The 2010 football season is fast approaching and we are ready to get things ratcheted up here at JohnnieFootball.com. Welcome back to the site and many thanks for coming to visit us on a regular basis during the football season. Please send your comments/critiques/corrections/complaints/compliments to touchdowntommy@johnniefootball.com. Now let’s get right down to business…
Top Teams in the MIAC:
The 2010 MIAC football season will be a three horse race with St. John’s, St. Thomas, and Bethel competing for the conference title. I think there is an outside chance that Concordia will cause some noise, but they will certainly have to show more consistency this year.
A quick glance at the rosters shows that Bethel and St. Thomas won the recruiting battles during the offseason. Recruiting doesn’t equal wins on Saturday afternoon, but both squads had several players in the MN High School All-Star Game who could impact games immediately.
My 2010 predicted standings:
1. St. Thomas
2. St. John’s
3. Bethel
4. Concordia
5. Gustavus
6. Carleton
7. St. Olaf
8. Augsburg
9. Hamline
Big Games in 2010 (entire 2010 MIAC schedule):
9-11 St. John’s at Wisconsin-Eau Claire 7pm
10-2 St. Thomas at St. John’s 1pm
10-9 St. John’s at Bethel 1pm
10-23 Bethel at St. Thomas 1pm
Key Contributors for the Johnnies:
1. DL Kyle Schroeder–He was an absolute force last season on the defensive line. He will face the double teams that Nick Gunderson had to fight for the last few years. This is important as the more offensive lineman he occupies allows for the linebackers to run freely flowing to the ball making plays.
2. LB John Stanton–He is a ballhawk and loves to deliver a big hit. Creating turnovers and getting in the passing lanes will be critical to winning the big games this fall. He is a player teams gameplan for and must be a difference maker for the 2010 Johnnie defense to excel.
3. RBs Jakob Reding, Steve Johnson, & Nick Schneider–This three-headed monster will need to have a big season. The Johnnies have been primarily a throwing team for many years now, but must remain dedicated to the running game to keep opponents off balance.
4. TE Josh Overman–He has shown he’s willing to go over the middle and take a big hit without getting “alligator arms”. He could become Boyle’s “Go To Guy” as QB Joe Boyle looks to develop chemistry with a new bunch of WRs.
News & Notes:
- The Stiftungsfestivities will begin at 9am on Saturday morning in the Science Lot Parking Lot just above the South Endzone at Clemens Stadium. Everyone is welcome as the tailgate party has gotten bigger and better every year. There will be the world famous Stiftungsfest burgers, wild rice bratwursts, pork patties, chicken wings, etc. Please feel free to bring your favorite snack (chips, deviled eggs, chili, bbq ribs, cheese curds) or dessert (cookies, brownies, pastries, etc) for sharing. Your favorite cold beverage of choice is also recommended!!!
- Frank “The Plank” Rajkowski from the St. Cloud Times is back in the saddle for another season covering the Johnnies. Check out his blog for daily tidbits from practice.
- Mark “Voice of the Johnnies” Lewandowski and Bryan Backes are back calling Johnnies football this season on 660 WBHR The Bear. Charlie “The Wolfman” Carr and Mike “Carbo” Carr will be adding analysis from the sidelines.
- If you are listening to the Johnnies from across the country and/or the world & want “behind the scenes” takes be sure to follow Finsleft and myself on Twitter this season. We’ll be tweeting pictures, commentary, and providing perspective from the games.
