Rochester, MN-
The much anticipated return of Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) football is upon us and 8 member college programs begin MCAC competition on Saturday.
Central Lakes College will be defending their 2019 MCAC Championship. Greg Medeck, in his 13th season, returns to coach the Raiders and should be led by returners Charles Dressel on defense and Jake Moe on offense.
Itasca Community College hopes to build on a strong 8-3 season in 2019 under the direction of 4th year head coach, Weldon Braxton. The Vikings return several players that impacted the success in 2019 including Antwan Downs, HM All-American.
After a first place finish in the MCAC East in 2019, Tom Inforzato returns for his 5th season at Mesabi Range College. He brings back multiple players from that 2019 team that went 7-2 overall and 5-0 in conference play and expects his team to be fast and physical this season.
Minnesota State - Fergus Falls promises to be a much improved team from 2019, when they finished the season 1-6. Cory Miller will lead the team in his 3rd season, and freshman QB Nate Hayden will be a player to watch this fall.
In his 26th year as head coach, Jeff Linder has seen the ups and downs of college sports. Coming off a 6-4 record and 2nd place finish in the MCAC West in 2019, Minnesota West hopes the down year of 2020 when COVID-19 claimed the season, was the setup for another positive campaign in 2021. With the return of several impact players and recruiting a solid core of freshmen, the Bluejays are expecting to have another strong season.
North Dakota State College of Science fell one win short of claiming the MCAC Championship in 2019, and Eric Issendorf would love to get that extra win in 2021. In his 4th year as head coach, and coming off an 8-2 season and Region XIII semi-finalist, Issendorf will again put his stamp on his team. Known for playing disciplined and fundamentally sound, the Wildcats are expecting to compete for a championship again in 2021.
Rochester Community and Technical College finished 2019 with a 6-3 record and expects to be aggressive, fast, and fun to watch in 2021. At the helm in his 5th season is Derrick Hintz. With a strong recruiting class and the return of many impact sophomores, the Yellowjackets are looking forward to an incredible season.
In his first season as head coach, Terrence Isaac Sr. takes over the reigns of the Ironmen program. Vermilion Community College finished 2019 in last place in the MCAC with a 1-7 record, but returns linebacker Carlos Carter to anchor a physical defense. Playing for his father, Terrence Isaac Jr.. (WR) should impact the offense downfield, and if the young team can limit turnovers and control the time of possession, the Ironmen will be a much improved team in 2021.
MCAC Football competes at the NJCAA DIII (non-scholarship) level.
Read on for the season preview as the MCAC football coaches share their thoughts on the 2021 season. Be sure to follow @MCACSports and @NJCAAFootball on Twitter for the latest in MCAC and NJCAA two-year college football news, rankings and season information.
For the MCAC Sports home page, click here or go to https://www.mcacsports.org/sports/fball/index for the MCAC Football home page.
