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Chisago Lakes 35

Zimmerman 13

Last week, what happened last week? That was the attitude that surrounded Wildcat camp last week leading up to their game with Zimmerman. Their 63-24 loss to St. Michael-Albertville was behind them, at least that was the plan. Whether or not the players bought into it was a different story.

It didn’t take long for the ‘Cats to answer. Hosting the Thunder last Friday, Chisago looked like a different team right from the start. Offensively they held onto the ball, while on defense, they swarmed to the ball, making life miserable for Zimmerman. Yes, the ‘Cats replaced some bad memories with good ones.

The party got started in the first quarter. Despite missing three running backs, the Wildcats turned the ball over to junior fullback Carl Hoffman who helped set up the Chisago running game with authority. Meanwhile, senior quarterback Mike Tschida did the rest, picking apart Zimmerman with good decisions and accurate passes.

Chisago’s hard work finally paid off midway through the quarter on a Hoffman one yard touchdown run, putting the ‘Cats in front 7-0. It was only the beginning.

Tied 7-7 in the second, the Wildcat defense got into the act. After suffering through a long and difficult loss to St. Michael the week before, the ‘Cats defense had something to prove. Their first move towards redemption came on a punt block in the second quarter, setting up Chisago’s second score of the game. Getting a paw on the ball was sophomore Adam Gemuenden who was making only his second start of the season. A few plays later, Hoffman found the end zone again, pushing the Chisago lead to 14-7.

“Our offense is our offense. In a triple option you try to pressure the defense,” said Bill Weiss, Chisago Lakes head football coach. “Basically, it was a matter of taking what their defense was giving us and Hoffman was a benefactor of that. I think the biggest thing on offense that I was most pleased with, especially in the beginning of the game, was our execution and ball security. In the span of a week, we really worked on that and the kids did a nice job.”

It also helps when you’re playing with a short field, which is what the ‘Cats had after the punt block, and it’s what they got again on the heels of a Cory Claeson interception late in the quarter. After letting two balls through this hands earlier in the game, the junior held on for the pick when the Wildcats needed it the most, giving the ball back to the Chisago offense.

“We were able to give our offense the short field. Blocked punts or any kind of turnover is a turning point in a game,” replied Weiss. “Those were big plays. It really gave the kids confidence as the game went on.”

Looking to throw the knockout punch, Tschida then did his part with a 21-yard touchdown run with time winding down, moving the Chisago lead to 20-7 at the half.

“Mike made great decisions and that’s a part of being a quarterback. He’s maturing and getting better every game,” remarked Weiss. “With all of the injuries, we needed those guys to step up and get the offense rolling. Another guy who stood out was our center Cameron Lallier. He was impressive. He had a nice game leading that offensive line.”

With one half of balanced football under their belt, the Wildcats continued to blow past the Thunder in the third as well, with even more heroics on both sides of the ball. Hoffman began the scoring in the second half with his third touchdown of the game on a 50-yard run, then Gemuenden called his number again, picking off a Zimmerman pass and returning the ball 76 yards for a touchdown. At the end of three, the lead was 35-7.

With the game already well in hand, Zimmerman managed the only score in the fourth but it wasn’t nearly enough. Chisago had their second win of the season, 35-13, and what a win it was.

“We’re just such a young team. They are all getting better after every practice and every game. Cory Claeson is a great example of that. He finished the game with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. He’s one of those young guys who just keeps on getting better every week,” commented Weiss. “We really didn’t do anything different from our game against St. Michael. I think we just played smarter, we didn’t turn the ball over, and we made some plays that gave our kids some confidence. It’s just a matter of being consistent.”

Now 2-3, another thing that is consistent is the Wildcats schedule. Up next, another test in Big Lake on the road. With only three games left, the ability for the ‘Cats to keep the ball rolling is more important than ever.

“Every week is new, it presents a different challenge. There is no question we needed that win and there is no question, we need to win against Big Lake,” remarked Weiss. “We certainly have a lot to prove and the guys are feeling confident right now. In a sense, Big Lake is comparable to us because of their youth, they’re kind of going through the same thing we are right now. I’m sure that they are getting better every week just like we are, so we have to be ready. I do know that if we can execute like we did on Friday night, we can come out of there with another win.”

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