Meidinger makes most of limited time
AREA ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Zack Meidinger didn't see the field much during the Verndale Pirates season opener Sept. 4.
That didn't hamper him from racking up 204 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just five carries. The versatile junior also caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Colby Schmidt to help the Pirates to a 38-20 win over Brandon-Evansville.
Meidinger opened the scoring with a 74-yard sprint at the 5:38 mark of the first quarter. His reception from Schmidt pushed the Pirates' lead to 20-0 at the end of the first quarter.
He finished his scoring plays with an 83-yard run for a 32-6 halftime lead.
Zack Meidinger
"He's very quick, obviously," said Pirates head coach Mike Mahlen. "He's a fast player and he made a few big plays for us last year as a sophomore. Now he's a junior and we're looking for more of that out of him. He's our best receiver, too."
Verndale fans saw glimpses of Meidinger's athletic ability last season as he helped the Pirates to the Nine-Man state tournament. He totaled 450 yards and five touchdowns on 52 carries for an 8.7 yards-per-carry average last season. He caught six passes for 170 yards and three more scores.
He returned 18 punts for 399 yards (22.17 average) and a touchdown and averaged 20.3 yards per kick return.
"They have me doing running back and receiver and I like them both," said Meidinger. "I really like receiver when we throw the ball, but we're not really a throwing team.
"I love the fact that I rarely get off the field."
Zack Meidinger
Year: Junior
School: Verndale
Sport: Football
Position: Halfback, receiver, safety
Key stat: Rushed for 204 yards and two touchdowns on five carries and caught one pass for 28 yards and a score against Brandon-Evansville
If it's not offense or special teams Meidinger is patrolling the secondary from his safety position. Last year, he finished with 52 tackles, four interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
"He didn't play a whole lot (at safety) last Friday, but he does do a good job of covering a lot of area," Mahlen said. "He's got good anticipation on the ball. And again, his quickness really helps."
While he won't be directly filling in for the graduated Matt Moenkedick, who rushed for 2,001 yards and 27 touchdowns, Meidinger will be the big-play threat to Amos Schmidt's power running. That chore is not daunting to the second-year player.
"There is no pressure," said Meidinger, who also plays basketball. "You just go out and do what you do. I don't really feel any pressure. I didn't come in with any goals, but to just win some games."
Other notable performances:
Football: Sam Johnson, Aitkin, rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries against Two Harbors.
Brandon Wing, Staples-Motley, rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown against East Grand Forks.
John Omann, Pierz, rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns against Hibbing.
Aaron Kern, Wadena-Deer Creek, rushed for 111 yards against Park Rapids.
Kevin Tumberg, Wadena-Deer Creek, threw for 92 yards and a touchdown on 11-of-16 passing against Park Rapids.
Matthew Hudrlik, Crosby-Ironton, rushed for 175 yards and three touchdowns and caught a 69-yard touchdown pass against Duluth Marshall.
Phil Kuhlmann, Crosby-Ironton, threw for 269 yards and four touchdowns against Duluth Marshall.
Soccer: Patrick Trout, Lake Region, scored three goals against Walker-Hackensack-Akeley.
JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5856.