Bulldogs Selected as All-Conference Players

Senior Garrett Mertens and Junior Emmett Hanson were selected as NEC All-Conference players for 2023. Senior Jayden Johnson and Junior Jesse Schneck each received an honorable mention. The awards are voted on by the head coaches in the conference. Brian Allmendinger, head coach for the Bulldogs, included his comments on each player and their performance.

All Conference:
Emmett Hanson – JR
Emmett turned in a brilliant year for the Bulldog football team in 2023. Emmett is a product of working hard, never missing practice or workouts, and leading by example. He was a threat in 2023 on both sides of the ball. On offense, Emmett finished the season with 19 receptions for 232 yards and four touchdowns. Many of his receptions were during critical periods of the game and with a defender nearby. On defense, Emmett excelled with 34 tackles, 10 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, one interception, and one fumble recovery. He is a two-year starter and has been our long snapper for three years. He was selected as the Bulldogs’ defensive player of the year in 2023 and defensive lineman of the year in 2022. Emmett was named All State in 2023. 

Garrett Mertens – SR
Garrett wrapped up his Bulldog football career rushing for 374 yards and three touchdowns. He completed 67 of 145 passes for 805 yards and seven touchdowns. Garrett contributed 14 tackles and a fumble recovery on defense. This is his second consecutive All-Conference selection as he was on the 2022 All-Conference list. Garrett was also named Offensive Player of the Year for the Bulldogs.

Honorable Mention: 
Jesse Schneck – JR
Jesse has been a two-year starter for us on both sides of the ball. He has continuously worked hard to get better each year. Jesse led the team in tackles with 35. He had four sacks and nine tackles for loss from his nose guard position. Jesse also won the Bulldogs’  award for best defensive lineman this season. 

Jayden Johnson – SR
Jayden has also been a two-year starter for us on both sides of the ball and contributes on special teams returning kicks and punts. He tied for the team lead with 19 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown from his wide receiver position. Jayden added 23 tackles on defense and averaged over 19 yards per kick return. In his sophomore year, our state runner-up team suffered injuries, and we needed him. He filled in admirably. 

Submitted Photo: L to R: Emmett Hanson, Jesse Schneck, Garrett Mertens, and Jayden Johnson.