The Central football program has seen them coming for years now.
They were SEYFA Super Bowl champions last year. They have a mauling offensive line. They play aggressive defense. And they have depth at the skill positions.
“It’s finally getting to see the product on the field. Getting to see the vision that Coach Franz has. And they are the future. We knew this was a talented group coming in, and they proved it tonight (42-14 win over Badger), said long-time freshman coach Tom Lampe. “We’ve had groups where we’ve seen talent before, but it is the depth of the talent. We can literally play two different kids and feel real comfortable about it. And they’re off to a good start (2-0) for what the goals will be for this group. They should have goals similar to what we do in softball. This group should, I think.”
Coach Lampe lit up with excitement when asked about WR Collin Meininger. “Ohhh Collin? ,” Lampe laughed. “The first time I saw him catch a ball, I went ‘wow!’, Lampe laughed. “He does that in practice, where he one-hands a lot of things in practice. He is just an athlete-and-a-half.“
After an injury sidelined this group’s long-time QB, Brock Koeppel, the coaching staff had to scramble to find a new quarterback. They looked at Meininger under center, but decided that they didn’t want to sacrifice the mismatches he creates on the outside. So the team has converted RB/LB Mason Mitacek to the starting QB. “Originally we were looking at Collin being the quarterback, but we were trying to get him out on the edge, because we know what he can do. And Mason came in and picked it up really quick. It is actually a good thing, because going forward in a program, I think it is going to give them more options, into ‘what do you do for varsity QB next year?’ Because you don’t want to bring up a varsity QB from this level, and then not have somebody for this level next year, because you want this team to keep winning,” Lampe said. “It was a good team win (42-14 over Badger) , I mean that’s what we’re hoping , is that this team continues to grow as a team. And may-be, as they go along, they can drink the kool-aid, as they say.”
When asked who has been standing out on defense, Lampe was quick to point out OLB Sammy Sippy (#25). “I thought Sammy Sippy had a great game today (vs Badger). He was really really consistent on the outside. He played a really tough edge. Their quarterback really had nowhere to go when they ran his way, and bothof their big plays were the other way.”
Falcon LT, Devin Steininger (#56) overpowers this Elkhorn defensive lineman during week two action. “Devin is a big strong kid. If he continues to excel in the weight room in the off-season, the sky’s the limit for him,” said O-line coach Adam Kimpler.Wide receiver, Collin Meininger, (#6) outleaps everybody for this 2-point conversion vs Badger in week one. Offensive Coordinator, Joe Epping says, “Collin is arguably one of the best receivers in the whole program, and we’re lucky enough to have him as a freshman.”It takes four Badger defenders to get Central RB Keaton Enright (#22) down to the ground. “Keaton has one gear, and it’s always shifted into high. He is excellent at finishing off his runs,” said Coach Kimpler.Offensive coordinator, Joe Epping said of his O-line, “Those guys have been great. They’re road graders up there. We’re constantly getting a push, we’re constantly getting to the second level. Those guys are great. We’re big. We’re strong. There’s nothing more you could ask for in an offensive line.” LT= Devin Steininger (#56), RG Hunter Rebicek (#64), C= Connor Venard (#55), RG, Jacob Ward (#60), RT= CodyZwiebel (#75), and TE Josh Dorobek (#86).Mason Mitacek off to the races – “He’s got all the natural ability in the world. He’s been quarterback for us for four weeks. He never played it growing up. He just stepped in when we had a couple guys get injured. He’s a great athlete and he’s got a good arm. And he’s really taken to the offense real quickly,” said Coach Epping.OLB Sammy Sippy (#25) records another solo tackle vs Elkhorn last Thursday. “A really good athlete. He is setting that edge better than anyone I’ve seen in a long time,” said Coach Epping. Central RB/LB, Josh Russ (#33), runs up the middle vs Badger in week one. He would score a touchdown later on this drive. Coach Kimpler said, “Josh Russ is not afraid of contact. He always hustles, and we trust him to make plays on special teams too.”Wide receiver Collin Meininger (#6) takes this Mason Mitacek quick pass 24 yards for a touchdown vs Elkhorn. “Collin’s a great athlete…. Good size for his age. His understanding for the game. He’s also our back-up quarterback and starting safety. There’s not a higher praise that I can give that kid,” said offensive coordinator Joe Epping.Coach Epping on Keaton Enright, ” Keaton is our bell-cow. I know we have plenty of guys who can step in and get us yards whenever we need. Keaton’s our main guy right now.”You can drive a truck through there. Falcon QB, Mason Mitacek (#8), runs through this big hole created by his offensive line. “That’s Jace Christensen. He is a safety for us. He’s been playing down in the box the last two weeks because these are run-heavy teams. So we’re going to bring him down. He’s a big, athletic kid, and he’s plenty good for that,” said Coach Epping when asked about #26 on defense.Speed-burner, Collin Meininger (#6) outraces the entire Elkhorn defense down the sideline for a 54-yard touchdown in week two.TOUCHDOWN! Keaton Enright (#22) gets the ball just over the goal line for this 1st quarter TD vs Elkhorn.O-line coach, Adam Kimpler (center), heads back to his sideline after coaching up his boys up during halftime. Behind him are: (L-R) Connor Venard, Hunter Rebicek, Jacob Ward, and Cody Zwiebel.Deja Vu – Falcon wide receiver, Collin Meininger (#6) outleaps another defender for a touchdown reception. This one was a 35 yarder. Coach Lampe immediately started laughing when asked about #6 – Here is exhibit-A.
The freshman Falcon team’s next scheduled game is next Thurday (Oct 15) at Union Grove. The freshmen were originally schedule to play Wilmot on this Thursday, but that game has been postponed due to COVID circumstances.