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Minnesota College Athletic Conference2021 Football Preview
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Central Lakes College
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Head Coach: Greg Medeck, 13th year Overall Record: 104-28 Coaching Staff: Shane Jordan, OL Coach; Riley Atkinson, Off. Coordinator; Robb Kolodziej, LB Coach; Dave Bostrom, RB Coach; Jordan Getty, WR Coach; Troy Schreifels, DL Coach; Donovan Fornal, Athletic Trainer Top returning players: Charles Dressel, LB, Mounds View, MN Jake Moe, WR, Ashland, WI Top incoming/new players: Jackson Owens, WR, Minnetonka, MN Austin Bauch, OL, Bertha-Hewitt, MN Nick Korom, DL, Bismarck, ND Vito Richards, DB, Inver Grove Heights, MN Coach Medeck on the Raiders defense: "Lots of new faces to assemble in 2021. Should be a fun group that will showcase a willingness to play together and compete." Coach Medeck on the Raiders offense: "A balanced group that should hope for solid production both running and throwing the football." Coach Medeck on the Raiders special teams: "Strong candidates in the kicking game will lead the special teams units this year." 2019 Student-Athletes who will be playing at a 4-year college program this fall: Jakob Olson - Southwest MN State Jesse Sherwood - Southwest MN State Notable Information: Central Lakes is opening a newly renovated Findorff Athletic Complex following a two year construction period. They are proud to showcase a premier college football venue. |
Itasca Community College
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Head Coach: Weldon Braxton, 4th year Overall Record: 16-14 Coaching Staff: Jazz Watkins, Defensive Coordinator/DB Coach; Michael Francis-Bey, Defensive Coordinator/LB Coach; Joshua Profit, Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator; Vernon Powell, WR Coach; Kaitlyn Weimer, Director of Football Operations; Alex Willette, Athletic Trainer; Ashley Palmer, Athletic Trainer Top returning players: Antwan Downs, WR, Ocala, FL Sharrod Riggins, OL, Tallahassee, FL Jon Humphrey, TE, Savannah, GA Top incoming/new players: Blake Bland, DL, Port Huron, MI Ja'Sion Greathouse, DL, Chicago, IL Kenneth McGill, OL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Michael Bond, RB, Nashville, TN Tsiah Dorn, OL, Tulsa, OK LaMontez Moye, DB, Tallahassee, FL Carson Harris, Carlton, TX Kevin Sawyer, RB, Jacksonville, FL Devondric Miller, Tallahassee, FL Freddie Simmons, DB, Tallahassee, FL Jeremiah Odie, DB, Kissimmee, FL Angel Disla, WR/TE, Eugene, OR Tyron Carey, LB, Key West, FL Greg Washington, LB, Oxen Hill, MD Jalen Brown, WR, Charlotte, NC Prince Okojie, LB, Pine Bluff, AR Coach Braxton on the Vikings defense: "We must fly to the football while maintaining discipline." Coach Braxton on the Vikings offense: "We must be able to maintain possession of the ball and gain 1st downs." Coach Braxton on the Vikings special teams: "The goal is to maximize field position." 2019 Student-Athletes who will be playing at a 4-year college program this fall: Cameron Strapp - Western Illinois Jakari Brooks - North Texas Waylon Washington - Northwestern State Joshua Booker - Findley Rikishi Buchanan - Northeastern Nick Thune - Mary Charmar Cobb - Central Oklahoma |
Mesabi Range College
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Head Coach: Tom Inforzato, 5th year at MRC and 9th overall Overall Record: 22-10 Coaching Staff: Antavius Thomas, Defensive Coordinator; David Wilson, Offensive Coordinator; Gary Cornell, LB Coach; Dave Duttenhefer, WR Coach; Quan Wilson, DL Coach; Gerald Robinson, OL Coach; Kane Walner, OL Coach Top returning players: Montrellis Wilson, WR, Americus, GA Michael Fleming, LB, Americus, GA Hunter Pierce, K, Hibbing, MN Taquarius Wair, RB, Minneapolis, MN Tareq Shaw, QB, Lithonia, GA Top incoming/new players: Joshua Johnson, DL, Gary, IN Keyshawn Beckom, S, Duluth, MN Aundreus Griffin, WR, Milwaukee, WI Coach Inforzato on the Norsemen defense: "Although MRC's defense will be filled with new faces in 2021, the coaching staff believes their defense will be fast and physical." Coach Inforzato on the Norsemen offense: "MRC expects their offense to be balanced in 2021 with the emphasis on taking care of the football and minimizing penalties." Coach Inforzato on the Norsemen special teams: "MRC hopes to be disciplined in all phases of their special teams in 2021." 2019 Student-Athletes who will be playing at a 4-year college program this fall: Torrey Patterson - Western Illinois University Titus Boone - Avila University Tay Paige - Virginia Lynchburg University Myles Ratlaff - Virginia Lynchburg University Jarien Ramos - Erskine College Marcello Holguin - Dakota State University Brody Gregory - Upper Iowa University Logan Bell - Cumberland University Chris Parker - Kansas Wesleyan University Notable Information: Mesabi Range College has updated their athletic wing with new logos, designs, and wall wraps. |
