Stahl set to command St. Henry's potentially potent offense

ST. HENRY - If the trend continues, 2008 may be a special season for the St. Henry Redskins. After missing the playoffs in 2003 and 2005, St. Henry won state championships in 2004 and 2006.

St. Henry missed the playoffs last season, but returns seven starters on both sides of the ball.

"We are looking forward to starting the season, trying to improve each day, and participating in another great year of MAC football," Redskins coach Jeff Starkey said.

Offensively, quarterback Brad Stahl returns to an offense that averaged 22.4 points per game. Stahl has an experienced duo of running backs in senior Brent Prenger and junior Zach Fishbaugh.

Stahl threw for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. As a first team All-MAC rusher, Prenger rushed for 839 yards and 13 touchdowns in six starts last season. Fishbaugh carried the ball 43 times for 245 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore.

When he takes to the air, Stahl has several targets. Seniors Nick Rindler and Shawn Dues combined to catch 11 passes last season. Neil Schwieterman had 25 catches for 441 yards and also rushed for 319 yards.

The offensive line will have a lot of depth with several letterwinners competing for starting jobs. Seniors Tyler Brackman (5-11, 190), Ethan Bruns (5-11, 190), Tony Siefring (6-4, 245), Brent Balster (6-4, 255) and Spencer Niekamp (6-5, 215) will provide leadership. Juniors Tyler Rex (5-11, 175), Adam Rinderle (6-2, 215), Jon Speck (6-2, 185), Marcus Guggenbiller (6-2, 195), and Eric Wuebker (6-0, 180) will also compete for playing time.

The defense should be better than the 19.3 points per game allowed last season. Spencer Niekamp (second team All-MAC) recorded 62 tackles and three sacks from his tackle position. Other linemen will include Shawn Dues, Siefring, Balster (24 tackles), Adam Sutter (6-4, 215), Bryce Hoyng (36 tackles), Rex, Rinderle, Guggenbiller, Wuebker and Victor Fortkamp (6-7, 200).

Ethan Bruns, who recorded a team high 97 tackles last season, will lead the linebacking corps, which will include Brackman and Fishbaugh, who each registered more than 50 tackles last season.

Josh Schneider, Jared Bender, Caleb Stammen Michael Goettemoeller and Rindler are all senior defensive backs. Schwieterman and Stahl will also draw double-duty in the defensive backfield.

Opening the season at Marion Pleasant and against Kenton Ridge will give the Redskins the jump-start they need heading into the MAC schedule.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Brad Stahl

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound junior quarterback threw for 1,053 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

ST. HENRY

Coach: Jeff Starkey

Years, record at school: Sixth year, 44-16

2007 Record: 6-4 overall, 5-4 in Midwest Athletic Conference

Returning Letterwinners: 14

Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense

Outlook: It is business as usual in St. Henry. Though they'll have their hands full with Marion Pleasant, Coldwater, Marion Local and the rest of the MAC, the Redskins have an excellent shot at playoff appearance 14.

Aug. 23 at Pleasant

Aug. 29 KENTON RIDGE

Sept. 5 at New Bremen

Sept. 12 VERSAILLES

Sept. 19 at Marion Local

Sept. 26 ANNA

Oct. 3 COLDWATER

Oct. 10 at Fort Recovery

Oct. 17 at Delphos St. John's

Oct. 24 MINSTER