[0:03] What started in early August with high [0:05] expectations finished in late November [0:08] [music] with a trophy in hand as Spring [0:11] Lake Park football captured their first [0:14] state championship since 1991. [0:17] On this special edition of Sports Den, [0:19] we welcome in [music] Panther coaches [0:21] and players from this historic squad to [0:24] take a look back at the perfect 13-0 [0:26] season. Panther Power flexes their [0:29] muscles one final time coming up next. [0:36] And welcome to a special edition of [0:40] Sports Den. We are honoring [music] and [0:42] commemorating looking back at the [0:45] historic 2025 class 5A state football [0:49] championship from our Spring Lake Park [0:52] Panthers. I'm Ted Laroo. He's Matt Dean. [0:55] And Matt, what a season to be able to [0:57] look back 13 and 0 and you really dive [1:01] more into just the record, just how [1:03] dominant this team was through the [1:05] season. What an impressive campaign and [1:08] what a what a fun way uh to be able to [1:10] really cap off with these seniors, you [1:12] know, that we've been around them for [1:13] for a handful of years. Really, ever [1:14] since, you know, they've been in this [1:16] program as a freshman. To be able to see [1:17] them close it out with the state [1:18] championship is special. [1:20] >> Yeah. special class that came in here, [1:22] this class of 2026, getting it done with [1:24] John Stewart at the helm. The first [1:27] state title for the Panthers in nearly a [1:30] quarter century and the first one at the [1:32] class 5A [music] level for Spring Lake [1:35] Park. And I mean, it was dominant. First [1:37] six games of the year, all wins by three [1:40] possessions [music] or more in blowout [1:42] fashion. Couple of tight wins over [1:44] Buffalo and Brainer in weeks seven and [1:46] eight, but the Panthers [music] march on [1:48] with a couple of wins to the section [1:50] title. And then they've got to beat [1:52] three teams that all had [music] played [1:55] in either one or each of the last two uh [1:58] prep bowls the last two seasons and they [2:00] overcome [music] deficits in the first [2:02] two rounds of the state tournament, [2:04] including trailing 6 nothing at the end [2:07] of the third quarter against Alexandria [2:09] and Monaceel. won that game in overtime [2:12] 1712 the St. Thomas Academy. They were [2:14] trailing in the semiis [music] but came [2:16] back to win it at the bank in a tight [2:18] state championship game. [music] Won [2:20] 24-21 against Chan to take the title. [2:23] And you see some of the numbers here, [2:24] but the offense fifth in class 5A in [2:28] rushing yards per game. They scored the [2:29] second most points in the class 5A [2:32] designation. And the [music] defense [2:34] tremendous. 28 takeaways, four defensive [2:38] touchdowns of their own throughout the [2:40] season. And when you give up uh fewer [2:42] than two touchdowns a game and a point [2:44] per game average, you're doing something [2:45] [music] right. And this was a truly [2:47] dominant Panther season to go 13-0. And [2:50] they had three phases of the game that [2:52] could all win you a ball game. And if [2:55] you had all three going in the same [2:56] game, you were unstoppable. And that's [2:58] what Spring Lake Park did for some [2:59] stretches this year. And now we begin [3:02] our instudio interviews portion of this [3:05] special sports episode celebrating the [3:08] 2025 class 5A state champions on the [3:11] grid iron, the Spring Lake Park [3:12] Panthers. We welcome in head coach John [3:14] Stewart and defensive coordinator Dalton [3:17] Oolinger. And uh guys, what a phenomenal [3:20] season it was for you. You know, kind of [3:22] coming into the season, you know that [3:24] this was going to be a really [3:25] experienced team. 18 of 22 starters were [3:29] seniors, but when did you know that this [3:31] was going to be a special squad that [3:32] could accomplish what you eventually [3:34] ended up accomplishing? [3:36] >> Oh, um I think as the year went on, we [3:39] started to think more and more that [3:41] something special could happen. They're [3:42] very talented group. Um, I've been able [3:45] to watch them since sixth or seventh [3:46] grade with uh moving into the community [3:48] with my youngest son and knew they were [3:51] very talented all the way up and it just [3:53] started I would say maybe homecoming. [3:56] They had a big win in homecoming and [3:57] then just kind of kept snowballing from [3:59] there. [3:59] >> Like the first few games were very like [4:01] promising and you thought some good [4:03] things and we played Armstrong. It kind [4:05] of like solidified that yeah, we got [4:06] something going here and it just took [4:08] off from there. So yeah. [4:09] >> Yeah. One thing that, you know, jumps [4:11] out to me about the team and [4:13] specifically like the run once you guys [4:15] got to the state tournament, uh, you [4:17] guys ran into three teams that all had [4:21] played in the last two iterations of the [4:23] prep bowl. Usually in high school [4:25] sports, you know, we talk about teams [4:27] they get to state, they get a little [4:28] taste, but that experience is such an [4:30] important factor. What was it about this [4:33] group that helped them not get [4:34] overwhelmed? It was their first trip to [4:36] state. It was the first for the Panthers [4:38] in a while. Uh, so the first for this [4:40] group, what what was different about [4:41] them that helped them not need that [4:43] prior experience and just dive right [4:44] into it? [4:45] >> Well, I they had a lot of experience in [4:48] the two years prior, not state [4:49] tournament experience, but I think they [4:50] played in some big games and and some [4:53] were better than others. But I remember [4:55] going in the day after the Buffalo win [4:58] in the section final. And we the message [5:00] was kind of looking at, you know, some [5:02] teams get here and are happy to get [5:03] here. Those teams usually last a week. [5:05] And as I looked around the room and they [5:07] were all staring back at me, just a [5:08] little bit more intense for a Saturday [5:10] morning than normal. I was like, "Oh, [5:12] we're we're in a different place right [5:13] now. Nobody's just saying, "Hey, we're [5:14] happy we're here and we're going to go [5:15] get this." It was like we're on a [5:17] mission and we're going to take care of [5:18] it. [5:19] >> Dalton, I'll say this uh for you right [5:20] now. I mean, four defenders with uh with [5:23] over a 100 tackles this season in 13 [5:25] games, I mean, those numbers are