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Column: Blossoms are in good hands
Originally published 08:45 p.m., November 23, 2009
Updated 08:45 p.m., November 23, 2009
Photo by Eric Johnson
Blooming Praire quarterback Luc Zellmer scrambles in the third quarter against Minneota during the Class 1A semifinals at the Metrodome Saturday in Minneapolis.
The Blooming Prairie football team had a standout year this season. They finally won the Section 1A title game after dropping it the last two consecutive seasons, and they finally got to the Metrodome, where they fell to Minneota 49-26 Saturday.
The Awesome Blossoms found the right balance of talent and hard work and it paid off for them big time this season.
They will graduate 11 seniors — including their entire offensive line, starting running back Aaron Niles and starting wide receiver Justen Ingvalson.
But I have a feeling the Blossoms will be just fine next year and it starts at the most important position in football — quarterback. Luc Zellmer put up big numbers at that position this year — 2,256 yards, 34 TDs and just 11 interceptions — but that’s not what’s most impressive about his play.
The sophomore took over a team with high expectations and he didn’t flinch this year. He calmly led the Blossoms to win after win, and as the games got bigger and bigger, he showed no signs of nerves or fear.
In fact, after BP beat New Ulm Cathedral, the No. 1 ranked team in the state in the Class ‘A’ quarterfinals, Zellmer said he was getting less nervous with each game.
He definitely wasn’t nervous on Saturday against Minneota when he threw for over 200 yards and three scores in the first half.
But that wasn’t even the best part of his performance. After he hooked up with Gabe Kartes on a perfect lob over the top that led to a 70-yard score, he didn’t give a fist pump, he didn’t give a high five, and he showed no signs of celebrating.
This was a score that put his team up 19-7 in the Metrodome and Zellmer was walking down the field as if he were walking to class on a Tuesday morning.
That kind of calmness is what every team needs to stay grounded.
Zellmer cemented his ice-cold attitude near the end of the first half when he found Cooper Nelson for a five-yard strike to make it 29-25 with just six seconds left on the clock.
Once again he didn’t celebrate, but instead he immediately looked back to his coaches and asked if they should go for one or two — now that’s focus.
Zellmer’s not the only key Blossom coming back next year. They will also return his favorite target in Cooper Nelson, along with Kartes, a sophomore, and hard hitting linebacker Luke Hueman, another sophomore.
The Blossoms may be mad that they lost in the dome on Saturday, but they probably won’t have to wait too long to get another shot to win there.
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Comments
Posted by smitty (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I too noticed Luc's lack of fist pumping when I was at the game. He displayed a quiet enthusiasm....much like his parents who are great people. Luc is a great leader and doesn't need to jump up and down to show his emotions. He leads by example which is great for young man his age. BP is blessed to have a talented sophomore class and I too hope that they have a repeat performance next year - - but going one game further. Nice job boys and thanks for a great season. Awesome Blossoms rock! :)
Posted by williamsqrd (anonymous) on November 26, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why the name "Awesome Blossoms?"
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