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stillwatergazette . com Stillwater Ponies Football Preview • Friday , August 23 , 2024 Page 7
OFFENSE Ponies well-armed for success on offense
BY STUART GROSKREUTZ THE GAZETTE
Once known more for its veer offense and power running game , the Stillwater football team has taken to the air in recent years and that is likely to continue this season behind strong-armed junior quarterback Nick Kinsey .
Current University of Minnesota quarterback Max Shikenjanski held nearly every Ponies passing record before graduating after the 2022 season , but the prolific numbers continued a year ago under Kinsey and a prolific receiving crew that also set numerous single season and career records .
There are some new faces and renewed hope for a more balanced attack , but the Ponies are optimistic the offense can remain productive after averaging 31 points per game a year ago .
Stillwater set team records for passing yards per game ( 244.5 ) and in a season ( 2,690 ), but also averaged a meager 3.5 yards per carry . Tanner Schmidt , a University of Minnesota-Duluth recruit , finished his prep career with school records for touchdown receptions ( 21 ) and receiving yards ( 1,626 ). He was the Metro East Sub-District Offensive Player of the Year and also finished with
90 career catches , which trails only Joe Hoheisel ( 111 ) on the program ’ s alltime receiving list .
Hoheisel also ranks second for the Ponies in career receiving yards ( 1,564 ) and touchdowns ( 19 ).
But the Ponies also boasted enviable depth at the position with Ephram Lanz ( 24 catches for 318 yards ) and Brett Hilde ( 19-284 ) earning sub-district honorable mention recognition .
Stillwater coach Beau LaBore is pleased with the options for taking over those receiving spots , including seniors Jerrian Xiong ( 5-foot-7 , 160 pounds ), Conor McGlynn
Stillwater junior quarterback Nick Kinsey threw for 2,268 yards and 24 touchdowns with just four interceptions in 10 games a year ago See Offense , Page 8
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