Football: Back on top

Athen Ashton and Darren Beenken All-Missota Conference (photo by Jim Lindquist)

After a couple of sub-par seasons the Tigers were back on their game in 2012.

Coach Mark Froehling's team went 4-14 over the previous two seasons but little of that was evident in their 7-3 run that included a five-game winning streak to open the season that propelled it to the No. 4  spot in the Associated Press rankings.

The Tigers won a share of the Missota Conference title for the first time since 2008 and advanced to the section championship game for the first time in six years.


"This was a fun and exciting season," Froehling said. "The athletes worked hard and earned their successes. They were very coachable and great teammates. There are always things to improve on, but I thought we played very good football most of the time.

"I also thought we had a great following from students, families and fans both at home and away. The team really appreciates the great support from the community."

Froehling ticked off a list of memorable moments from the season just completed, starting with Reid Taubenheim's record-setting four field goals in the opener against Rochester Mayo.

Also on the list were the hair-raising 27-23 Homecoming win over Chaska; the first-ever playoff win at Tiger Stadium; the conference championship; the return to the section championship game and the team's Gold Medal rating for academics.

Defensive MVP Mason Auge (photo by Jim Lindquist)

Froehling also pointed to the large number of individual accomplishments, including big statistical numbers put up by quarterback Darren Beenken (four school records), Athen Ashton (804 yards in six games) and Mason Auge (103 tackles).

The veteran Tiger coach also highlighted the quarterback sacks of John LeBlond, the post-season touchdown catches of Mac Bassett and Johnny Dittman and Tyler VanWinkle's circus catch that earned media Play of the Week honors.

One of the few disappointments came in the lopsided 28-3 loss at Chanhassen.

"We didn't play very good football there," Froehling said. "I would like to play that one over again."

Froehling also received some post-season recognition of his own as he was named the Missota Conference Coach of the Year.

"I think officially the head coach is listed, but I see this as a coaching staff award," Froehling said. " I am very proud of my staff. They are outstanding, dedicated coaches and quality men."

Froehling and his staff honored the 2012 Missota Conference co-champions at an awards banquet earlier this week. Listed below are award winners announced at the banquet.

MVP Offense – Darren Beenken

MVP Defense – Mason Auge

MVP Special Teams – Reid Taubenheim

All-Missota Conference

Darren Beenken, Athen Ashton, Mason Auge, Alex Chadwick, Josh Boatwright and John LeBlond  

Honorable Mention All-Conference

Reid Taubenheim, Mac Bassett and Johnny Dittman

Scout Team MVP Offense

Alex Robinson  and Noah Kary 

Scout Team MVP Defense

Nick Schoening and Alex Khan 

Coaches Award  Offense – Alex Witkowski

Coaches Award Defense – Alex Khan

Team Academic All-State – Gold Medal Award

Individual Academic All-State – Darren Beenken