Multi-talented Meyer leads Elk Grove past Hersey
Leadership. Grit. Endurance.
Nick Meyer of Elk Grove is all of that and more, and his coaches and teammates believe in him. He gave them every reason to Friday night at Hersey in a 28-13 Mid-Suburban East win that kept the Grens (6-1, 3-0) tied for first in the division and made them officially playoff-eligible.
He hit his first 13 passes and 18 of 20 in all, 2 for TDs while rushing for 2 more as Elk Grove built a 21-0 lead that would never be seriously challenged.
“He's such a competitor, Grenadiers coach Brian Doll said of Meyer, who seems to make everyone around him better.
Like Mike Wary, for instance. Twice Meyer led his running back perfectly for scores of 10 and 34 yards in the first quarter as Hersey (3-4, 0-3) couldn't get the ball back.
And then there's his offensive line. Meyer scooted easily behind them for scores of 13 and 1 yard as they obliterated would-be tacklers, and that was with sophomore Dan Egan making his first start.
And then there's the defense. Meyer, who plays both ways, made a key tackle on Zach Johnson on a third-down pass play to deny a first down and knocked a pass away at the last second from an otherwise open Chris Polinski late in the game to deny another.
“He's the captain on offense and defense, said Doll after Meyer barked out signals on both sides of the ball.
And of the “family.
“We call ourselves ‘family' and ‘brothers' and win for each other, said wideout Eddie Stahl, one of Meyer's key targets and closest friends. And when Meyer buys time against a heavy pass rush with his nimble feet, it's no accident he finds guys like Stahl open.
“We run that practice drill to help Nick. It's about all of us stepping up and getting open, said Stahl.
The ‘brotherhood' did a job on Hersey's young family. Even with Brad Zaucha returning at quarterback (11 of 18, 115 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), Hersey couldn't muster enough firepower beyond his arm and Johnson's legs (17 carries, 92 yards). Erik Stolzner ran for one score and Justin Jobski made a nifty move and a nice grab to register another on a 15-yard fade toss from Zaucha.
“We did some really good things, said Hersey coach Dragan Teonic. “We have some work to do. We have a young program.
Meyer was left was brushing dirt and sweat away from an open cut on his forehead.
“Makes me look like I played, he said under his breath and refusing to call attention to it otherwise.
And as to getting tired from playing both ways: “Sometimes, he said, “but the adrenaline kicks in.
He'll need it next week for the showdown with Prospect, which Elk Grove can finally focus on despite the season-long posting the game has rated on each team's calendars.