Coach Brian Allmendinger Retires From Bulldog Football

The Milbank football team presented their 2023 End-of-the-Season Awards on November 6 at the American Lutheran Church. Brian Allmendinger, who has been the head coach of the Bulldogs for the past four years and who recently announced his retirement, led the group.

Allmendinger coached football for a total of 26 years – a year in college, nine years in middle school, a year as an assistant high school coach, and 15 years as a head coach. He coached five years in Milbank.

Regarding his retirement, Allmendinger says coaching the Bulldogs has been a great experience. He appreciates all the support given to the program, and he’s grateful for the opportunity that was provided for him.

He says the best part of coaching football is, “the Interaction with the players and watching them grow as players and people, both on and off the field.” Allmendinger takes some of his favorite memories with him in photos snapped during the past four years – many from 2021 when Milbank played in the state championship game. Although Allmendinger is stepping down from coaching football, he plans to continue in his position as a social studies teacher at MHS.

2023 MHS Football End-of-Season Awards 

Player of the Year – Defense – Emmett Hanson – JR
Allmendinger said Emmett earned the award by turning in a brilliant year for the Bulldog football team in 2023. He was selected as defensive player of the year in 2023, defensive lineman of the year in 2022, and All State in 2023.” He commended Emmett for working hard, never missing practice or workouts, and leading by example. “Emmett was a threat in 2023 on both sides of the ball,” Allmendinger noted. “On offense, he 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 he has been our long snapper for three years.”

Player of the Year – Offense – Garrett Mertens – SR
Garrett was named Offensive Player of the Year. This is his second consecutive All Conference selection as he was also on the 2022 All Conference list. 

Garrett wrapped up his Bulldog football career rushing for 374 yards and 3 touchdowns while completing 67/145 passes for 805 yards and 7 touchdowns. Mertens contributed 14 tackles and a fumble recovery on defense. 

Lineman of the Year – Offense – Oliver Korth – JR
Allmendinger said, “Oliver did a tremendous job for us on the offensive line. As a first-year starter, he continuously showed up on film excelling in his run blocking responsibilities.” Allmendinger also praised Oliver for working hard to improve his pass protection technique and noted that he rarely allowed a quarterback pressure by the end of the season. He expects Oliver to be a big part of the offensive line next season.

Lineman of the Year – Defense – Jesse Schneck – JR
“Jesse has been a two-year starter for us on both sides of the ball,” Allmendinger said. “He also won the team award for best defensive lineman this past season.” Allmendinger complimented him on continuously working hard to get better each year. “Jesse led the team in tackles with 35. He also had four sacks and 9 tackles for loss from his noseguard position.”

Special Teams Player of the Year – Moises Luna – JR 
Comments: Moises did an excellent job for us this season as our primary kicker. He spent a great deal of time over the summer working to become a trusted asset for us for extra points and field goals. Moises was responsible for kicking the game winning field goal against Madison in overtime. He finished the season with making 80% of his extra point attempts and 100% of his attempted field goals.

Bulldog Teammate of the Year – Raul Berrones – SR
Comments: This award is given to a player who demonstrates exceptional leadership skills both on and off the field. Raul has been instrumental in helping younger offensive lineman learn their skills. He has been a two-year starter for us at center on the offensive line. Raul could be consistently counted on to rally his teammates during the week and on Friday nights.

JV Player of the Year – Sam Rick – FR
Comments: Sam stepped in this year as a Freshman and started from day one at safety. He finished the season with 21 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. He also returned 7 kickoffs for 109 yards. Sam worked hard to improve each and every week. Despite only being a Freshman, he made some critical plays for us on defense on Friday nights and will be a big part of the future. 

Submitted Photo: left to right, Sam Rick, Emmett Hanson, Oliver Korth, Jesse Schneck, Garrett Mertens, Raul Berrones, and Moises Luna.