Minnesota State - Fergus Falls
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Head Coach: Cory Miller, 3rd year Overall Record: 1-6 Coaching Staff: Hal Reeser, Offensive Coordinator; Freddie Smith, Co-Offensive Coordinator; Rick Harig, Defensive Coordinator; Adam Plageman, DB/Strength Coach; Stan Bedwell, QB/Assistant Head Coach; Anthony Puluso, RB Coach Top returning players: Kyangelo Robinson, DL, Lansing, MI Shannon Spears Jr., St. Cloud, MN Joel Dorjuste, RB, Palm Bay, FL Top incoming/new players: Nate Hayden, QB, Dallas, TX Rondarius Gregory, RB, Nashville, TN Fred Brown, WR, Dallas, TX Matthew Croteau, LB, New Jersey Will Black, DB, New Iberia, LA Coach Miller on the Spartans defense: "We have improved on size and speed within our defense. We like our depth at our defensive line and expect them to be the strength of our defense." Coach Miller on the Spartans offense: "We are excited to welcome several transfers to our offense. We have several players who we feel can make an impact. We should have good depth on the offensive line." Coach Miller on the Spartans special teams: "Carson McKnight will handle our kicking duties. He has a very solid leg and is very accurate." 2019 Student-Athletes who will be playing at a 4-year college program this fall: Andrew Nelson - Northern Michigan John Thomas - Valley City State Milkaso Dedefo - Wisconsin LaCrosse Notable Information: The Spartans have added several coaches to the staff. Coach Bedwell and Coach Smith are big additions to the offense, and Coach Harig comes from the high school ranks and takes over the defense. Coach Plageman has been working with the team in the weight room since January and has helped make the team faster and stronger. |
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
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Head Coach: Jeff Linder, 26th year Overall Record: 119-112 Coaching Staff: Ben DeVries; Connor Kunkel; Jake Steffl; Mike Preuess; Tim Coleman Top returning players: Brandon Wagner, DT, Omaha, NE Mylin Duffie, DB, Racine, WI Josh Okere, LB, Kennesaw, GA Kwesi Hooks, LB, Atlanta, GA Keanan Harris, DB, Detroit, MI Kendrick Gordan, LB, Nashville, TN Top incoming/new players: Bailey Cowell, WR, Luverne, MN Ian Stamer, WR, Adrian, MN Brock Starley, QB, Hurricane, UT Brandon Scgnoor, RB, Adrian, MN Isaiah Trago, OT, West Winfield, NY Coach Linder on the Bluejays defense: "Our defensive unit has only five returning players, but our recruiting class looks to be very competitive and athletic." Coach Linder on the Bluejays offense: "We have good sophomore leadership, but we are a very young unit overall. The keys will be to minimize mistakes and turnovers which plagued the unit last season." Coach Linder on the Bluejays special teams: "We have a very athletic unit but not a strong kicking game. We will have to improve and be consistent for the team to be successful." Additional comments from Coach Linder: "We have a solid core of incoming freshmen. We are hoping that they can get acclimated to the level of play at which they are about to compete. I have been very happy thus far with the progress in which they have shown so far. The games will be the true test; we are very young and will rely on our freshman class to improve every week."
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North Dakota State College of Science
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Head Coach: Eric Issendorf, 4th year Overall Record: 17-4 Coaching Staff: John Freeman, Bob Jerdee, David Gonzales, Matt Fellows, Todd Hendricks Coach Issendorf on the Wildcats defense: "The NDSCS defense will be fundamentally sound, will play with effort and toughness, and will focus on limiting points allowed." Coach Issendorf on the Wildcats offense: "The NDSCS offense will play disciplined, will be multiple, and will blend power and speed." Coach Issendorf on the Wildcats special teams: "The NDSCS special teams will play hard, will play fast, and will provide optimal field position and produce important points." 2019 Student-Athletes who will be playing at a 4-year college program this fall: Nathan Seward - University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Desean Phillips - Upper Iowa University Dawson Pederson - Upper Iowa University Nick Radunz - Valley City State University Caleb Kennedy - University of Sioux Falls Jamire Jackson - University of Mary Noah Jensen - Concordia College-Moorhead Additional comments from Coach Issendorf: "The 2021 NDSCS Wildcats Football team will play hard, play fast, and play together. We will represent our institution, the MCAC, the NJCAA, and honor the game by teaching and playing with sportsmanship."
