Football Vanguards named all-league

Wisconsin Heights’ football team had a terrific season on the gridiron, going 6-2 overall and winning its final five games. So it was no surprise that the Vanguards were justly rewarded when it came to all-conference honors. Senior running back Cody Blicharz was named first-team all-Ridge and Valley Conference and was also named the league’s Player of the Year. In addition, Blicharz was named all-region and first-team all-state by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association. Senior John Reader was named first-team all-conference at both defensive end and punter, and was an honorable-mention all-state selection at defensive end. Senior Luke Herrling was named first-team all-league at linebacker and second-team all-conference on the offensive line. Senior wideout Reed Adler, senior tight end Brayden VanRiper and junior kicker Greydon Schomber were both named second-team all-conference. Blicharz finished the year with 1,626 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. He also had 20 receptions for 480 yards and eight touchdowns. Blicharz, who will play next season at Drake, also had three kickoff return touchdowns and added 30 tackles at safety. In addition he set a school record with seven touchdowns in a game — and he did that twice. “Cody Blicharz is a straight workhorse,” Heights coach Connor Herrling said of his third-year captain. “Any coach would want him on the team.  “(Drake) got a steal with Cody. They got the true skill and talent of a real football player.” Reader finished the year with 113 tackles, a whopping 18 sacks and was named all-region at defensive end. He added two interceptions and a blocked punt. As a punter, Reader averaged a sensational 50.5 yards per attempt. “John Reader was a stud at defensive end and offensive line,” Herrling said. “He was one of our captains this year and he really earned it. This kid is something special.  “He did not come off the field along with Luke Herrling. He is another huge reason for the run game being so good this year. He is one of the best pulling lineman I’ve seen, if it’s either for a screen play or a run play, he pulls and he does it right. He was an outstanding player.” Luke Herrling racked up 110 tackles, was the voice of the Vanguards’ defense and was named all-region at linebacker. He was also a standout right guard. “He makes the calls, the stunt calls, everything,” Connor Herrling said of Luke. “He’s a straight dawg. He is one of our best blockers on the team. He really opened it up for the run game this year. He is a very humble kid, very coachable and carried the last name very high and proud.” VanRiper had six catches for 134 yards, one touchdown and was a standout blocker. “He was a very big part of our run offense,” Connor Herrling said. “I would rather have tight end that can block all game like a lineman then to go and catch balls like a receiver. He did his job.” Adler had 28 receptions for 623 yards with six touchdowns in just seven games. He also had three two-point conversions. “You can throw the ball anywhere and Reed will go and catch it,” Connor Herrling said. “He is a very talented athlete on the football field. He can run, catch, and throw the football whenever he needs to. He did just that all year for us.” Schomber kicked off 43 times and 36 were either a touchback or landed inside the 10-yard line. He also had 10 tackles at cornerback.  “He also recovered his own onside kick,” Connor Herrling said of Schomber. “He reminds me a lot of Pat McAfee. He would kick the ball and then go and back the biggest hit on the returner. It was great to see.” Overall, Herrling was thrilled with the season. “This team was something really special,” he said. “This is a group of players I won’t ever forget. This season is one for the books.”