Spring Grove is the defending state runner-up in 9-Man football with a sparkling 13-1 record in 2022. There was not all that much expected after going only 3-5 the previous season, but all eyes will be on the Lions in 2023. However, before the first kickoff, injuries have already eliminated a pair of two-way starters, including an All-State quarterback/linebacker.
Photo by Lee Epps
Quarterback Elijah Solum was highlighted in an online publication as one of – if not the – top returning 9-man football player in the state. Last year’s Sub-District Offensive Player of the Year will miss his senior season following an offseason injury and knee surgery. Junior lineman Emmet Engeldinger (5’1” 198) is also out after a preseason injury and knee surgery.
However, there is still some firepower, including all-district TE/LB Ethan Crouch (6’4” 252 TE/LB) who was an online All-State selection. Honorable mention all-district WR/CB/LB Jaxon Strinmoen (6’5”, 180) was ranked No. 29 among the top 100 returning wideout receivers in Minnesota (all classes) by one published guru. Those two are among four returning starters on defense and three regulars back on offense. Junior Brandon Jahnke (6’0” 205 OL/DL) started both ways last fall. Senior Jacob Olerud (6’1”175) returns at linebacker and will be the starting running back.
Now starting at quarterback is junior Bryce Berns (6’0” 155), who during six B-team games last year, passed for five touchdowns and rushed for 11, averaging 11.8 yards per carry. Junior Zach Brumm (6’2”180) will be the backup quarterback while also being a starting receiver along with Strinmoen and senior Braedon Solie (5’6” 145). Berns and Strinmoen will also start at cornerback with Brumm at safety.
Joining Jahnke in the line will be junior center Shawn Crouch (6’4”280) and senior Josh Newgaard (6’5”250). Also ready are sophomores Tysen Moen (6’2” 263) and Noah Heppner (6’2” 195) and junior TE/DE Ben Udstuen (6’5” 177). Udstuen will also kick off, punt and placekick with some field goal potential.
Joining Olerud and Strinmoen at linebacker are juniors Ethan Crouch and Sylas Flatin (5’7” 165) with sophomore Dash Ranzenberger (5’8”195) and freshman Caden Gerard (5’11”, 160 RB/CB) also destined for duty. A dozen letter winners also include junior WR/DB Troy Reinhardt (‘10” 145) and sophomore RB/LB Jacob Solum (5’9” 160).
Kody Moore’s Lions possesses plenty of height, strength and size with moderate varsity experience and a marquee name or two. With the injuries, the Lions are no longer recognized as the runaway frontrunner, and the sub-district race could be wide open. Mabel-Canton, Lanesboro, Southland and Kingsland are all eager to challenge for the title. But it will be a formidable battle to wrest the crown away from Spring Grove. Southland anticipates early-season clashes with Lanesboro and Spring Grove. Lyle/Pacelli is not fielding a team this year, but Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons is a new member.
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Spring Grove Football 2023
08/25 at Mountain Lake Area (Lions defeated the Wolverines in the 2018 state title game)
09/01 Southland (SG won last year, 33-14, but Rebels lead all-time series)
09/08 Grand Meadow (SG won last year, 47-16, but GM leads all-time)
09/15 at Lanesboro (SG won both games last year, leads series 29-22 w/3 ties)
09/23 Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons (SG is 1-0 versus the combined program)
09/29 at Mabel-Canton (SG has won the last 18, but M-C leads all-time)
10/06 open
10/13 Kingsland (SG has won all four games against the Knights)
19/18 at Houston (SG has won their last 18 meetings)
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