Redeker: A proven winner
Friday, November 13, 2009
OLPE — Matt Redeker wants another crack at Smith Center.
Olpe’s senior quarterback independently brought up the Redmen — winners of five straight State titles and 77 straight games, including last year’s Class 2-1A title-game win over Olpe — at the Eagles’ practice on Thursday. Instead of hoping someone else in the State bracket can knock off the team to beat before his team has to face them — which is probably the wish of most fans of a team still in the 2-1A hunt — Redeker is openly hoping for a title-game rematch with Kansas’ most famous small-school football program.
“I want their streak to end with us in the State finals,” Redeker said.
If the purest model of a competitor features someone who wants to take on and beat the best, then call Redeker the prototype. The Eagles’ starter at quarterback since early in his sophomore season, and also a current starter at defensive end, he’s competed and won with regularity, guiding Olpe’s offense through undefeated regular seasons each of the last two years.
After leading the Eagles through one deep playoff run last year, Redeker has two more playoff victories in the books this year, and he and the 11-0 Eagles will go for another one tonight when they host St. Marys.
“Number one thing, he’s a winner,” Olpe coach Chris Schmidt said. “He does what the team needs. I mean honestly, he’s a kid that could’ve thrown for a lot more yardage over the years. But he’s went with the system, and when it’s time he has to throw, he throws pretty accurately. ... He showed that last year in the postseason; he stepped up, and I’m expecting that to happen this year, too.”
Yes, although the Eagles’ offensive attack is ground-based, Redeker got to show off his throwing ability late in last year’s playoffs, when Olpe went to more single-back shotgun sets. In the title game against Smith Center, he threw 44 times, completing 24 for 303 yards with two TDs and two interceptions.
This year, he’s run for 536 yards and scored 11 TDs, while throwing just 66 times, completing 34 for 794 yards with 11 TDs and four INTs. But Schmidt believes that to win tonight’s game, the Eagles will need to throw the ball. So depending on how the game progresses, Redeker could get another extended chance to display his arm.
In terms of leadership, Redeker has always been more of a leader by example than a vocal leader.
“Outside of football, he’s pretty vocal,” said senior Bradley Argabright, a good friend of Redeker’s. “He talks with everybody. On the field, he’s more of a guy that shows it by action, not by words, which is good.”
In recent weeks, however, Schmidt has noticed that his quarterback has been a little more assertive with his words, too. That’s the result of a conscious decision Redeker made.
“I have been more vocal, and the playoffs are a part to do with that,” he said. “I want to win, I want to get back to State, I want another shot at Smith Center. So I’m gonna step it up a little bit as far as being a leader, being vocal, and my abilities, my playing.”
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RickJones (anonymous) says...
It's not only in sports that Matt is a winner--he is a wonderful young man from a family that has rich traditions in Olpe sports and academics. The entire Redeker clan has family values that emulate a small-town atmosphere such as Olpe has. It has been an honor to have been classmates and friends with them and Matt is the latest example of this fine family.
November 21, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )