David Cook
Sports Scene
Led by the potent one-two punch of quarterback Brad Cordes and running back Andrew Mulliken, the St. Johns football team proved to be an offensive dynamo this season.
With Cordes striking through the air and Mulliken doing damage via the overland route, the Redwings averaged 35.3 points per game this season. They scored a total of 318 points during the regular season, the highest offensive output since 2004, and they scored at least 35 points in every game except one.
That offensive punch enabled the Redwings to turn in a 7-2 record this season. They finished in second place in the CAAC Red, a game behind DeWitt, which finished the season unbeaten in league play. DeWitt outlasted St. Johns 42-35 in one of the most entertaining games of the season. In that game, Mulliken rushed for 244 yards and two touchdowns, while Cordes passed for 206 yards and two scores.
The combination of Mulliken and Cordes proved to be key to the success of the offense. Mulliken rushed for over 1,000 yards this season and scored 17 touchdowns. Cordes passed for over 1,000 yards and tossed 11 touchdowns.
St. Johns opens playoff action by taking on rival East Lansing in the first round.
GIRLS GOLF
The St. Johns girls golf team wrapped up the season by placing 10th at the Division 2 regional at Milham Golf Club in Kalamazoo. Senior Kaylee Gates paced the Redwings with a 102. Junior Katie Deliso carded a 115, senior Sarah Felokamp fired a 117, and senior Sarah Nodarse shot a 119.
BOYS TENNIS
The St. Johns boys tennis team wrapped up the season by competing at the Division 2 regional at East Lansing.
The Redwings reached the semifinals in four flights. Zach Peters reached the semifinals at No. 2 singles, while Paul Sochar reached the semifinals at No. 3 singles.
In doubles action, the team of Zack Werner and Zane Nachazel reached the semifinals at No. 1 doubles, and the team of Erickson Hufnagel and Brock LaBar reached the semifinals at No. 3 doubles.
BOYS SOCCER
The St. Johns boys soccer team ended the season with a 2-1 loss to East Lansing in the Division 2 district championship match.
They ended the season with a 13-6-3 record.
The Redwings were a senior-laden team. Dane Bergstrom led the team in scoring. The Redwings also were paced on offense by Sam Hanover and Luke Feldpausch.
BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
The St. Johns boys and girls cross country teams continued to show improvement as they made their way to the regional meet.
The boys team was paced by sophomore Andrew Hyatt, who posted the top time this season, a 16:39 clocking at the Bath Invitational. Junior Spencer Shellberg turned in a top time of 16:48, while freshman Codey Cook posted a time of 16:57.9.
Freshman Karrigan Smith led the way for the girls. She turned in a time of 18:32 at the Spartan Invitational. Sophomore Kayla Kraft was also a strong runner, as she turned in a top time of 19:21.