After great playoff run in 2015, Mater Dei Knights back for more

By Norm Sanders

Updated August 24, 2016 1:21 PM

While a trip to the Class 4A semifinals last season might suggest big things once again for the Mater Dei Knights, coach Jim Stiebel prefers a different approach.

“I would rather be he underdog and nip the guy in the butt,” said Stiebel, whose team finished 9-4 and lost to Althoff in the semifinals. “This group’s special. They do the extra things, all the intangibles. They’re working hard and there’s great leadership in this senior group.

“They want it so much I had to cut back. I’ve never had to do that before.”

Offense

The returning nucleus begins with senior quarterback Colin Schuetz. He put together one of the top seasons of any quarterback in the area last season, completing 176-of-326 passes for 2,828 yards and 32 touchdowns with 11 interceptions.

Schuetz tacked on another 495 yards rushing and 15 rushing TDs. Does Stiebel see any difference in his signal-caller this season?

“Confidence. A leader, a coach on the field,” Stiebel said. “There’s no doubt in my mind. I can’t even yell at him, he’s hard enough on himself. If he repeats what he did last year everything takes care of itself.

“He knows what every position is supposed to do; the line, the protection, everything.”

This group’s special. They do the extra things, all the intangibles. They’re working hard and there’s great leadership in this senior group.

Jim Stiebel

Mater Dei head football coach

Not much experience returning at running back, where the Knights will use Jake Wieger, Lucas Theising, sophomore Nic Seelhoefer, Trever Johnson and possibly receiver Jake Timmermann.

“We’ve got a few guys that are game-breakers and we need to find the right place to use them,” Stiebel said.

The receivers group should be strong and includes Theising, Timmermann, 6-foot-6 Matt Spears, Jared Niemeyer and sophomore Travis Jasper. A huge loss is graduated senior Brendan “Butchie” Timermann, an all-area receiver last season who hauled in 65 catches for 1,010 yards and 11 TDs. He also led the Knights in rushing with 697 yards and eight TDs.

More help could come from A.J. Albers, a junior transfer from Mascoutah who plays slot receiver and cornerback as well as quarterback. Albers threw for 1,241 yards and eight TDs at Mascoutah last season.

Senior left offensive tackle Mason Toennies (6-6, 260) has drawn some Division I interest. The experienced line includes senior left guard Jacob Dumstorff (6-1, 230).

Defense

Johnson had 47 tackles and two sacks last season at middle linebacker.

“He’s explosive, strong and nasty with a motor,” Stiebel said.

Seelhoefer (17 tackles, one interception) will see time at linebacker and fullback with senior Drew Toeben at defensive end. Justin Thole and Jacob Wieter are outside linebackers.

Dumstorff (55 tackles, one sack) and Huegen (36 tackles, two sacks) will anchor the defensive line.

Southwestern Conference

ALTON: Redbirds young, but looking to improve

BELLEVILLE EAST: Young Lancers looking to grow under Stephens

BELLEVILLE WEST: Maroons celebrating football centennial

COLLINSVILLE: Kahoks trying to take the next step

EAST ST. LOUIS: Flyers look forward from strike-shortened season

GRANITE CITY: Warriors looking for improvement

EDWARDSVILLE: Tigers, Epenesa ready for state run

O’FALLON: Panthers return plenty of depth, fire power

Cahokia Conference (Mississippi Division)

CARLYLE: Good depth of talent for Class 2A