insane. [5:27] I mean, three of them being in your [5:29] linebacker unit. What can you say about [5:31] the leaders uh in the middle of your [5:33] unit at that linebacker position that [5:35] were just able to to gobble up uh guys [5:37] up all carriers all season long? [5:38] >> Yeah, I think uh a lot of those guys are [5:40] the leaders of our defense. I think they [5:42] they set the tone for a lot of things we [5:43] do, whether it's just preparation or [5:46] just commanding us during a game of [5:48] getting us ready for the next drive [5:49] after we get a three and out. We get [5:51] right they get right back set to what we [5:52] need to do for the next drive. I think [5:54] they just again set the tone for how we [5:56] were as a defense. [5:58] I think one of the interesting stories, [6:00] you know, Coach Stewart, looking at the [6:01] offensively, uh, Spring Lake Park [6:04] football has looked very similar, at [6:06] least a lot of the hallmarks for a long [6:09] time. You guys made the move to kind of [6:11] slightly alter that veer option, go to [6:13] more the the flex bone triple option [6:15] look this year. What went into that [6:17] decision-making process coming into the [6:19] year because it it felt like that was a [6:21] a big deal for you guys to to just tweak [6:23] the offense a little bit to get a little [6:24] more out of it. Yeah, we made a shift um [6:27] to what went into it was a lot of uh [6:29] winter nights staring at clinic film and [6:31] watching our film and looking at what [6:33] what gives us troubles, what are some [6:34] solutions and um the structure of the [6:37] flex bone provides some unique um [6:40] advantages in both the run game and pass [6:42] game and we knew we would have some [6:43] talent in some spots that we wanted to [6:45] be able to utilize but still stay true [6:48] to option football. It's kind of been a [6:49] part of Spring Lake Park football for as [6:52] long as I've known it. And um talking [6:54] with some coaches in the state, coaches [6:56] around the nation that were really [6:58] helpful with things. Saw that we could [7:00] we could do both. And again, this [7:02] structure let us do that in a way that [7:04] was different enough that um gave our [7:06] opponents some challenges, but our kids [7:08] were very familiar. So, the transition [7:10] was pretty smooth. Now, one thing, you [7:12] know, kind of what Matt was talking [7:13] about and how you shifted things [7:14] offensively. You you put the ball in the [7:16] air a little bit more, maybe a little [7:18] bit this year, uh, as well, it featured, [7:20] you know, maybe the most dynamic passing [7:22] attack with Spring Lake Park has seen in [7:24] a while. What what what can you, uh, [7:25] when you take a look at the added layer [7:27] of your offense? I mean, how much did [7:29] that really contribute to the success [7:31] that you had down the road that hey, not [7:33] only can you can you run the football as [7:34] good as you can, but you can also kind [7:36] of throw it up to those big wide [7:37] receivers on the outside as well? [7:38] >> Yep. there's some confidence in we had [7:40] some success with it. So, you feel like, [7:42] okay, we can take a shot and if we don't [7:44] make it, we have enough other tools to [7:46] go ahead and make up for it. Um, and we [7:48] know that they can be big splash plays, [7:50] right? It wasn't always um just dink and [7:53] dunk it down the field. It was like, [7:54] we're going to take a shot and we have [7:55] the kids that can make that play. And I [7:57] think it also then led to um in many [8:00] cases like a lighter box. We didn't have [8:02] 11 guys playing up on the line of [8:03] scrimmage and saying, "Okay, come get [8:04] they had to defend us in the back half [8:07] of the field and uh we saw throughout [8:10] our season that it was just a valuable [8:12] tool for us. [8:14] >> And coach Olinger uh your defense [8:17] [snorts] just over 13 points per game on [8:19] average. Impressive close to 30 [8:22] takeaways this year and that was a big [8:24] part of the Panthers of course winning [8:25] state. [8:26] >> Yeah, I mean we like you said earlier we [8:27] had a lot of returners coming up so we [8:30] knew we were going to be tough. I didn't [8:31] know we were going to be as good as we [8:33] were. Um, I knew we were going to be [8:34] tough. We were pretty good in 2020. We [8:37] let up like four points a game and we [8:39] thought we could kind of be similar to [8:40] that defense with all those returners [8:42] and how tough we were, but they exceeded [8:44] my expectations of how like tough and [8:47] all selfless they were on defense and [8:49] just how hungry they were to be the [8:51] best. [8:51] >> Yeah, we're getting an impression, [8:53] right? This was a team that could really [8:55] at times dominate in all three phases of [8:58] the game. We're going to spend time uh [9:00] doing talking more about that here with [9:02] Spring Lake Park on our Sports Den [9:04] special. Uh thanks to Coach Stewart and [9:06] Coach Olinger. Thanks for being here, [9:08] guys. [9:08] >> Thank you. [9:08] >> Coming up after the break, we're focused [9:10] on the dynamic weapons on this offense. [9:13] We're going to have quarterback Nolan [9:15] Roach, Ken Truck, and Brad, Tyler [9:17] Wilkinson, and [music] running back [9:18] Lamari Brown right after this. [9:21] >> North Metro Television. North Metro TV [9:23] is the public access television [9:25] production studio that serves the [9:26] northern suburbs of Blaine, Centerville, [9:28] Circle Pines, Ham Lake, Lexington, Loel [9:31] Lakes, and Spring Lake [music] Park. In [9:33] addition to teaching the general public [9:34] how to produce their own programs, NMTV [9:37] has a production [music] staff dedicated [9:38] to covering local news and sports, [9:40] special events, elections, city [9:43] meetings, and many more items of [9:44] interest to the northern suburbs. [9:47] >> You are watching North Metro TV. [9:51] All right, Matt Dean [music] and Ted [9:52] Laroo back with you here talking Panther [9:54] football as we continue to celebrate, [9:56] break down the 2025 class 5A state [10:00] championship season [music] uh for [10:02] Spring Lake Park. And on our first [10:04] segment of player interviews, we're here [10:06] to talk with some of the offensive [10:08] weapons from the Spring Lake Park [10:10] football team. And yeah, Ted, we got a [10:12] great group here with us. Uh Nolan [10:14] Roach, quarterback for the Panther [10:15] football team. Ken Shuckenro, one of the [10:18] receivers, Tyler Wilkinson and Lamari [10:20] Brown, who