On September 3, in the town of Caledonia, Minnesota, two high school football players are making waves in the southeastern region: Max Schmitz and Cooper Allen. Both athletes are not only regarded as exceptional defensive talents but also embody the spirit of teamwork that their coach, Carl Fruechte, values deeply.
What sets Schmitz and Allen apart is their willingness to put the team's needs above their own preferences. While both are primarily known for their defensive prowess, they have stepped into offensive line roles to support their team. This selflessness is a testament to their character and commitment to Caledonia football.
Fruechte expressed his admiration for the duo, stating, "They are really special. First of all, it’s that they are all heart. They care about the team and they sacrifice for the betterment of the team." This dedication has not gone unnoticed; Schmitz and Allen have become key players for the Warriors, with Schmitz excelling as a defensive end and Allen serving as a formidable middle linebacker.
Last season, the pair combined for an impressive total of 171 tackles, showcasing their defensive capabilities. Schmitz, at 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds, recorded eight sacks, while the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Allen made 114 tackles. Their athleticism and skill have drawn attention from college recruiters, particularly for Allen, who is being pursued by Big Ten schools.
Lourdes coach Mike Kesler, who faced Caledonia twice last season, praised both players, highlighting Allen's size and speed as well as Schmitz's explosiveness. He noted, "Those two are both hard-nosed, tough kids who are very athletic. (Allen) is ranked as one of the top recruits in the state, and (Schmitz) is just really explosive and has a nose for the football."
Both players have been integral to Caledonia's success, with Schmitz starting since his freshman year. His dedication to the sport has been evident since childhood, as Fruechte recalled recognizing Schmitz's potential early on. Schmitz himself reflected on his love for football, saying, "I’ve been around football since I could walk. When I was growing up, Caledonia was winning all of those state championships. I think that is when I fell in love with it."
Allen, who also excels in wrestling, has embraced his role as a middle linebacker, where he feels he can lead the defense. He enjoys the strategic aspect of the position, stating, "I like playing middle linebacker, that is my favorite. I feel like I get to be the commander of the defense." His growth in the sport has been significant; he has transformed from a 6-foot, 180-pound freshman to his current size, drawing interest from various college programs.
With aspirations of playing at the collegiate level, Allen is considering offers from schools like Minnesota and Wisconsin, while maintaining a close relationship with the University of North Dakota. He is not rushing into a decision, emphasizing his commitment to Caledonia and its legacy of producing talented players. "There is no better place to be than Caledonia. We have a history of getting kids recruited," he stated.
As the new season unfolds, the combination of Schmitz and Allen on the field is a source of confidence for the Caledonia Warriors. Their skills, work ethic, and camaraderie make them a defensive pairing that is difficult for opponents to contain. With both players poised for another strong season, the future looks bright for Caledonia football.
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