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Rochester Community and Technical College
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Head Coach: Derrick Hintz, 5th year Overall Record: 28-11 Coaching Staff: Dan Pippin, Rob Kitts, Dave Dallstream, Jean Velare, LaQuintin Yancey, Parker Jensen Top returning players: Israel Lozoya, RB, Rochester, MN Justin Lynn, QB, Memphis, TN Hector Quiles, WR, Milwaukee, WI Tristan Bryant, OL, Juneau, AK Diego Muniz, DL, Bellville, TX Alex Derico, LB, Sharpsburg, GA Shan Fiorenza, DB, Las Vegas, NV Top incoming/new players: Billy Maples, QB, Kansas City, KS Mick Kiernen, K, Appleton, WI Asa Cummings, LB, Rochester, MN Stephen Lewis, WR, Gardendale, AL Felix Foucher, OL, Romulus, MI Calvin Jeno, Spring Valley, MN Moses Hancock, RB, White Bear Lake, MN Mick Kiernan, K, Appleton, WI Ethan Forthun, K, Dexter, MN Keylan Jackson, LB, St. Paul, MN Jake Carmichael, DL, Tomah, WI Markeece Brown, DB, Pataskala, OH Coach Hintz on the Yellowjackets defense: "We'll be aggressive and fast." Coach Hintz on the Yellowjackets offense: "We will be fun to watch." Coach Hintz on the Yellowjackets special teams: "Solid field position expectations with a strong kicking game." 2019 Student-Athletes who will be playing at a 4-year college program this fall: Severyn Foster - McNeese State Ken Bohnenkamp - University of North Dakota Larry LeCount - Ottawa University (AZ) Sven Otterness - Kansas Wesleyan Gerald Sama - Grandview (IA) Prentiss Sayeweh - Benedictine (KS) Eric Snook - SW Minnesota State Blake Snyder - Jamestown (ND) Colton Taylor - Valley City State (ND) Dylan VanBoxel - Kansas Wesleyan
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Vermilion Community College
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Head Coach: Terrence Isaac Sr., 1st year Overall Record: 0-0 Coaching Staff: Antonio Mckinney, Defensive Coordinator; Christian Wilkerson, OL/DL Coach; Dustin Beard, WR Coach Top returning players: Carlos Carter, LB, Washington D.C. Top incoming/new players: Dontrail Sessions, QB, Jacksonville, TX Terrence Isaac Jr., WR, Dallas, TX De'Vonte Roberts, DB, Quincy, FL Keith Baker, QB, Vivian, LA Ramone Coleman Jr., WR, New Orleans, LA Coach Isaac on the Ironmen defense: "We would like to be a very physical defense. " Coach Isaac on the Ironmen offense: "The goal is to limit the amount of turnovers while controlling the time of possession." Coach Isaac on the Ironmen special teams: "We would like to create turnovers and return a couple on special teams."
Notable Information: Vermilion has made new improvements to their weight room. |
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About the Minnesota College Athletic Conference
The Minnesota College Athletic Conference is the organizational body for NJCAA-affiliated two-year technical and community college athletic programs in the Minnesota State system. The mission of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference is to advance intercollegiate athletics by providing an engaging and supportive environment for success of our student athletes and competition among member institutions. The MCAC is committed to the guiding principles of encouraging the development and success of student athletes, promoting the integrity, honesty and loyalty to member schools as well as upholding the sustainability of conference athletic programs.