Ponik honored as NSL?s top player

Posen senior quarterback Matt Ponik, who was named the most valuable player, was among four Vikings to earn all-conference accolades by coaches from the North Star League. Ponik rushed for 745 yards and 12 touchdowns and passed for another four to bring his total to 16 on the season. He carried the ball 93 times and averaged eight yards a carry, which topped the stat sheet. The three-year starter threw the ball 76 times and completed 27 for 426 yards. He was only intercepted once. Ponik also was involved in 10 two-point conversions, four as a running back, five as a quarterback, and one as a receiver.

A GOOD REASON he got the nod as league MVP was his all-around play on the gridiron, because when he was helping the Vikings move the ball down the field, he was stopping opponents. Ponik was second on defense with 102 tackles, 74 solos and 28 assists. Along with taking the MVP honor, he was named all-conference first team at quarterback and defensive back. Junior fullback Richie Kroll, enroute to setting the new single season rushing record with 1,415 yards, also made first team all-conference. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in the final regular season game against Atlanta and continued to increase his total through three games of the playoffs. Kroll led the Vikings with 15 rushing touchdowns and had nine two-point conversions. He averaged 7.7 yards per carry. Kroll also made all-conference first team on defense with more than 100 tackles from his linebacker position. He had 82 solo tackles and 36 assists, and also recovered two fumbles.

SENIOR GUARD James Sobek was one of five offensive linemen in the league to earn fir

st team all-conference honors. He was part of a Viking offensive line that opened holes for running backs who accumulated a staggering 3,482 yards. Sobek, who led the Vikes with six quarterback sacks, was an honorable mention on defense. He finished the season with 65 solo tackles and 33 assists. Senior Aaron Hincka made an impression at wide receiver with 14 catches, which was the most on the team. He was second in receiving yardage with 157. He had one receiving touchdown and a two-point conversion. Senior lineman Robert Romel was an honorable on defense with 46 solo tackles, 27 assists, and a quarterback sack.

“We are going to continue to build until we reach the ultimate goal of winning a state championship,” said coach Glenn Budnick. “Whether or not this program will realize that, remains to be seen. The coaches and the players will continue working.”