Trey Demler of Oshkosh West had a game last week not many high school quarterbacks would tend to forget. But Demler has had his fair share of memorable performances in an OW uniform.
In a 54-32 victory over Appleton West, Demler, a senior, passed for five first-half touchdowns and completed 25 of 35 passes for 361 yards.
“The week before, we came out and ran for 250 yards. Our opponent had expected us to throw more,“ Demler said. “We proved we could do both. Our offensive line has been incredible with no sacks.”
It's Demler's second year as quarterback for coach Ken Levine's team.
“He led the state in passing last year,” Levine said. “He's had better games than he did last week. Last year, we lost a nail-biter to Arrowhead in the playoffs. He was 30-of-40 and threw for 400 yards against the No. 1 team in the state. He threw for 480 yards in another game last year.”
Demler said the game against Appleton West resulted in the most touchdowns he's ever thrown.
“It's almost the same group of kids we have at receiver,” Demler said. “That's what's so good about it. We go with four receivers. Three of the four starters last year started every game. We have one new receiver who's doing fine. But the timing they have is huge.”
Levine said he recognized Demler's potential as a quarterback in youth leagues.
“He's very poised. He stays in the pocket,” Levine said. “He has a strong arm and a quick release. We have a bunch of good receivers to help him out.”
It's the type of offense that suits Demler's talents.
“Last year, we threw the ball exactly the same number of times we ran it,” Levine said. “Most teams are backing off and only rushing two or three players and trying to put more men in coverage. The more we get blitzed, the better he can find receivers. We have four receivers who could probably start for anybody. Each one is pretty strong.”
Demler was backup quarterback as a sophomore and played receiver. He's been a quarterback since the fourth grade.
“I always wanted to play there. My dad encouraged me to play there,” Demler said. “Even at a young age, I liked the leadership role and having the ball in my hands.”
Demler has already been offered a scholarship by North Dakota State, a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) school that in recent years has beaten Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) teams like Minnesota and Central Michigan. Western Michigan and a number of Illinois schools are also expressing interest, Levine said.
A Fall Creek favorite
He was a quarterback but has found a home in a different backfield spot.
Running back Matt Dickinsen of Fall Creek scored three straight touchdowns over the late second to early third quarters and had an insurance score in the fourth quarter of his team's 38-26 win over Spencer/Marshfield Columbus. Dickinsen had 272 yards on 22 carries with five rushing touchdowns. He also had a 44-yard reception. But his rushing total was 13 yards shy of the school record.
The first time he got his hands on the ball, Dickinsen ran for a 40-yard touchdown.
“Last year, he played some quarterback,” said Dickinsen's coach, Mike Johnson. “He was second-team all-conference as a defensive back. Then he made the move to running back. Going into the season, he was going to be our main running back.”
At 6-feet, 170 pounds, “he is very elusive,” Johnson said. “He used his blocks very well.”
“It was more of a pleasant surprise to me,” Dickinsen said of his performance. “I was happy with our offensive line. They're all seniors.”
Dickinsen had 22 carries in the game but said it won't get any easier with strong competition coming up. Dickinsen said he joyfully accepted the move to running back.
“More than anything, I followed my blocks,” he said. “I have more speed than power.
“I've always liked running the ball more so than passing.”
Other top performances
• In Brown Deer's 55-26 whipping over host Wauwatosa West, Sean Andryauskus caught six passes for 145 yards and a TD in the first half alone. Teammate Chris Smith, in a 14-minute stretch between the second and third quarters, had a 52-yard rushing touchdown, a 64-yard punt return for a score and caught a 17-yard touchdown. Smith finished the night with four touchdowns and 203 total yards from scrimmage.
• Alec Carr, a running back from McFarland, sparked his team over Lakeside Lutheran 35-23 by rushing 11 times for 288 yards and four touchdown runs of 45, 37, 48 and 85 yards to show his explosive ability.
• Willie Resop, an Appleton West running back, in his team's 54-32 loss to Oshkosh West, rushed for a statewide-high 399 yards on 42 carries. He had four first-half touchdowns and 342 yards in the first two quarters.
• Gino DeBartolo, a Kenosha Bradford quarterback, in a win against Lake Forest Academy (IL), rushed 21 times for 251 yards and four touchdowns. He completed both passes and he threw for 121 yards and two more scores.
