West Wisconsin Sports.Com
Monday, August 4th, 2008
Article Compiled by: Ben Zwiefelhofer
First Team
Offense
QB- Josh Miska, Ellsworth, Senior- The 6'1" 190 lb had an incredible junior season highlighted by remarkable numbers. In a conference game against New Richmond last year Miska threw for 422 yards and six touchdowns. A 2007 special mention All-Northwest and second team Middle Border selection Miska led the entire Chippewa Valley in passing yards (2,057), second in completions (124), and was tied for touchdowns (24). Despite losing some of his favorite targets to graduation the Panthers senior signal caller should put up big umbers in '08.
RB- Zack Pomputis, Owen-Withee, Senior- Despite his 5'9" 175 pound frame Pomputis has been a bruising fullback for the Blackhawks since his sophomore season. It was 2007, though, that saw Pomputis as ½ of one of the best running back tandems in state football history. Only one player had more rushing yards last year than Pomputis (2,169) and that was his teammate, Dustin Kroeplin (2,681). The loss of Kroeplin to Bemidji State means even more attention to Pomputis and the Blackhawks who move to the newly formed Cloverwood conference in 2008. In 2007 Pomputis was a second team All-Northwest and first team Small Cloverbelt selection.
RB- Levi Johnson, River Falls, Senior- The speedy Johnson flew under the radar last year to an impressive 1,195 yard rushing campaign. The second team Big Rivers selection kept the Wildcats in many games last year with his big play ability. Johnson had a conference high 7.8 yards/carry to go along with 13 touchdowns in just ten games. The Wildcats led by Johnson will look to improve on their 4-3 conference mark last season.
WR- Jarrod Martell, McDonell, Senior- It took a little while for the 5'9" 150 lb junior to gain the attention of his quarterback Jon Schoch in 2007, but once they found a connection they were nearly unstoppable. A late season surge by Martell and the Macks lasted well into November before falling to Owen-Withee in Level 3 of the WIAA Division 6 playoffs. A second team All-Northwest and first team Small Cloverbelt selection Martell hauled in 47 passes for 855 yards and ten touchdowns. The Macks are loaded for 2008 and could make an even longer run into November.
TE- Joel Effertz, Ladysmith, Senior- Coming in at 6'3" and 220 lbs the Lumberjacks burly tight end is one of the state's best in the class of 2009. Effertz can block and catch. Last year he caught 27 balls for over 400 yards on his way to first team Heart O' North honors. Effertz doubled as a defensive end for the Lumberjacks last season, a squad that only gave up double digits in four regular season games.
TE- Jordan Haake, Pepin, Senior- Even though Haake had only 17 teammates last season he managed to flourish among Chippewa Valley receivers grabbing 26 passes. Like Effertz, Haake doubles as a defensive end. He helped the Lakers finish with a 4-3 conference record and a playoff berth in 2007 a remarkable feat considering only 18 players tried out for the team. Although they lost powerful running back Jesse Seifert, Pepin returns Haake's throwing partner Joe Marcks at quarterback. Haake was a first team South Lakeland selection last year.
OL- Corey Paczkowski, Owen-Withee, Senior- He might not have received the attention his teammates did in 2007, but Paczkowski certainly had something to do with the nearly 5,000 rushing yards his teammates racked up last year. A first team all conference selection in the Small Cloverbelt and second team All-Northwest selection Paczkowski stands only 5'9" and weighs a remarkable 150 lbs. The crazy thing is one of the guys he was blocking for last year weighed 70 pounds more than him.
OL- Joe Krumrie, Mondovi, Senior- The Krumrie name is synonymous with Mondovi football. Joe's uncle, Tim, was a star at the University of Wisconsin and was the victim of a horrendous leg injury in Super Bowl XXIII playing for the Cincinnati Bengalis. This Krumrie doesn't have to rely on his lineage though, he has made a name for himself. Garnering college interest from Division 1 and II schools the 6'5" 270 lb Krumrie has given Dunn-St. Croix coaches headaches. He was a first team Dunn-St. Croix selection on both offense and defense and a All-Northwest selection on offense in 2007.
OL- Andy Mathias, Alma, Senior- If Alma football is know for one thing lately it is massive, strong lineman. 2008 will have at least one. Coming in at 6'2" 330 lbs Mathias was part of the reason Riverman running back David Paulson rushed for over 1,500 yards. Mathias, who is a 2007 first team Dairyland conference selection, will be the senior leader this season as Alma lost both Paulson and do-it-all athlete Ryan Reidt to graduation, not to mention their head coach to retirement.