are an important part of that [10:22] Spring Lake Park backfield. Guys, uh [10:26] each of you, thanks for being here. [10:27] First, uh my first question for you is [10:29] for uh Nolan and Ken, and we do the [10:33] football preview show like beginning of [10:35] every season. We go to practice every [10:37] year, we talk to the Panthers, and you [10:39] guys say, "We're going to throw the [10:40] football a little more this year." You [10:42] guys actually did it this year. So tell [10:44] us about like what were some of the talk [10:46] going into the season and you guys you [10:49] guys aired it out this year. Nolan [10:50] thousandy passer uh and you guys got it [10:52] going through the air as well as [10:55] continuing to run the ball like the [10:56] Panthers usually do. [10:58] >> Uh I mean I could say we talked about it [11:00] all winter. We knew we were going to [11:01] have some good guys on the outside and [11:03] we knew from years past where we've been [11:05] more on one-dimensional that we needed [11:07] to be able to throw it so we could run [11:08] it better. and just having the weapons [11:10] and the O line to do it really uh made [11:13] it easy for us. [11:15] >> We got a guy named Kane Conler and he [11:18] was all explosive on the outside and we [11:21] knew going into the weeks that we were [11:22] going to throw the ball even before the [11:24] season and it was just exciting. [11:28] >> Yeah, we said thousand yards passing for [11:30] Nolan as well too and yourself conkler a [11:33] big part of that uh passing weapons. Uh [11:36] Tyler, you have played a lot of [11:38] different roles in the Spring Lake Park [11:40] uh offense over the years. You've taken [11:42] some snaps at quarterback. Uh you've [11:45] were primarily a running back this [11:46] season. So kind of tell me about like [11:48] were you reluctant at all to move away [11:50] from quarterback last season and why was [11:52] this Panther offense the best fit when [11:55] Nolan's a quarterback and you can kind [11:56] of move around this in different roles? [11:59] >> To be honest, I didn't feel like I was [12:01] like a for sure like set quarterback. [12:03] like I'm I felt like I'm an athlete and [12:06] I can like play pretty much anywhere. [12:08] And um pretty much I just like I would [12:11] say like put me anywhere like wherever I [12:14] can help the most and um when we made [12:17] that switch like that just clicked and [12:19] it worked the best. So yeah. [12:21] >> Now Nolan, when you talk about this uh [12:23] passing attack that you ramped up uh [12:25] this year, I mean you got you're looking [12:27] to the outside. You got your uh you got [12:29] your guy next to you. I'm kind of like [12:31] truck and broad at 6'4. Kaden Conler out [12:33] there at 6'2. I mean, more or less high [12:35] school, even at the college level, those [12:37] guys are big um on the perimeter just to [12:39] be able to throw the football up to. How [12:40] many times do you just kind of like, you [12:42] know, go to the sideline, you know, [12:43] whether it's the defenses on the field, [12:45] be like, "Hey, let's just kind of chuck [12:46] it up to these guys and see what [12:48] happens." Like what what was kind of [12:49] that whole process to take advantage of [12:51] the size on the outside? [12:52] >> I mean, yeah, we probably didn't do it [12:54] enough. We definitely could have done it [12:55] more and we were lucky and we were smart [12:58] to take some of those shots, which [13:00] really helped us. I couldn't tell you [13:01] how many times we threw a fade on the [13:03] goal line and it was just super easy [13:05] because of the size advantage. [13:07] >> Uh Lamari, you your backfield had some [13:10] changes as the season went along. You [13:12] were kind of one of the constants. Uh [13:14] but Tyler, he is injured early in the [13:17] season. You guys are missing him. Uh [13:19] Markwell Mitchell was a sophomore that [13:21] really emerged for you guys this year, [13:22] but you lost him during the playoff run. [13:24] Uh how does that speak to just the [13:26] Panther depth? You guys had some pieces [13:28] moving in and out of the lineup and [13:30] stayed consistently pretty dominant in [13:32] the run game all year. [13:33] >> Yeah, that's the best thing about our [13:34] whole team. You know, like I said, a lot [13:36] of our players if someone goes down or [13:37] someone some something's happening. We [13:39] always have someone that can play [13:41] multiple positions. So, uh when Tyler [13:44] got went down, I knew that we going to [13:45] need a wing that could block. And I told [13:47] coach and me and coach talked that if [13:49] you need me there, I'm willing to make [13:51] that change. My per uh my normal [13:53] position is running back and I'm fine [13:54] with that. But whatever is going to get [13:55] us to the next state championship, um, [13:57] that's what everybody on the team's [13:58] mentality is. [13:59] >> Now, Lamari, when you're in season, [14:01] you're laser focused on the next [14:03] opponent. You're laser focused on the [14:05] task at hand. Now that you're able to [14:06] kind of see the trophy in the trophy [14:08] case, and you're able to kind of like [14:10] look back at your at your career now, [14:12] second in SLP history in rushing yards, [14:15] what does it kind of mean to be uh in [14:17] that type of company now that your [14:18] career is is all done here? [14:19] >> Um, it was a amazing opportunity. You [14:21] know, coach trusted me when I was young [14:23] as a freshman. and he's been watching me [14:24] for a while. Gave me the opportunity to [14:26] strike when I was young and ever since [14:28] then I grew a amazing relationship with [14:30] every single coach staff around the [14:32] whole campus. So it was super nice um [14:35] all the all the experience all the years [14:37] um coming together to finally finish off [14:39] not exactly how I wanted it but to the [14:41] best of my best uh capability. [14:44] >> Uh my last question for Nolan and Tyler, [14:47] the catch against Alexandria didn't [14:50] happen at US Bank Stadium. Uh it was in [14:52] the backyard of a far-man fleet in [14:54] Monaceel, but one of the highlights of [14:57] the season for Spring Lake Park at the [14:58] state tournament. Uh where walk us [15:01] through that play and and where does [15:03] that kind of rank among some of the the [15:05] top moments of the state tournament run? [15:07] >> Um I mean that was kind of a spur of the [15:08] moment play. Um that is not the play [15:11] coach Stewart called, but uh he has [15:13] enough trust in me to trust