Saint Olaf quarterback John Haberman is a dual-purpose threat for the Oles (Photo courtesy of www.stolaffootball.com)
The St. Olaf football team has been on the rise for several seasons. In recent years, match-ups between the Johnnies and Oles have brought the excitement of unblemished records and MIAC title implications. The loss of head coach Chris Meidt and veteran quarterback Matt Penz have taken their toll on the Oles, though. St. Olaf has ground out a three and three record thus far in 2008. Meanwhile, the Johnnies are having an off-year, as well. In what is turning out to be a wild year in the MIAC, the Johnnies are carrying a 5-2 record. Not yet mathematically eliminated from contention for the MIAC crown, the Johnnies find themselves in a must-win situation if they want to taste a playoff berth in 2008.
Junior quarterback John Haberman (6-4, 205) runs the huddle for the Oles and is a threat both through the air and on the ground. He has completed 77 of 132 passes for 846 yards this season with seven interceptions. He’s also kept the ball 87 times for 128 yards. His top target comes out of the backfield, senior running back Evan Endsley (6-0, 203). Endsley has caught a team-best 26 passes for 311 yards. He’s also carried the ball 38 times for 113 yards. Senior running back Coty Watkins (6-1, 215) is the go-to ball carrier when Haberman does not keep it himself. Watkins has carried 114 times for 503 yards. Senior wide receiver Ryan St. John (6-3, 205), junior tight end Mike Shimshock (6-5, 222), and sophomore receiver Antonio Jennings (6-0, 170) are other top receivers for the Oles. Jennings has gained 177 yards on 17 receptions, St. John has nine catches for 91 yards, and Shimshock has six catches for 56 yards. The offensive line is composed of senior Paul Schwingler (6-3, 295), juniors John Schantzen (6-3, 289) and Kyle Glanton (6-0, 280), and sophomores Drew Penz (6-3, 271) and Adam Koenig (6-6, 283).
The Ole defense is fronted by a mammoth defensive line that averages over 6’3” and 280 pounds. Senior Michael Williams Jr. (6-6, 260) and juniors C.J. Tabasky (6-1, 290), Nick Tolen (6-3, 306), and Zac Henschel (6-4, 260) occupy the trenches. Williams leads the team in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (3.5). The linebacking crew is comprised of juniors Adam Concannon (5-9, 232) and Eric Werdahl (6-0, 187) along with sophomore Patrick Luevano (5-11, 200). Werdahl leads the team in tackles with 29.5, but the other two linebackers are close behind. The all-junior defensive backfield is made up of safeties Chris DeLuca (5-11, 180) and Ryan Skluzacek (6-4, 205) and cornerbacks Tyler Jones (5-9, 168) and Justin Lanman (5-11, 175). Jones leads the Oles in interceptions with two.
Sophomore defensive lineman Nick Ondler (6-1, 267) handles kicking duties for the Oles. He is five of six on PATs and two of seven on field goals. Senior Matt Nelson (6-3, 217) averages about 39 yards per punt. Freshman Leon Clark (5-9, 172) is the Oles main return man. He’s returned 11 punts for 137 yards and 10 kickoffs for 282 yards.
I think the Oles will present a formidable task. First off, it’s a road game, and the Johnnies have not performed well on the road thus far. Also, beating the Johnnies is an accomplishment that any MIAC player would like to achieve, so the Oles will be ready to play. This should be a very winnable game for the Johnnies, though, if their offense performs up to their potential.
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