OL- Nate Dahl, McDonell, Senior- Even though they will be in a new conference with teams foreign to the Chippewa Valley, the talk around town is that the newly defined Macks will make some serious noise in 2008. No team can be successful without a offensive line leader and Dahl fits the role perfectly. A two way player that garnered first team Small Cloverbelt conference selection at defensive end, Dahl will have plenty of time to think about opponents this year on the bus. McDonell has away games at Edgar, Park Falls, Pittsville, and Stratford.
OL- Spencer Corey, Baldwin-Woodville, Senior- Speaking of teams with high expectations the very experienced Blackhawks are looking to regain the prominence they possessed in the mid-90s. With numerous starters and returning letterman Baldwin-Woodville is coming off a trip to the playoffs, something that hasn't been all that common in BW territory lately. Corey is the center on the offensive line and is a returning first team Middle Border selection. The Blackhawks should contend for a conference title and a return trip to the WIAA playoffs this fall.
K- Ike Hunter, Regis, Junior- Coming off a solid sophomore campaign Hunter is emerging as one of the premier kickers in the state for the class of 2010. The only junior to make first team, Hunter learned from Regis alum Jake Campbell. Hunter will probably take on more responsibility in 2008 under new head coach Bryant Brenner. He was a first team Small Cloverbelt punter last year. The Ramblers make the move from the Small Cloverbelt to the Large Cloverbelt this season.
Defense
DL- Seth Stanchik, Hudson, Senior- Kicking off a stellar defense is one of the best defensive ends in the state. Gaining the attention of several D2 NCAA programs, Stanchik along with fellow first teamer, Ludgatis will likely keep Hudson near the top of the standings in the Big Rivers conference. Standing 6'4" and weighing 230 lbs. Stanchik was a first team Big Rivers selection in 2007
DL-Zach Anderson, Ladysmith, Senior- Anderson is the only student athlete to make the first two teams of the All Chippewa Valley Preseason Team. A first team Heart O' North selection and special mention All Northwest selection in 2007, Anderson anchors a Ladysmith team known for defensive prowess. In their first four conferences games last year, Ladysmith didn't give up double digits. The burly Anderson is also a wrestler and track and field athlete and competed in the state tournament in each sport.
DL-James Rowley, Chippewa Falls, Senior- If the defending Big Rivers conference champions want to repeat 2007 they are going to need big plays from Rowley. Much like Stanchik, Rowley was a first team Big Rivers selection last year. Rowley is also receiving recruiting interest from several Midwest colleges. Rowley played hockey for the Cardinals this past winter.
DL-Ryan Erickson, Stanley-Boyd, Senior- The Orioles defense came up huge in several key conference games last year and Erickson played a large role in the overall team's success. The smallest of the defensive lineman, Erickson weighs just 172 lbs. His quickness and ability to get low on every play make Erickson a force in the revamped Large Cloverbelt. Erickson was a first team all conference selection and special mention All Northwest in 2007.
LB-Jake Frazier, Chetek, Senior- One of only two juniors to make Leader Telegram All-Northwest in 2007, Frazier returns for his senior year as one of the best linebackers in school history. At 5'9" 185 lb he plays bigger than he looks. A bruising hitter with good speed, Frazier was a 1st team Heart O' North selection in 2007 for the conference champion Bulldogs.
LB-Michael Ludgatis, Hudson, Senior- With a player like Seth Stanchik in front of him taking up blocks, the 5'10" 192 lb Ludgatis should get plenty of tackles in 2008. If Hudson can keep their team in games by playing big defense Hudson could be the surprise team of 2008 and possibly knock off perennial power Menomonie. Ludgatis is a first team Big Rivers and a special mention All Northwest selection.
LB-Josh Hodd, Colby, Senior- There is a lot of talk around the Chippewa Valley about the senior class of 2009 at Colby High School. Not only do the Hornets return their gifted quarterback Jordan Rahm, they return their defensive leader in Hodd. A first team Large Cloverbelt selection Hodd stands 5'7" and weighs 175 lbs. With a handful of returning lineman and backs surrounding Hodd and Rahm, the Hornets look to be one of the favorites this year in the Large Cloverbelt.
DB-Mitch Olson, Chippewa Falls, Senior- Receiving interest from several D1 and D2 NCAA programs, including several Big Ten schools, Olson heads a talented defensive backfield. Olson is perhaps the most athletic football player in the Chippewa Valley and one of the best defensive backs in the state. In 2007 Olson was a first team selection in the Big Rivers conference and a second team All Northwest selection. The Cardinals figure to be near the top of the conference and Olson may play quarterback or receiver on offense.