and uh did [15:15] not was not pretty, but Ken was able to [15:18] make a play on it and it was a great [15:19] play. Now, Nolan, you ended your career [15:23] um with one of the best games that you [15:25] played. I mean, in the state [15:26] championship game, 162 yards on the [15:28] ground, uh two touchdowns and then [15:30] another touchdown through the air in the [15:32] midst of all the chaos. Was there a [15:33] moment where you were kind of able to [15:35] appreciate what you were doing in that [15:38] stage or was it kind of like, hey, once [15:40] uh once we're hoisting the trophy now, I [15:42] can kind of take a deep breath and be [15:43] like, man, uh that was a pretty awesome [15:45] experience. No, it was definitely laser [15:47] focused during the game because we [15:49] definitely missed and had some miscues. [15:51] Definitely. Um, we only put up three [15:53] points in the second half, but our [15:54] defense was good enough to that was [15:56] enough and definitely could have scored [15:58] more in the second half. [15:59] >> We'll finish with you, uh, Lamari. You [16:02] were talking before about, you know, [16:04] getting onto the field early. You burst [16:05] on the season, uh, onto the scene, [16:07] excuse me, immediately. 439 yards and [16:10] five touchdowns in your freshman season. [16:11] Guys like Braden Talo at quarterback, [16:13] guys like Jackson Smith. Was there a [16:15] moment maybe earlier in your career [16:17] where you kind of realized that hey [16:19] maybe in two years and three years down [16:21] the road that this group that you're [16:23] together with, you know, this senior [16:25] group can truly do something special? [16:27] >> Yeah, it's always been a thought since, [16:28] you know, elementary or, you know, [16:30] youth, we've always talked about it [16:31] going headtohead and we just knew [16:34] [clears throat] with the size and how [16:36] our coaches build our players that in [16:38] the future we're not going to get the [16:39] first try, second try, third time, but [16:41] we're not going to give up by our time, [16:42] our senior year, we're going to take it [16:43] all. That's exactly what we did. [16:44] >> Well, congratulations, guys. It was fun [16:46] to maybe see the offense opened up uh a [16:49] little bit this year, but once again, [16:50] congratulations. [16:52] >> All right, Matt, we are shifting from [16:53] the offensive side of the ball to the [16:56] defensive side of the ball. You got some [16:58] uh you got some studs up in the middle [16:59] of that defense coming up, don't you? [17:01] >> To win a state title, you got to have a [17:02] great defense. You got to stop the run. [17:04] Linebackers, one of the first layers of [17:06] being able to do that. And we [music] [17:08] are talking with three of the [17:10] linebackers for the Panthers state [17:12] championship team. when we [music] come [17:13] back next on Sports. [17:15] >> Good evening. We will call the city [17:17] council meeting to order. [music] Please [17:18] rise for the pledge of allegiance. [17:20] >> Time is 6:30 p.m. I'm calling order the [17:22] city of Centerville council meeting. [17:24] [music] [17:24] >> Welcome. Welcome everybody. We welcome [17:26] to the city of Circle Pines, Minnesota [17:28] regular city council meeting. [music] [17:30] >> Take your city council anywhere. [17:32] >> Good evening ladies and [clears throat] [17:33] gentlemen. Welcome to the Han Lake City [17:34] Council meeting. Okay, [17:35] >> we'll call this meeting to order. Roll [17:37] call. Bill [17:38] >> Lake Park City Council meeting is now [17:39] called to order. Subscribe to your City [17:42] podcast [music] [17:43] on your favorite podcast platform. [17:48] >> As promised, we're shifting over to the [17:50] defensive side of the ball as we welcome [17:52] you back on this special edition of [17:54] Sports Den, honoring and congratulating [17:57] and really taking a look at the entire [17:59] season that was of the class 5A state [18:01] champion Spring Lake Park Panthers. And [18:04] uh boy Matt, that uh that unit in the [18:06] middle of this defense, that linebacker [18:08] unit was strong all year long. We are [18:11] pleased to now be joined Sawyer [18:12] Thompson, Cade Skellyy, and Jake Dunar [18:15] here in studio with us now. I like I you [18:18] look at the numbers, all of you, [18:20] everybody in the linebacker group had at [18:21] least 80 tackles this season, over 50 [18:24] solo tackles this year, combined for [18:26] four interceptions, 14 tackles for loss. [18:28] What was it about you guys that allowed [18:30] you to play so well together and gel uh [18:33] so well uh for for this season and and [18:35] do as well as you did? [18:37] >> I just felt like we had a lot of like [18:38] great energy in our group and we just [18:40] like loved when like everyone else made [18:42] big plays and we're just excited for [18:43] everyone and it's just like when you're [18:45] not making a play, someone else is in [18:46] your group and you're excited for them [18:47] and just the positive energy just the [18:49] great the next play comes back to you [18:50] and you make a great play. [18:52] >> Oh, sorry. I I'll just say yeah like me [18:55] and Jake sore a little bit but uh me and [18:58] Jake have been linebacker buddies since [19:00] like as long as we can remember like [19:01] fourth grade is when I think we both [19:03] started playing together linebacker and [19:06] just that chemistry that we've known [19:07] each other like that brotherhood we've [19:09] built and then also just like Sawyer [19:12] said that mentality of linebacker kind [19:14] of has to be like the loudest voice on [19:17] the field. So, I think the having a lot [19:19] of experience starting as sophomores [19:21] that gave us the opportunity to dominate [19:23] this year. [19:24] >> Yeah, I would also agree with that. Um, [19:25] it came down to experience. We've all [19:27] all three of us played as sophomores, so [19:29] we had a lot of experience to make plays [19:31] going into our senior year. [19:33] >> Yeah, Kade, Jake, I mean, you guys are [19:35] the middle linebackers in the defense. I [19:38] mean, we talk we have to break you guys [19:40] up into groups here for the special. Uh [19:42] but the defensive line such a huge part [19:45] of the defense and stopping the run. Uh [19:48] you know with the weapons you had up [19:50] front with you guys as a group. How did [19:52] you feel that was going to be a strength [19:54] of the team coming into the year? [19:55] >> Um it's always nice when uh Dline does [19:57] their job. Like it's a lot easier for me [19:59] to make plays when the Dline crushes [20:01] every single time to help you make the [20:02] plays. [20:04] >> Yeah. I mean I would just say yeah. We [20:05] got to give credit to those guys because [20:07] without them doing their job we wouldn't [20:08] be able to have as many tackles and make [20:10] as many plays as we could. [20:12] Yeah. And Sawyer, how much of an [20:14] advantage is it to have basically 10 [20:17] senior starters coming in? Most of those [20:19] guys who had played varsity before [20:21] coming into the year. Uh what does that [20:23] do for you guys as a group to maybe get [20:24] a head start early in the year? [20:26] >> Just like the experience, you know, like [20:27] what it takes, you know, like what [20:29] doesn't work, what does work, like [20:30] you're ready for like what's about to [20:32] come because you have that experience [20:33] and you're ready to go. So just having [20:35] that and all the guys having that and [20:37] knowing what it takes, that like really [20:38] pushes over the edge. Uh for Kate, at [20:40] the recent banquet, uh you received the [20:42] Panther award. What does it mean to you [20:44] uh to be honored with this recognition [20:46] here uh now as your career is finished? [20:49] >> Uh I would just say it means a lot just [20:51] knowing that that many teammates uh [20:52] voted me and thought that high of me. Um [20:55] I just it's like our character award. So [20:58] um I just got to uh be thankful and I'm [21:01] super grateful for that. [21:04] >> This defense gave up 13 points per game [21:07] all season. and you didn't give up more [21:08] than 23 in a single game. I know like [21:11] winning teams are striving for [21:13] perfection. Like what for any of you [21:15] guys, what was a moment where you guys [21:17] felt like you slipped up or didn't play [21:19] to the standard you wanted? Like where [21:20] was a game where you guys thought we [21:22] needed to pick it up a little bit? [21:23] >> I thought I thought the first round of [21:25] playoffs Cooper I feel like that's a [21:28] team we should have not score 14 points [21:31] on us and that kind of made us a little [21:33] upset. kind of took that little personal [21:34] going into the Buffalo game and then we [21:36] played much better that game in the rest [21:38] of the year. [21:38] >> Um, another game was Brainer. I thought [21:41] they had a couple field goals. They had [21:42] a lot of points in the first half. We [21:44] ended up shutting them down in the [21:45] second half, but I thought they scored [21:46] too much in the first half to make it a [21:48] 17-10 game. [21:50] >> All right. Again, appreciate all your [21:52] guys' time. Sawyer Thompson, Kate [21:53] Skellyy, Jake Dunar, three of the [21:55] linebackers on this Panther defense. Uh, [21:58] this Panther defense, they give up 13 [22:00] points a game. We talked about it, Ted, [22:02] because they had great linebackers, uh, [22:04] they had some good guys in the back [22:06] field as well, too, that helped them to [22:08] such a low mark, right? [22:09] >> Yeah, Matt. These guys made plays all [22:12] year long. Coming up after the break, [22:14] Marcus Snyder, Colin Welch, as well as [22:16] Adam Stewart join me. Stick around. [22:25] >> [music] [22:25] >> The past comes alive at North Metro TV, [22:29] where we can help you transfer [music] [22:30] your old video tapes, films, cassette [22:34] tapes, record albums, [music] [22:36] and even photographs and slides to DVD [22:39] and digital so you can enjoy them again. [22:43] North Metro TV, bringing the past to [22:47] life. [music] [22:50] We continue featuring the defensive side [22:52] of the ball as we welcome you back to [22:54] this special edition of Sports Den [22:56] highlighting the class 5A state champion [22:59] football team, Spring Lake Park [23:00] Panthers. Let's head to the defensive [23:03] secondary, the defensive backs. Right [23:04] now, we are joined by Marcus Snider, [23:07] Colin Welch, and also Adam Stewart joins [23:10] us in this segment. I'll start first [23:12] with you, Colin. You know, we talk about [23:14] early in the season how this thing got [23:16] started. I mean, you got you're playing [23:18] Two Rivers. You're in a onepossession [23:20] game and uh you know, Two Rivers just [23:23] had a score to kind of cut it uh in the [23:25] fourth quarter and then you kind of [23:26] stepped up uh and made that play. What [23:28] did that play kind of do to springboard [23:30] uh you the rest of the season because [23:31] you certainly did whether it was on [23:32] special teams or defense? Certainly made [23:34] some plays this year. [23:35] >> Yeah, I think that play specifically got [23:36] it going for the whole team. Um on that [23:39] play specifically, um I didn't really [23:41] see the ball coming at me until I was [23:42] like halfway there because I couldn't [23:43] see the quarterback when he was throwing [23:45] it. Um, but yeah, I saw it, was able to [23:47] pick it off, able to run it back, and [23:49] yeah, I think that just sparked the [23:51] entire especially the offense cuz I [23:52] think they really got it going after [23:53] that play. So, yeah, just sparked [23:55] everything. [23:57] >> Uh, talking about big plays, Marcus, you [23:59] had seven interceptions this year. Uh, [24:02] some of those great plays, some of those [24:05] you get a few right in your hands [24:06] because you've got a good defensive line [24:08] that are putting the quarterback under [24:10] duress. So, you know, how many easy ones [24:13] do you remember having where like we [24:14] watch the highlights, we do it on Sports [24:16] and go, how how' they what were they [24:17] looking at right here? It's it's a lot [24:19] easier watching on TV. [24:20] >> For sure. You know, all those guys back [24:22] in the front, you know, getting in the [24:23] quarterback's face. You know, I've [24:25] definitely got a lot of easy ones, I [24:26] would say. You know, just right place, [24:27] right time, and uh, you know, it just [24:29] comes from our whole defense at the end [24:31] of the day. You know, um, our [24:32] linebackers do a really good job keeping [24:33] everything in front of them. Nothing [24:35] gets behind them. So, it lets me do a [24:37] lot of, you know, ball hawk stuff and I [24:38] can kind of play out of my zone a little [24:40] bit. [24:41] >> You guys all kind of played different [24:42] roles like Colin some special teams in [24:44] defense. We've got an offensive player [24:46] as well as a defensive one. Uh, Adam, [24:49] starting with you, what are some of the [24:51] moments from the