High School Playbook

Andy Garman has the cold and soggy Friday night football highlights.

Part II

High School Playbook has all the best from Tuesday night volleyball in central Iowa!

The Ames Little Cyclones picked up a come-from-behind win at Waukee, 3-2.

Marshalltown made quick work of Fort Dodge, sweeping them 3-0.

Last year this CIML Central Conference running back was part of a stable of GREAT running backs in the conference.

This year there are only a couple of starters that returned (due to graduation) and Urbandale's Jevoury Wedderburn showed us last week why he was included in that group last year.

Against Sioux City East, Wedderburn rushed 23 times for an AMAZING 326 yards (he added 3 scores as well) in helping his J-Hawks past East 57-37.  

That was by far the top rushing performance of the week, and during that game alone Wedderburn rushed for more yards than PLENTY of running backs have total this year!

With that performance Wedderburn has increased his totals to 63 carries for 680 yards and 9 touchdowns on the year!  If you're doing the math at home (quick math) that means (on average) that Wedderburn gains over 10 yards every time he touches the rock!  

That's pretty incredible stuff, and for his efforts Wedderburn is this week's KCCI's Iowa Beef "Athlete Of The Week."  

If there is anybody out there that you think deserves "Athlete Of The Week" honors, e-mail us at sports@kcci.com and tell us why!

-Will Marchino, KCCI's High School Playbook

videos	showing 1 to 6 of 10 video(s).   see all
-------------

Athlete Of The Week: Zach Cutkomp

Athlete Of The Week

Creekmur High School Playbook Athlete Of The Week

Matt Widlund Athlete Of The Week

Athlete Of The Week: David Barrent

Meyer Athlete Of The Week

blogs	showing 1 to 6 of 45 blog(s).   see all
-------------

Iowa Beef Athlete Of The Week

Iowa Beef Athlete Of The Week

Iowa Beef "Athlete Of The Week"

Iowa Beef "Athlete Of The Week"

Iowa Beef "Athlete Of The Week"

Iowa Beef Athlete Of The Week

Where Are They Now? Matt Macri

Dowling Catholic: 2001

September 9, 2009

Dowling graduate Matt Macri was a two-time state champion during his senior season in 2001; one as an All-State shortstop and another as an All-State quarterback. He had the opportunity for a bright future in either sport, to him though, there was no decision.

“Baseball has always been my first love. I had several offers to play football at the D1 level but I wasn’t really worried about it because my mind was made up,” Macri said. “I knew I was going to play baseball.”

 As many talented high school seniors are, Macri was drafted in the 14^th round of the 2001 M.L.B. Draft by the Minnesota Twins. However he knew that barring a catastrophe in his life he would have an opportunity a few years down the road to be drafted again, at a higher round and with more money attached. He said he was animate about going to school, and that he did, to one of the most prestigious schools in the country.

Macri continued his Catholic ties and made a self-described easy decision to play college ball at Notre Dame. He also visited Texas A&M, Georgia Tech and Nebraska prior to his trip to South Bend. But none of the others could hold a candle to the tradition and clout of the Fighting Irish.

He was a good enough prospect for the Irish that he was slated to be a starter in his freshman season. That, however, would never happen due to a developing situation in his right elbow. In the February before his freshman season of baseball was to begin, he was making a throw and felt something pop.

“It felt a lot like if you sprain your ankle and feel a pop and pull, which is a very strange feeling to have in your elbow,” Macri said.

Two months later, in April, Macri had a surgery that is normally reserved for pitchers called Tommy John Surgery. This is a fairly serious procedure that takes plenty of time to heal, needless to say his freshman season at Notre Dame was spent rehabbing and observing, rather than starring as a true-freshman starter.

Ten months after the surgery Macri was cleared 100 percent to play, but said it wasn’t until months after that when he felt confident in his ability to throw again. At that time he said his right elbow was stronger than it was prior to the surgery.

“Just the nature of the rehab with keeping the shoulder strong and re-strengthening that elbow, it’s going to make it stronger,” Macri said. "Not to mention the ligaments they put in are triple-knot braided. It’s going to make it stronger.”

Macri’s junior season at Notre Dame was the only one where he was 100 percent for the complete season. And he had had a great season for the Irish, good enough to get him drafted again. This time, nine rounds higher than the first time he was drafted three years prior; he was taken in the fifth round of the 2004 Draft, by the Colorado Rockies. And unlike the first time he was drafted, he wisely accepted the offer, choosing confidently to forego his senior season at Notre Dame, and instead to join the Rockies organization.

Macri stayed with the Rockies until August of 2007, where he was able to escalate through the minor league system and was playing for the AAA Colorado Spring Sox. Then the Twins, who had had their eyes on Macri since he was a prep in West Des Moines, decided to trade for him, and shipped pitcher Ramon Ortiz to the Rockies for the Dowling graduate.     

