Orono takes thunder out of Zimmerman
The Spartans put together their best game of the season with a 40-0 victory over the Zimmerman Thunder Oct. 12.
“We have been talking about playing the complete game for the past several weeks,” said Orono Coach Jeff Weiland. “The offense, defense, and special teams all executed very well and it all came together.”
Senior Austin Hilgenberg contributed seven tackles and a quarterback sack in the Oct. 12 game against Zimmerman. Hilgenberg (number 85) is pictured with senior Paul Morse (number 58). (Photo by Angie Erickson)
Offense
The Spartan offense found their running game against the Thunder.
“They were really worried about our passing game and played a soft front against our run,” Weiland noted. “As a result, we were able to attack their front and really move the ball.”
The Spartans rushed for a season high 299 yards on 44 carries. Leading the way for Orono was junior Charlie Schmid who had 101 yards on only 14 carries.
“Charlie really stepped up for us against Zimmerman. He not only carried the ball, he also did a great job blocking for Sam Challgren and Zach Grochowski,” Weiland noted.
Ten different Spartans carried the ball on the night. Other rushing leaders were Challgren (nine carries for 85 yards), Matt Urness (four carries for 32 yards), Zach Grochowski (three carries for 19 yards), and freshman Blake Leischow (three carries for 42 yards and a touchdown). Weiland credited the offensive line for controlling the line of scrimmage all night long.
“We really got after the offensive line after the Mound game and challenged them to dominate Zimmerman,” he said. “They responded very well.”
The members of the line include Nick Patterson, Jake Anderson, Nate Seward, Marcus Rosendahl, Zach Mahan, and tight end Anders Knutson. Junior Ben Turnham didn’t have to pass very often, but when he did he was very effective completing five of eleven passes for 95 yards and a touchdown to Koller Adzick.
Adzick was the leading receiver catching three passes for 39 yards. Anders Knutson and Sam Challgren each had one catch for more than 20 yards each.
Defense
With the offense eating the clock, the Spartan defense didn’t have to play as many plays, but when they were called on to stop the Thunder option attack, they were up to the task.
“A lot of teams never face an option attack like Zimmerman runs. In our league, we see it almost every week,” Weiland noted. “Our guys really play their responsibilities and were able to get the second shutout in as many weeks.”
Leading the defense for the Spartans was senior captain Nick Adzick.
“Nick was all over the field. He definitely played his best game of the season this week,” Weiland noted.
Adzick had nine solo tackles and three assists. Austin Hilgenberg contributed seven tackles and a quarterback sack. Zach Mahan led the defensive line with seven tackles and a sack as well. The Spartans also picked off two Thunder passes, one by Chandler Perry and one by Nick Rutherford.
Next
The Spartans final regular season game will be at Pesonen Stadium Oct. 17 against Waconia. It will be senior night where the seniors and their parents will be recognized in a ceremony before the game.
The play-offs will begin for the Spartans Oct. 23. It looks as if the Spartans will get a home game, but that won’t be final until after the final game of the season.
SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter:
ORONO – SCHMID 52 YD RUN (RUN FAILED)
Second Quarter:
ORONO – CHALLGREN 5 YD RUN (OLSON KICK)
ORONO – GROCHOWSKI 9 YD RUN (OLSON KICK)
Third Quarter:
ORONO – K. ADZICK 6 YD PASS FROM TURNHAM (OLSON KICK)
ORONO – CHALLGREN 1 YD RUN (KICK FAILED)
Fourth Quarter:
ORONO – LEISCHOW 16 YD RUN (OLSON KICK)