state title run that [24:52] your favorite that stand out? [24:54] >> Yeah. Um, I'd say, uh, Nolan's first [24:57] touchdown. I was right there to like [24:58] watch it. I got to go, um, celebrate [25:00] with him after. And then uh our very [25:03] last stop on defense, you know, everyone [25:04] just kind of starts accelerating after [25:06] uh Kate's interception there. And uh [25:09] actually, yeah, kind of one of the [25:10] coaches had to pull me in to make sure I [25:12] would go for our victory formation and [25:13] those will definitely be memories I'll [25:15] keep for a long time. [25:16] >> And Colin and Marcus, what about you [25:18] guys, too? Playing parts in the defense [25:20] and and special teams. What stands out [25:22] about the run? [25:22] >> Um I think Marcus' pick six stands out [25:25] to me a lot. Um I think going um coming [25:28] out of halftime in that St. time this [25:30] game. Um, we were really confident in [25:31] ourselves. We knew that we were in a [25:32] good spot still being down. And I think [25:34] Marcus being able to make that play, I [25:36] think, um, that just put a smile on a [25:39] lot of our faces. Um, so I think that [25:42] was one. [25:43] >> Yeah, for sure. That interception [25:45] probably been playing in my head still a [25:46] little bit since, but um, just the way [25:48] our team has been able to come together [25:50] offense and defense. You know, at [25:51] halftime we were down against St. [25:52] promise and just being able to rally [25:54] together and just know that we were [25:56] still in it and we knew that we're going [25:57] to be able to handle business was [25:58] something that I really really liked. [26:00] >> We are going to talk about Ted and I a [26:02] couple of our favorite moments from the [26:05] run. Uh one of mine, this is a little [26:07] bit of a spoiler for later in the show, [26:08] but Colin had two kickoff returns for [26:11] touchdowns this season. One of them was [26:14] a fun moment I was at in the Armstrong [26:15] game. You you actually missed a return [26:18] for a touchdown early, but you got it [26:20] back later in the game. uh just how much [26:22] pride did you take in in that side of [26:23] your game? Because there were some [26:25] nights where the offense maybe didn't [26:27] have it, but the defense and special [26:28] teams picked it up and vice versa. Like [26:30] every group you guys were were capable [26:33] of performing in one of the three phases [26:35] and special teams, Colin was a big part [26:37] of your game this year. [26:38] >> Honestly, yeah, I think I took more [26:40] pride in it than my defense position. [26:42] Um, I don't know if that sounds good or [26:43] not, but um, I mean, yeah, I just, it [26:46] was really important to me because I [26:48] felt like I was really good at it [26:49] compared to a lot of these other um, [26:51] return guys that I was seeing. And I [26:53] think I just knowing that I was able to [26:55] produce at the level that I was, um, I [26:58] just wanted the ball on every single [26:59] return. So, when teams wouldn't kick it [27:00] to me, you know, I was a little [27:02] disappointed. But, um, yeah, it [27:03] definitely sparked our offense when they [27:05] were slow. Said that before, but um, not [27:07] only the offense, I think it sparked um, [27:09] our entire stadium to be honest. [27:12] Uh, Adam, your your dad is uh in his [27:14] eighth year. This was his eighth year as [27:16] head coach of this program. What's it [27:18] like to to grow up in that household and [27:20] be around football so much? [27:22] >> Yeah. Um, you know, it's you start out [27:24] young. You join the program young. It's [27:27] just your dream to play with all these [27:28] high school guys. I've been looked up to [27:29] them for a long time. You know, I was [27:31] three years old, hanging out at [27:32] practices. You know, a little bit of [27:34] babysitting here and there. So, uh, you [27:36] know, it's just I just want to be like [27:38] those guys, uh, who were making plays. [27:41] uh when I was young and to be able to go [27:42] out there and and win a championship for [27:44] the team I've been following for, you [27:45] know, 17 years of life is just uh an [27:48] honor. [27:48] >> And we'll finish up uh with you, Marcus. [27:51] I mean, you showed up when the lights [27:52] were bright and we were talking about a [27:54] play against Alexandria, right? An [27:56] interception against them, an [27:57] interception uh against St. Thomas [27:59] Academy. Kind of take us through those [28:01] plays and what made those plays so big. [28:04] The one that really sticks out to me is [28:05] Alexandria because points were really at [28:07] a premium. I believe they were kind of [28:08] driving at that point in time. I mean, [28:10] ju just kind of take us through those [28:12] moments when you your team really needed [28:14] plays in some of these closer games. [28:16] >> Yeah, we knew we were always just one [28:17] punch away from breaking everything open [28:19] and um you know, like I said before, you [28:21] know, sometimes just right spot, the [28:23] right moment against Alex, you know, [28:24] that interception and uh yeah, we just [28:26] always knew that we were able to break [28:28] through at any point and just being able [28:29] to keep that motivation throughout the [28:31] game knowing that at any point that we [28:33] can just destroy and just eliminate [28:36] them, you know, it's always a it's [28:38] always a good thing. It was awesome to [28:39] be able to watch you guys, like you [28:40] said, take the football away at any [28:42] point. Once again, congratulations on [28:44] the state championship and thanks for [28:45] being here. [28:45] >> Thank you. [28:47] >> All right, Matt, if there's one thing we [28:48] know about Spring Lake Park football, it [28:50] is built at the line of scrimmage. And [28:52] coming up, we're finishing with the big [28:54] boys up front. [28:55] >> Yeah, that's right, Ted. We're finishing [28:57] out with the linemen in the trenches on [28:59] both sides of the ball [music] to close [29:01] out the state championship interview [29:03] portion of this Spring Lake Park special [29:06] on Sports Next. [29:16] >> [music] [29:39] >> All right, the game of football is one [29:41] in the trenches and we are digging deep [29:43] here for the final interview segment of [29:45] the show. Uh talking with members of the [29:47] Spring Lake Park offensive line and [29:49] defensive line, Jackson Drum joins us as [29:52] well as Brody Gimllo and Jamal Smith, [29:54] the latter two of which are part of the [29:57] defensive unit up front for the Spring [29:59] Lake Park Panthers. Uh Jackson, let's [30:01] start with you. The Panthers, they have [30:03] that identity, an option running [30:06] football type of team. Uh I don't think [30:08] they're necessarily known for having the [30:10] the the biggest offensive lineman [30:12] necessarily, but certainly some of the [30:13] toughest. Tell me about what the [30:16] offensive line's identity was this year. [30:17] What you guys wanted to be known for. [30:19] >> Yeah, I mean, we definitely weren't the [30:22] biggest. Everyone knows that. We usually [30:23] aren't, but we always come in with this [30:25] mindset that we are the best. Like it [30:28] doesn't matter if the D lineman is 300 [30:29] lb, if they're going to this college, [30:31] like it doesn't matter how good they [30:33] are, where they stand, how tall they [30:35] are. [30:36] You know, we always go in with that [30:38] mindset that we can get lower. We can be [30:40] more physical. We can keep pounding at [30:43] them, pounding at them over and over and [30:44] over until they get tired. And we know [30:46] that we have the ability to be better [30:48] than anyone out there despite our size. [30:50] and Jackson, you know, we were talking [30:52] with others earlier in the program about [30:54] the adjustment schematic wise and what [30:56] you were what you were doing [30:57] formationally and running the football. [30:59] Was there any sort of adjustment in what [31:00] you guys were doing from your blocking [31:02] schemes up front or was it just business [31:03] as usual plowing away? [31:05] >> I mean, for the most part, it's know [31:08] your job, do your job. For me, I [31:10] switched positions, so it was a little [31:11] bit of a learning curve there, but I got [31:13] it pretty pretty early on. Um, I think [31:18] it really wasn't too much different. We [31:21] practiced versus many different [31:22] defenses. We knew whatever look we got. [31:24] We knew our rules. We knew how to go out [31:27] there and do them the way that we [31:28] practiced all week. And we were always [31:30] confident in our ability to go out there [31:32] and perform. So, uh, Jamal and Brody go [31:35] to the defensive side a little bit. Uh, [31:37] you guys can both do a little bit of [31:38] everything up there, but the impression [31:40] I got, Brody, you're a little bit more [31:42] of a run stopper. Jamal, you're you're a [31:44] pass rushing threat. that's kind of your [31:46] specialty. So for both of you guys, how [31:48] did how do your how do would you define [31:49] your skill sets and how they kind of [31:51] complemented each other up front for the [31:53] Panthers defensively? [31:55] >> I would say like having such a big [31:57] strong tackle group is very important to [32:00] get to the pass rush cuz once we stop [32:02] the run and everything in the middle, [32:03] that's when I can go get the QB and just [32:05] attack and keep on attack and wear out [32:07] the offensive lineman. [32:09] Um, I would say when you have two [32:11] defensive linemen like me and Jamal, [32:13] when one of the D linemen is doing [32:16] something and he's not having the [32:17] greatest game, that means the other guy [32:18] is having a great game, getting in the [32:20] back field, doing whatever he needs to [32:22] do. [32:23] >> Now, for Jamal, I mean, you had three [32:25] games this year with two or more sacks. [32:27] Do you have a favorite individual [32:29] performance as you're able to able to [32:31] look back on it? Uh, I remember I was [32:32] there for the Irondale game and and you [32:34] were certainly getting after it. uh in [32:36] that game, of course, the rivalry game. [32:37] So then maybe that one sticks out a [32:39] little bit more, but but which one kind [32:40] of is at the top of your head? [32:42] >> Um I would say the first time we faced [32:44] Buffalo was at week eight. Um week [32:46] eight, we just kept on attacking. He [32:49] just kept on attacking the quarterback [32:50] number 14. It was number I'm number 14 [32:52] as well, so it was like a 14 verse4 and [32:54] I was just hearing like he's a big QB, [32:56] fast runner and everything and just [32:58] coming out in the beginning with the [32:59] early sack. I just knew him have one of [33:01] those games. Uh, Brody, there were some [33:04] impressive offensive linemen you guys [33:06] faced off against uh in the state [33:08] tournament. I know you're somebody that [33:10] wants to play some football at the next [33:11] level. What were like some of Did you [33:13] think about your opponent on some of [33:15] those O lines that like got you a little [33:17] more juiced up for some of those match [33:18] ups? Did you need that? [33:20] >> Um, no. I don't really think so. I mean, [33:22] I don't think it really matters who I'm [33:23] playing and what offers they have and [33:25] who they are. I'm just going to come out [33:26] and prepare the same way I would for [33:28] anyone else. And Brody, you know, he was [33:30] talking about, you know, uh, you know, [33:32] where you maybe are are going to play or [33:35] at the next level. You know, I look at [33:36] you and, you know, got that college [33:37] ready frame. What What is the, uh, for [33:40] maybe somebody that don't doesn't know, [33:42] how do you balance like a high school [33:43] football season where you're you're [33:45] going and you're like, "Hey, we can win [33:46] a state championship." And you also kind [33:48] of have, you know, these letters and [33:49] some of these calls kind of coming in as [33:51] well. [33:51] >> Um, I would definitely say it's pretty [33:53] timeconuming with all the stuff you have [33:56] on the weekends for visits and stuff [33:58] like that. So, it's kind of you got to [33:59] keep a good balance between your school, [34:01] your your high school practice, and then [34:03] talking to these colleges, going on [34:04] visits and doing stuff like that. [34:07] >> A last question for me for each of you. [34:10] Was there did you guys give yourself any [34:12] moment to kind of appreciate playing at [34:15] US Bank Stadium? What did that mean to [34:17] you? Did you have to like have a pinch [34:19] me moment where you said, "I'm just [34:20] going to check this place out, get this [34:22] out of my system." That had to be crazy [34:23] walking in the first time. I think for [34:26] me the u the moment that that kind of [34:29] all hit me was the semi-final game when [34:33] we first walked out there and the game [34:34] before us was going on a little longer [34:35] than we had expected. So I had some time [34:38] to