Verndale's Schmidt putting the smackdown on opponents
Area Athlete of the Week
Amos Schmidt is keeping the tradition alive.
The Verndale Pirates own a long history of great running backs and Schmidt is no slouch.
The senior has filled in nicely for the graduated Matt Moenkedick to help the third-ranked Pirates to a 10-0 record and a spot in their fourth-straight section final.
Amos Schmidt
The senior rushed for 294 yards and five touchdowns on 21 carries in a 46-16 Section 4 semifinal win over Isle Oct. 31. In Verndale's 48-0 section quarterfinal win over Ashby, Schmidt rushed for 217 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries Oct. 27.
"We said when the season started that if we're going to be any good Amos will have to step up and take Matt Moenkedick's spot in the backfield," Verndale coach Mike Mahlen said. "He's doing that very well. We hoped he would do it and he's done it.
Amos Schmidt
Year: Senior
School: Verndale
Sport: Football
Position: Halfback
Key stat: Rushed for 294 yards and five touchdowns against Isle
"We've been going to him more than we normally would the last few games, but he's had some big runs and eight touchdowns in the last two games."
Through 10 games, Schmidt has rushed for 1,717 yards and 27 touchdowns on 204 carries, an 8.4 yards-per-carry average. He caught three passes for 36 yards.
"I just wanted to do the best I can," said Schmidt. "I just wanted to use the gifts that God has given me and play as hard as I can. Also, I wanted to keep the team up and not get down on anybody. Once you start getting down on people the whole team falls apart. That's one thing I wanted to do was make sure we had a good team atmosphere and make sure guys knew when they were doing a good job."
Schmidt has been doing a good job on defense as well. He leads the Pirates with 52 tackles to go with 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception.
Last season he finished with 87 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and one pick.
"He's our middle linebacker and he's the key on the defensive side," said Mahlen. "He's playing pretty physical right now. He's running the ball and tackling well.
"He's just a great kid, first of all. He's a three-sport athlete. He wrestled and ran track. He's gotten a taste of state tournaments in football, wrestling and track and field. He's a hard-worker in the weight room and he's a very good student."
In 102 carries last season, Schmidt gained 909 yards and 20 touchdowns, an 8.9 average and caught three passes for 36 yards, helping Verndale to the state tournament. All of this despite blocking for, or playing behind, featured back Matt Moenkedick.
"I guess, it wasn't as much me myself filling the role left by Matt," said Schmidt. "I was hoping our team together would do it. We have three or four of us that have started or played for three years. I was hoping we would come together and have good team chemistry and work to become a real good football team. In football, one guy can make a difference, but good teams go a lot further.
"The season has been fun. The guys we had we knew we had the talent to be a good team. We just needed to play with heart and use our talent. It's just awesome to see that every player gave it their all. Now, in the postseason, they're still giving everything."
Other notable performances:
Football: John Omann, Pierz, rushed for 209 yards and three touchdowns against Osakis.
Gavin Kadlec, Staples-Motley, rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown against Perham.
Nathan Hudrlik, Crosby-Ironton, rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns against Wadena-Deer Creek.
Aaron Kern, Wadena-Deer Creek, rushed for 96 yards and three touchdowns against Crosby-Ironton.
Matt Michaelson, Pequot Lakes, rushed for 231 yards and three touchdowns and threw for another score against Roseau.
Zach Horejsi, Little Falls, rushed for 186 yards and two touchdowns against Rocori.
JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5856.