“In high school I played at the Metrodome for two games, so the Twins had some familiarity with me,” Macri said. “Teams definitely follow you and track you and the Twins liked what they saw and didn’t get me in the draft, and when the chance came, they picked me up, which I was happy about.”

Macri started his career with the Twins in AAA Rochester (NY) and on May 22, 2008 he was called up to the “big show” for the first time of his young career. And he shined. He earned his first major league hit in his first at bat, and had an R.B.I. single to right in his second ever at bat.

Macri ended up staying with the Twins in Minneapolis for a full month, and he hit .324 in that time frame. The players he was moved up for though, became healthy again meaning the Twins had no need for Macri at that point in time. So he was sent back down to Rochester, where he has remained for this season.

“That’s the way baseball is,” Macri said. “It’s a lot about being in the right place at the right time, and I was having a good year and some things happened where they needed a guy to come and fill. I could have hit .600 and I still would have been sent back down. But you can’t be bitter; it’s just the business of the game. I was happy with the way I performed and I think they were too.”

Macri is having a down year offensively for Rochester this season, but is continuing to mold himself as a defensive force. He’s been consistently playing his primary positions of third base and shortstop, as well as playing second base and for the first time ever first base. Macri seemingly will not be making any stints to the big leagues for the remainder of this season, but is still in a good position to find himself up there a good in the seasons to come.

TJ Rushing, High School Playbook

P.S.

Macri on Principal Park: “I think it’s be fantastic to come back to Des Moines one day and play. If I remain in the International League it’s not going to happen, but if something happens where I can play back there, I think it’s be exciting,”

Macri on Twins All-Star catcher Joe Mauer: “He’s the best hitter I’ve ever played with or against. He’s going to go down as one of the best hitters of our generation.”

Macri on the difference between AAA and the pros: “The biggest difference is consistency. The guys up there do it day in and day out. Down here in the minor leagues we are striving for that. The guys here will falter once-in-awhile or lose their focus. And up in the bigs they’re pretty consistent throughout the year and that’s what everyone here is working for essentially.”

Related Content

Where Are They Now? Fred Hoiberg

Where Are They Now? Tim Dwight

Where Are They Now? Dan Jennings

Where Are They Now? Heidi Hart

Where Are They Now? Jeremy Stephens

Where Are They Now? Matt Woodley

The Defenders did something that is always hard to do in football. Win on the road. Grandview Park Baptist went to Melcher-Dallas last Friday night and pulled out a 33-20 victory over the Mustangs in the "Wild Card Game Of The Week."

In that road victory, the Defenders got GREAT games out of Wes Safford (QB) and Ryan Humburg (RB). Safford was 20-37 for 204 yards with 2 touchdowns and rushed 22 times for 63 yards and 3 touchdowns!! Humburg was Safford's favorite target on the evening, catching 7 balls for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The game doesn't stop there for the defenders, Safford started BOTH ways (which is common in 8-man football) and recorded 11 tackles. A HUGE road victory for the Defenders 33-20 over Melcher-Dallas means that Grandview Park Baptist is this week's KCCI's "Team Of The Week."

If you think your team deserves a little notice e-mail us at sports@kcci.com and tell us why?

-Will Marchino, KCCI's High School Playbook

The wait is finally over!  High school football is finally here, and Week 1 did not disappoint.  High School Playbook brings you all the greatest stories and action from across central Iowa.  Fans broke out the face paint and the crazy outfits for the opening night ‘frenzy’.  Here are a few that stood out above the rest!

Be a part of the Fan Frenzy. Upload your own photos and videos for a chance to be a part of the Frenzy!

End Zone Dance

TAMA GOT SPIRIT

Waukee Warrior Spirit

St. Edmond and Eagle Grove fans!

HLV vs. Keota...YOU DECIDE WHO GOT SPIRIT

Lincoln vs. Waukee--Spirit

profiles	showing 1 to 4 of 4 profile(s).
-------------

SEFANSAREGREAT

4TigersFans

4EagleFans

ShawnJohnsonFANS

Week 1: Football Fan Frenzy

Where Are They Now? Fred Hoiberg

1A CHAMPIONSHIP: Lenox vs. Newman Catholic

Where Are They Now? Dan Jennings

2A CHAMPIONSHIP: St. Edmond vs. Beckman

STATE BASEBALL: Fort Dodge vs. Sioux City North

 Travis Merrit just got done playing on Johnston's baseball team during the state tournament at Principal Park. Now he's preparing to light up oppnents as a linebacker on the football team. Get to know him a little better here.

