St. Thomas Academy Football Impresses in Scrimmage

heads into the season ranked second in the state Class 4A poll. The Cadets looked deserving of the lofty preseason status during a Saturday scrimmage.

The Cadets shined on the field as they squared off with Apple Valley, Burnsville and Shakopee.

“We played three really good teams,” said coach Dave Ziebarth. “Our goal was really finding out if we could compete against them, and I think we did a pretty good job of that.”

With John Gould calling the signals, the first-team offense was able to move the ball well against all three opponents. Running back Charlie Kyle had some nice runs and fellow runner Nick Waldvogel showed that he is ready for the season, scoring on a couple of long touchdown plays.

Ziebarth said the offensive line was a little inconsistent, needing to hold their blocks a bit longer.

Defensively, the Cadets were able to stuff much of what the opposition was trying to run.

“You see our speed is there, but we need to be a lot more consistent on offense and defense,” Ziebarth said. “I was very satisfied with what happened.”

“Sometimes you come here and you’re not quite as physical as you want to be, but we were that,” he said.

The Cadets are scheduled to open the season at 7 p.m. Friday against Simley, a team with limited success the past couple of seasons.

“They’ve got a new coach, a new offense and defense,” Ziebarth said. “That’ll be a good challenge. We’re looking forward to playing them. I hope we’re ready.”