of the Falcon defense is unknown at this time.
Senior place kicker Jesse Finer (5-11, 174) will handle kicking duties. He was three of 10 on field goal attempts and eight of eight on extra point attempts in 2007. Sophomore punter Eric Stoller (6-3, 240) also returns after averaging 39 yards per punt last year.
It is tough to get much of a feel for the Falcons since so much of their 2008 team is a question mark right now. Zweifel and Harmon are a very good duo. I expect a lot of pressure to be put on the young receiver this season. The Johnnies have the advantage of having one game under their belts already, and of course, the game is in Collegeville. Unfortunately, the Johnnies also have not settled on a single quarterback, which can be a big problem. I expect a tough fought game, but I think the Johnnies will prevail if the offense begins to click and the defense can contain Zweifel.
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