DB-Bryce Lunzer, Baldwin-Woodville, Senior- Trying to regain the prominence of the mid 90s the Baldwin-Woodville Blackhawks have been grooming their class of 2009 for awhile now. With Osceola, Ellsworth, and Somerset losing key players from last year, this may be the year. Lunzer is this year's version of slash as he punts, plays defensive back on defense, and catches passes on offense as a wide receiver. With talented teammates such as Justin Rose, Cody Ninneman, and Dylan Demotts returning expectations are high in Blackhawk territory.
DB-Jacob McQuade, Shell Lake, Senior- The Lakers have been a thorn in the side of opposing Small Lakeland teams and its probably going to get worse before it gets better. Returning several key members of last year's conference championship team, Shell Lake figures to make a run at the Division 7 state championship. McQuade played both ways last year seeing time at quarterback, running back, and defensive back. He gained first team honors on offense and second team honors on defense in the Small Lakeland. Watch for the Lakers to make a long run this November.
DB-Ken Chowa, Menomonie, Senior- In the beginning of the 2007 season many Indian fans had concerns about the undersized, inexperienced defense. It didn't take long, however, for Chowa and the Indians to calm the nerves of their fans. Chowa, who is getting heavily recruited from the Dakotas, has great speed and hands, and he should, he is a former wide receiver. Chowa was a second team Big Rivers selection in 2007.
P-Cole Zwiefelhofer, Chippewa Falls, Senior- I know what you are thinking...hey is that not the author's last name? Well it is, but I've never met this Zwiefelhofer and for all I know we are not closely related. In last year's big game against Menomonie Zwiefelhofer had a huge punt against Menomonie that went nearly 70 yards. He finished the season with an average of 43.8 yards/punt. This made him a first team All Northwest selection and first team Big Rivers conference. The 6'2" 170 pounder can also play tight end for the Cardinals.
AP- Jake Wilson, Menomonie, Senior- Its quite rare for a Division 1 school in Wisconsin to have one athlete play three different positions that but is exactly what Wilson may do this year. An accomplished kick returner, Wilson may be the go to running back this year for the again favored Indians. Don't be
surprised to see him on the defensive side of the ball either.
Second Team
Offense
QB- Matt O'Connell, Clear Lake, Sophomore
RB- Jordan Koehler, Bloomer, Senior
RB- Luke Gronning, Shell Lake, Senior
TE- Wade Sebold, Colby, Senior
TE- Mitch Kramer, Cochrane-Fountain City, Senior
WR- Landon Trawicki, Gilman, Senior
OL- Jordan Dewitz, Altoona, Senior
OL- Matt Clark, Hayward, Senior
OL- Kevin Haglund, Pepin, Senior
OL- Ryan Quigley, Northwood/Solon Springs, Senior
OL- Derrick Bender, Cameron, Senior
K- Dustin Zach, Gilman, Senior
Defense
DL- Luke Johnson, River Falls, Senior
DL- Darren Emmeck, Somerset, Senior
DL- Dustin Winkle, Greenwood, Senior
DL- Tony Mikula, Shell Lake, Senior
LB- Travis Moser, Webster, Senior
LB- Nathan Samplawski, Stanley-Boyd, Senior
LB- Ryan Freitag, Osseo-Fairchild, Senior
DB- Jordan Rahm, Colby, Senior
DB- Alex Rothbauer, Cadott, Senior
DB- Nathan Prissel, Durand, Senior
DB- Logan Radle, Plum City, Senior
P- Nathan Weltzin, Cumblerland, Senior
Honorable Mention
Offense
QB- Hank Hougen, Regis, Senior, Tyler
Bosshart, Spring Valley, Senior, Shawn Sanders, Chetek, Senior, Josh
Davidson, Barron, Senior, Steven Pax, Elmwood, Senior, David
Harlander, Frederic, Senior, Dylan Demotts, Baldwin-Woodville, Senior.
RB- Mike Kaiser, Loyal, Junior, Adam Esselman, Colby, Junior, Cody
Wagner, Cadott, Senior, Marty Guza, Independence/Gilmanton, Senior,
Jacob Mack, Elk Mound, Senior, Austin Keys, Mondovi, Senior, R.J.
