Blicharz runs wild in Vanguards’ win

Connor Herrling says Cody Blicharz doesn’t care about stat lines. That all Blicharz cares about is winning. Well, the way things look now, Blicharz — Wisconsin Heights’ standout senior running back — might enjoy the best of both worlds this season. Blicharz had a memorable Week 1 performance and led the Vanguards to a 54-42 win over host Abundant Life/St. Ambrose last Friday. Blicharz had a remarkable 319 total yards and six touchdowns in a night for the ages. Blicharz ran for 212 yards on 18 carries (11.8 average) and had four rushing scores. He also caught five passes for 107 yards and two TDs. “Cody is going to have an historic season,” said Herrling, the Vanguards’ second-year coach. “Cody doesn’t even care about his stat lines, he literally just wants this team to win. Most humble kid I ever met.” If this keeps up, though, Blicharz will have every reason to flex. So will the Vanguards, as a number of players had big games against AL/SA. Quarterback Quinn Payne completed 10-of-14 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns, and also had 90 rushing yards on just seven carries (12.8) and two rushing TDs. Brayden Van Riper caught three passes for 60 yards, while John Reader had 10 tackles and a sack. Overall, Heights did what it wanted, finding the endzone eight times. “The offense is very potent,” Herrling said. “We didn’t even go into two other formations that we have. We stuck with one formation and ran the same nine plays down their throat. If it isn’t broken then don’t fix it. So I kept with what was working.  “Mike Finscali, that kid can block like no other. He drives the lid 10-15 yards down field and doesn’t give up. (Wide receiver) Zach Sander is a kid to look out for this year as well.” Herrling knows the Vanguards have some things to clean up defensively, but believes they’ll make the necessary adjustments. “A lot of things we can work on, but hey, that’s why we practice every day also,” Herrling said. “Corners, safeties and linebackers need to be on their toes more.  “They gave up too many plays that they shouldn’t have gotten beat on. That group of corners and our safeties are the best in the conference. My expectations are high.” A year ago, it took Heights until Week 4 to post its first win of the season. The Vanguards won four of five from there and carried that momentum into 2024. And after one outing — led by the dynamic Blicharz — Herrling can’t wait to see what’s next. “Week 1 was great. We spoke everything we said into existence,” Herrling said. “I told the guys from the first day of practice that they can go and win out. I’ve seen talent and been a part of some very talented teams. This team right now has the most talent I’ve seen come through Heights.  “These boys have what it takes. The fight this team has is unmatched. You punch this team, yeah we may fall, but I promise you we will get right back up even harder and better.”