High school football: Lutheran rebuilding
High school football: Lutheran rebuilding: The construction at Racine Lutheran High School on Spring Street has been visible to anybody passing by this summer.
The enormous extension, which will include seven new classrooms, a fitness facility, and a gymnasium, is set to debut in time for the 2023–24 academic year.
That’s not the only renovation the institution is undergoing right now.
Lutheran is starting over after a successful five-year stretch in which they went 49-10, reached the 2018 WIAA Division 6 title game, and produced the state’s all-time leading rusher.
Any high school coach would struggle to replace their graduating seniors, but Lutheran’s loss this year has been especially severe. Scott Smith, the longtime coach who will turn 62 on September 9th, has been here before and is ready to build a new club from the ground up.
Different streaks come and go, and we’re on a rebuilding streak, Smith said. “We have a lot of huge newcomers, and we have students that are going to learn and make errors, and it’s our job as coaches to help them out.
We don’t have much experience or depth, and we’re going to be a pretty youthful team. We must avoid harm at all costs, as even minor injuries could prove fatal. Our prayers are with the Lord that He keeps us healthy and whole.
Training
Lutheran customs are also reflecting this massive shift. Having lost their former practise field to the construction of the new facility on the north side of the high school, the team must now travel over a bridge and the river to Island Park, located to the east of the school, in order to continue their training.
“It’s a shift,” senior running back/safety Eric Rossa remarked. Throughout my first three years, I was accustomed to practising on the main field. However, it’s refreshing to be outside for a change. More room for playmaking.
“We’re making it work where we can,” Smith continued. It’s an improvement, and you have to make the most of the situation you’re in.
All of Lutheran’s new squad is in the same boat.
Smith will have to replace his primary quarterback Camdin Jansen, his playmaking wide receiver Gavin Zawicki, his two leading rushers, and four of his five starting offensive linemen on offence.
Eric Ibarra, who was Zawicki’s receiving partner and caught 42 passes for 605 yards and seven touchdowns, is switching positions and will now be the team’s quarterback.
Last year, Smith praised Ibarra for his leadership on offense and defense, so it seems like a logical match that him to take over at quarterback this year. He did well in his limited time at quarterback last year, throwing for 227 yards and a touchdown while also throwing an interception on 10 of 13 attempts.
We get a little more agility back there, and he can run a little more, and he can pass… our team will go as far as he leads us,” Smith said of the new quarterback.
Rossa remarked, “He can fill a lot of roles.” There’s no doubt he can scramble and escape if we don’t set up a good play for our receivers. In other words, that’s a great asset for our group.
When the Crusaders kick off their nonconference season at Pritchard Park against St. Catherine’s on August 19, Ibarra will be ready to step into his new role.
I’m thrilled to take on this role,” Ibarra declared.
Quote
To quote the man himself: “I think I can handle it. I spent the entire previous year getting ready for this moment. I practiced my footwork and other skills in preparation for this year.
Only 6-foot-3, 380-pound Akari Redmond, who is currently playing left tackle, will be returning as a starter on offense and will serve as the defensive line’s anchor. Redmond’s large stature is certainly not devoid of muscle.
Smith predicted that once the young man realized his power, he would become intimidating.
In addition to Redmond, the team will feature juniors Nick Blount (left tackle), Anthony Peralta (guard), Julian Kim (center), and juniors Nick Blount (right guard), Anthony Peralta (left guard), and Matthew Hoeft (tight end).
Rossa has high hopes for the team’s new lineman.
Rossa commented, “He’s quite lovely to have on the line.,” in reference to Redmond. When he’s on the field, I have a little more confidence in carrying the ball.
After losing Isaiah Folsom (984 yards, 18 touchdowns) and Kimyron Bonner for the season, Rossa will take over as the starting running back (335 yards, 5 TDs). As a junior, he showed flashes at both running back and flanker, totaling 181 yards rushing and two touchdowns, and seven receptions for 172 yards and one score.
Senior Dylan Ormond has replaced Bonner as the starting blocking fullback. According to Smith, sophomore Joe Juga will be one of the Crusaders’ starting receivers this season.
Though Lutheran’s defence is still a work in progress, it is beginning to take shape.
Up front, you can count on Redmond, Blount, Ormond, and Burke, while at linebacker, you can count on Hoeft, sophomore Jack Lichter, and junior Noah Martin.
Lichter has praised Smith, adding, “He’s a natural athlete. That guy can ball on the basketball court. He’s eager to learn, has no fear of going out and hitting others, and has made great progress in just two weeks. In addition to fullback, he’ll be a huge asset on defence.
Ibarra moves to free safety and Rossa back to strong safety. Cornerback duties are anticipated to be shared between Juga and junior Tyler Stauffer.
Lutheran will be relying on senior kicker Logan Rasch, who was named to the All-County second team as recently as the 2017 season.