stand there and kind of really just [34:39] take it all in um look in the stands [34:43] listen just before we had to kind of [34:45] lock in and change my mindset into going [34:48] out there and playing a great game of [34:50] football. So I think that was a good [34:52] opportunity for me to do that. Once [34:54] again, congratulations, guys. It was a [34:57] pleasure to kind of watch you uh not [34:58] only this year, but the last couple of [35:00] years kind of do your work at the line [35:02] of scrimmage. So, once again, [35:03] congratulations and thanks for being [35:04] here. [35:05] >> Thank you. [35:05] >> Thank you. [35:06] >> And coming up right after this, we're [35:08] going to wrap up this show and we're [35:10] going to put uh the final bow on this [35:12] celebratory version of a sports gun with [35:15] our favorite moments from the state [35:17] championship season for Spring Lake [35:18] Park. Stick around. [35:22] We in Spring Lake Park believe in [35:24] building a strong and safe community. [35:26] Our city moves onward and upward while [35:29] holding on to our traditions and roots. [35:31] We maintain a [music] small town feel [35:33] even though we are nestled next to the [35:35] big city. We believe in being good [35:37] neighbors and building community with [35:38] safe neighborhoods. And we believe in [35:40] citizenry and promote being active both [35:43] physically and socially. We in Spring [35:45] Lake Park love to play and believe in [35:47] having an abundance of parks, [35:49] playgrounds, and green space so that [35:51] everyone can take a moment to enjoy the [35:53] natural beauty that [music] surrounds [35:54] us. [35:56] We believe in educating our children [35:58] well, so we use the most advanced tools [36:00] [music] of learning to ensure continued [36:02] success and bright futures. We promote [36:04] athletics to keep our children fit and [36:06] healthy and build a sense of teamwork. [36:09] We in Spring Lake Park believe in [36:10] providing a good stable home for [36:12] industry and small business to thrive. [36:15] We have a large variety of successful [36:17] businesses that have found continued [36:18] [music] success and benefit from [36:20] excellent visibility off Highway 65 [36:25] and a large customer base as we are [36:27] located [music] only 15 minutes outside [36:29] of downtown Minneapolis. Come visit us [36:32] in Spring Lake Park and you will see [36:34] [music] why we believe our city is one [36:36] of a kind. [36:44] We want to say thank you to each and [36:46] every single one of the coaches and [36:48] players that came in here, all 15 of [36:50] them. It is the biggest interview show [36:52] that we've done here on Sports, at least [36:54] since since Matt and I have been here. [36:56] And now, as we kind of take one final [36:58] look, put a bow on this football season. [37:00] Matt, what are some favorite moments? [37:02] What moment stood out to you here [37:04] covering this team this season? I kind [37:06] of let the cat out of the bag a little [37:07] bit earlier in the show, but it was [37:09] homecoming and I and we heard the [37:10] coaches uh John Stewart and Daltton [37:12] Oolinger mention that as kind of a key [37:14] game where they thought, "Oh, I think [37:16] this team might be for real." Uh I [37:18] remember it when Jim Pollson of the [37:20] Minnesota Star Tribune is out covering [37:22] the game, you go, "This might be a [37:24] special team." Because Jim Pollson's [37:26] poking around and that was the game, if [37:28] you remember, Colin Welch, we talked [37:30] about it earlier, nearly returns the [37:32] opening kickoff of the game for a [37:34] touchdown. He gets caught by a turf [37:36] monster. Spring Lake Park's drive, [37:39] despite being inside the red zone [37:41] practically to start, stalls out. They [37:43] don't score. It was kind of a slow start [37:45] for the offense, but the defense played [37:47] tremendously. Welch gets an opportunity [37:50] and takes a kickback. 99 yards for a [37:53] touchdown in the second half. And I just [37:55] think that was a key story throughout [37:57] the year. Well, watching Welch kind of [37:59] get that second chance at redemption. [38:00] That's a fun moment. it being a game [38:02] where the offense was not at the top of [38:05] their game, but the Panthers still ended [38:07] up pulling away and winning in pretty [38:09] dominant fashion. It it showed you that [38:11] it was a team that could win in a lot of [38:13] different ways. So, it was a game I got [38:15] to cover in person. That's why it stands [38:16] out. But, I think that was like a pretty [38:18] important turning point uh in a game [38:21] where, you know, you heard the coaches [38:22] talk about it. They felt like it was a [38:24] serious uh title contending year for the [38:26] Panthers when they won that game. [38:28] >> For me, it's that final stop against [38:29] Alexandria. I mean, what a tough, [38:32] hard-fought game. Everything coming down [38:34] to the final play, to one play, and they [38:37] need to make a stop to be able to [38:38] advance to US Bank Stadium and the state [38:41] semifinals. And they find a way to do [38:44] it. And then it's pandemonium [38:46] afterwards. Everybody kind of screaming, [38:49] everybody yelling, everybody celebrating [38:51] that they're finally getting to play on [38:54] the big stage at the home of the [38:55] Minnesota Vikings. I also think it kind [38:57] of has a little bit of an extra meaning [38:59] being where the game was played. You [39:01] know, at Monaceel High School, you know, [39:02] before everything kind of got realigned [39:04] this year, that was a team that was, you [39:06] know, a little bit of the thorn a thorn [39:08] in the side of SLP, right? This is the [39:10] the last time they met. The Magic got [39:12] the win. Now, going back there after [39:15] last season to kind of get the win and [39:17] advance to US Bank Stadium, I thought [39:20] was a was a huge moment. And uh it was [39:23] just it was one of the most electric [39:25] moments uh of the year. Man, what a [39:28] season it was. And we are going to be [39:30] back next week. We are going to get [39:32] things rolling in the winter season. [39:34] We're going to get you up to date on [39:36] everything that happened in December. [39:37] Matt, how about the court? How about the [39:39] rink, hoops, uh hockey? It's all here, [39:43] ladies and gentlemen. So, until next [39:45] week, I'm Tedu. That's Matt Dean. We'll [39:48] see you next week. And congratulations [39:51] once again to the Spring Lake Park [39:53] Panthers. [39:55] Sports St.