Moore, St. Croix Central, Senior, Bucky Dixon, Hayward, Senior, Tim
Wayne, Plum City, Junior, Caleb Trowbridge, New Auburn, Senior, Trent
Ziegler, Birchwood/Weyerhaeuser, Senior, Dylan O'Connell, Turtle Lake, Senior,
Tyler Zimmerman, Bruce, Junior, Chase Bushweiler, St. Croix Falls, Senior,
Cody Ninneman, Baldwin-Woodville, Senior, Jesse Rose, Baldwin-Woodville, Senior,
Jacob Sullivan, Chippewa Falls, Junior
WR- Paul Reit, Stanley-Boyd, Senior, Kyle Hestekin, Osseo-Fairchild, Senior,
Nick Bowe, Regis, Senior, Nick Schouten, Glenwood City, Junior,
Hayden Schmitz, Mondovi, Senior, Brett Bock, Elmwood, Senior, Kurt
Johnson, Bruce, Senior, Trent Bonneville, Grantsburg, Senior, Brad
Nutt, Webster, Senior, Nick Niedfeldt, Ellsworth, Senior.
TE- Grant Hickman, Alma, Senior, Zack Anderson, Frederic, Senior,
Jake Keefer, Baldwin-Woodville, Sophomore.
OL- Jake Martens, Thorp, Senior, Brandon Falkenberg, Thorp, Senior,
Andy Kragness, Fall Creek, Junior, Scott Burzynski, Senior, Tyler
Fink, Alma, Senior, Drew Bautch, Independence/Gilmanton, Senior, Chris
Schriver, Bloomer, Senior, Kurt Wohlk, Barron, Senior, Sam
Cunningham, Hudson, Junior, Alex Roppe, Lake Holcombe, Senior, Mike
Farrell, New Auburn, Senior, Kyle Gilles, Plum City, Senior, Brady
Marshall, Shell Lake, Senior, Travis Hart, Frederic, Senior, Brent
Crandell, Frederic, Senior, Cody Gruel, Frederic, Senior, Joe
Raygor, St. Croix Falls, Junior, Rob Wendt, Somerset, Junior.
K- Kyle O'Leary, Neillsville, Senior, Matt Vold, Osseo-Fairchild, Senior,
John Schmidtknecht, Senior, Cochrane-Fountain City, Dan Hayden, Senior, Elk Mound,
Shawn McLeod, Amery, Senior.
Defense
DL- Dan Heiman, Neillsville, Senior, Shannon Herrick, Fall Creek, Junior,
Troy Maier, Cochrane-Foutain City, Senior, Killian Woodward, Melrose-Mindoro, Junior,
Zach Rue, Eleva-Strum, Senior, Garrett Bonte, Glenwood City, Junior,
Connor Birkel, Spring Valley, Senior, Matt Wyss, Boyceville, Junior,
Lonnie Knutson, Boyceville, Senior, Mike Kernstock, Plum City, Senior,
David Sollman, Turtle Lake, Senior, Cody Volk, Flambeau, Senior,
Cody Gruel, Frederic, Senior, Bryndon Schock, Amery, Junior.
LB- Collin Naughton, Neillsville, Senior, Allen Jarocki, Fall Creek, Senior,
Ben Devine, Altoona, Senior, Gage Burish, Cadott, Junior, Luke Haarsma, Blair-Taylor, Senior,
Garrick Day, Elk Mound, Junior, Cody Monson, Barron, Senior, Jake
Nelson, Ladysmith, Senior, Nick Wampole, Hayward, Senior, T.J. Polkowski,
Northwestern, Sophomore, Ryan Miesbauer, Northwestern, Junior, Dylan
O'Connell, Turtle Lake, Senior, Matt Leer, Bruce, Senior, Ian
Anderson, Frederic, Junior, Mike Driggs, Cameron, Senior, Ryan
Larson, St. Croix Falls, Junior,
DB- Colton Ellis, Rice Lake, Senior, Kyle Nelson, McDonell, Senior,
Brad Weiler, Owen-Withee, Senior, Taylor Turenne, Thorp,
Senior, Michael Reischel, Colby, Senior, Brady Ritscher, Alma, Senior,
Ryan Guza, Independence/Gilmanton, Senior, Zach Vantil, Northwestern, Senior,
Roger Siemers, Chetek, Senior, Dustin McKinney, Unity, Junior,
Dan Pope, Webster, Junior, Mitch Schauman, Alma, Senior.
P-Joe Reichart, Superior, Senior.
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The second annual Chippewa Valley All-Area Preseason team was compiled by Ben Zwiefelhofer and consists of players from the Big Rivers, Cloverbelt,
Cloverwood, Dairyland, Dunn-St. Croix, Heart O' North, Lakeland, and Middle Border conferences. Selections were based on
2007 honors, recruiting interest, and combine performances.
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