UW-SP tabbed as favorite to repeat in WIAC The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point football team, the two-time defending WIAC champions, were picked by conference sports information directors to win the conference crown again. But Pointers coach John Miech, while agreeing his team is among the top squads in the conference, is watching out for a different team. "The team that I think everybody has to beat is River Falls," he said, adding UW-La Crosse and UW-Whitewater to the list of contenders. "The sleeper, big time sleeper, is Stout. They have their whole defense back," he added. "To meet any expectations we have, we have to focus on the first football game. Before we talk about expectations, we not only have to get through the first non-conference game, but the second non-conference game because they're outstanding football teams." Miech is talking about UW-SP's opener Sept. 9 against Northern State University in the Spud Bowl and a Sept. 16 home contest against Drake University. "We're going to mix it up," Miech said of his offense. "I think we have some very skilled players. At any position you look, you have veterans who can play." And on defense, "My back seven are the most skilled that I've had here. I think the lowest vertical jump is 34 inches," he said. In an era where speed and quickness are paramount in football, UW-SP isn't on the outside looking in. In recent testing, 27 players on the Pointers' roster registered a vertical leap of over 30 inches. Here's a look at the Pointers position by position: Quarterbacks Sophomore Dave Berghuis (Kimberly) stepped in last year following graduated senior Ryan Aulenbacher's injury and led the Pointers in the postseason. In six games, he completed 51.4 percent of his passes. But the job won't be handed to Berghuis. The sophomore is fighting with redshirts Scott Krause (Waunakee) and Brad Paulson (LaCrescent, Minn.). Freshman Ross Adamczak from Stevens Point Area Senior High has impressed Miech too. "The big thing is the quarterback battle," Miech said. "Dave Berghuis and Scott Krause and veteran Brad Paulson are neck and neck and Ross Adamczak is a pleasant surprise. They're really getting after each other. "Coming in as a freshman, skill-wise, this kid was one of the better high school quarterbacks in the state," Miech said of Adamczak. The quarterback controversy is a positive thing, Miech said. "We were in a situation the last four years where we had an injury at the quarterback position and felt we were held hostage to the injury. Now we have four quarterbacks that can get it done." Running backs A trio of seniors return in the backfield, but will get strong competition from several underclassmen. Wally Schmitt (Stratford) led the team in rushing with 847 yards and 10 touchdowns last season and returns alongside senior Todd Goodman (Stanley). However, junior Tim Rabas (Denmark) and sophomore Ian Zertler (Abbotsford) will provide strong competition. Other challengers are redshirts Jason VanderVelden (Winneconne), Adam Reed (Milwaukee) and Kenn Pride (Ashwaubenon). Wide receivers All-WIAC mention Chad Valentyne (Kimberly) paced the Pointers with 43 receptions for 658 yards in his freshman season. Junior Steve Jones (Stevens Point) will see plenty of passes along with junior Lance Gast (Weston), who moved from the running back position. Other contenders for playing time include four speedy redshirts - Levi Massey (Algoma), Eric Heidenreiter (Sheboygan Falls), Geoff Plagemann (Verona) and Josh Wilson (Lancaster). Tight end - Paul Schmitt (Stratford), brother of running back Wally, is the team's first-team tight end. Offensive line Traditionally one of UW-SP's strongest position, but Miech said this year's group might be the best ever. Junior Jason Wagner (Lancaster) was a first-team All-WIAC selection last season, and at 280 pounds, could be the line's only starter under 300 pounds. Joining the mix is Luke Hilgemann (Stratford), a 6-9, 330-pound tackle who transferred from UW-Madison. Junior Paul Steffeck (Amherst) started the last two seasons and may move from guard to tackle this year. Other candidates for spots include a pair of part-time starters in juniors Nick Van Cuyk (Kimberly) and Brad Dobratz (Wisconsin Rapids). "The key to our season will be keeping the offensive line healthy," Miech said. "Our offensive line last year was big and this year we're bigger. What's great is they can move, they can run. They're not overweight kids, they're football players." Juniors R.J. Horton (Oak Creek) and Jake Philaja join redshirt freshman Nathan Kramer (Waterloo) and a pair of key transfers in the battle for playing time at possibly the team's deepest position. Defensive line Despite losing three players to graduation and another to injury, Miech said he is confident with three returning players who saw significant time last season. Seniors Todd Prochaska (Green Bay), Jared Trosper (Baraboo) and Dominic Litwic (Mosinee) all return on the line. The trio will be challenged by sophomore Matt Raduechel (Wausau) and redshirt freshman Jeff Sieg (Troy), Justin England (Peshtigo) and Ted Sauer (Green Bay). Linebackers Junior Heath Novitzke (Ringle) returns after leading the team with 82 tackles, despite missing the final two games due to illness. Novitzke, who Miech said is possibly the top returning linebacker in the WIAC, is joined by returning starters Mike Porter (Milwaukee) and Paul Schmitt (Stratford). Other contenders for playing time include junior Joe Makovec (Muscoda), sophomore Mike Plumb (Ashwaubenon) and redshirt freshman Nick Haffele (Monroe), along with several transfers. Secondary Three returning starters from last season's defensive backfield that ranked second in Division 3 with 24 interceptions should have the unit picking up where it left off last season. Senior Jamey Kamrath (Mayville) missed five games last season with an injury, but still managed six interceptions and 32 tackles at strong safety. Junior cornerbacks Jonah Roth (Boscobel) and Kurt Trunkel (Willard) are also back. The battle to replace All-American Andy Palzkill at free safety will be shared by junior Scott Wendlandt (Appleton) and sophomore Dillon Maney (Three Lakes), who moved from tight end. Other players who could see time include junior Nate Hayes (Antigo) and freshman redshirts Ryan Bentley (Waunakee) and John Mattek (Antigo). Special teams Senior Jason Steuck (Milton) returns at placekicker, and All-state high school punter Jason Biechler (Marshfield) will handle the punting duties. Valentyne ranked eighth in Division 3 in kickoff returns last season and will team with Gast, Pride and freshman Tony Romano (Waunakee) as probable return specialists. Romano ran a 4.41 40-yard dash when Point's practices opened. Senior long snapper Bobby Jonas (Fort Atkinson) will be back for his third year as the team's regular snapper.