TJ Rushing, High School Playbook

Related Content

Get To Know Lenox Catcher Tyler Peterson

GET TO KNOW: Kole Klocko

Get To Know: Joey Flattery

Get To Know: T.J. James

2A Semifinal: Live Blog

-CHECK HERE TO SEE FANS AND PLAYERS BEFORE THE GAME

-CHECK HERE FOR GAME CLIPS

-CHECK HERE FOR CLIPS OF THE GAELS HUGE NINTH INNING

-WATCH THE GAELS CELEBRATE THEIR WIN HERE

FINAL/9

# 4 St. Edmond (33-3) 8 vs. #1 Solon (37-5) 4

1st Inning:

Top: Nick Clark struck-out to begin the game for the Gaels. After that Brandon Derrig was walked on four pitches and was than able to advance to second on a throwing error to first when he tried a pick-off. Joe Flattery than would dribble one back to the pitcher and Derrig took off for third and was tagged out easily by the third baseman.  John Engler than ripped shot to right field and Joey Flattery was over-aggressive on the bases and was easily tagged out at third thanks in large part to the rocket for an arm of Solon right fielder Derrick Loveless. The Gaels could’ve had at least twon runs if not more had they not been so eager on the bases.

Bottom: Derrick Loveless starts the bottom of the inning with a single through the gap at first and second. Ben Weeks than hit an infield blooper and was thrown out at first by the first basemen, Loveless advanced to second. Cody Strang LAUNCHED a ball over the left field fence for the first homerun of the entire tournament by anybody. This ball got out in a hurry, and Solon takes a 2-0 lead. The next batter Ben Bergman than hit a shot to right that was caught and the next batter went down looking to get the Gaels out of the inning.

St. Edmond     0

Solon               1

Last Update, 6:19 p.m.

2nd Inning:

Top: Jon Flattery lines a single into right-center to start the inning. Patrick Flattery lined out hard to Loveless in right-field and than another Flattery, this time Anthony, and he singled into shallow right-center. Billy Mann singled into shallow left and that loaded the bases for Thomas Kesten with one out. Kesten is walked and Jon Flattery scores the Gaels first run of the game for the Gaels. Nick Clark bats with the bases loaded, a passed ball would score another Gaels run, and Clark would go down looking on the next pitch. Brandon Derrig would than hit a chopper to third base and the effective throw to first would make the last out for Solon.

Bottom: Shawn Olson lines sharply to Anthony Flattery at third for the first out and than Ryne Brimeyer reaches second after a single and a throwing error by Anthony. Pitcher John Engler would than set down Nick Day with strikes. That would bring up Marshall Koehn and he went down swinging.

St. Edmond     2

Solon               2

Last update, 6:40 p.m.

3rd Inning:

Top: Joey Flattery and John Engler both popped out to begin the inning, which was followed by a two-out single for Jon Flattery up the middle. Jon was able to steal second, but Patrick went down looking just a couple pitches after.

Bottom: Loveless lined out to deep left-field for the first out. Ben Weeks was able to squeeze a one-out base-hit into the gap at third and short. Cody Strang than hit a soft infield single from a check-swing and good news for the Gaels lead base runner Ben Weeks was caught in a pickle between second and third and was eventually tagged out for the second out. The next batter for Solon went down swinging and the Gaels left the third unscathed.

St. Edmond     2

Solon              2

Last Update, 6:50 p.m. 

5th Inning:

Top: Jon Flattery struck-out against Ben Bergman who came in this inning to relieve Brandon Shulista, and the next batter Patrick Flattery went down on strikes as well. Anthony Flattery lined out to Loveless in right-center for the final out.

Bottom: Cody Strang flied-out to right center and that was followed by a Ben Bergman ground-out. Tyler Smith than hit a two-out double but Shawn Olson flied-out to right and was unable to get that go-ahead run home.

St. Edmond     4

Solon               4

Last update, 7:26 p.m.

6th Inning:

Top:  Billy Mann flies out to first for the first out, Tom Kesten was than able to muster a slow-rolling infield single for the Gaels 10th hit of the game. The next batter Nick Clark reached first on a fielder’s choice. Brandon Derrig hit a ball to shortstop and a bad hop made it too tough to handle, Derrig lands at first and Clark advances to third for three-hole batter Joey Flattery. The runner at first took off for second while the pitcher still had the ball, he was able to make it to second safely, and meanwhile Clark took off for home and was gunned down by shortstop Ben Weeks for the third out of the inning.

Bottom: Ryan Brimeyer started things off for the Spartans with a leadoff walk. Nick Day was than able to lay down a successful sacrifice bunt which advanced the Solon pinch-runner to second. Joey Flattery will now come in to relieve Engler from the mound. Flattery set down Marshall Koehn for the second out of the inning, and than Loveless grounded out to shortstop Brandon Derrig to end the inning.

St. Edmond     4

Solon               4

Last Update, 7:49 p.m.

Bottom: Ben Weeks grounded out to Brandon Derrig at shortstop on the first pitch. Cody Strang hit a deep ball to right field that was tracked down by Thomas Kesten. Ben Bergman went down looking for the last out and this one is going to extra innings.

St. Edmond     4

Solon               4

Last Update, 8:02 p.m.

EXTRA INNINGS

Well nothing important happened in the eighth and in the ninth inning the Gaels erupted for four runs catalyzed by Joey Flattery single to center. John Engler, Pat flattery Anthony Flattery, Billy Mann, and Nick Clark all contributed to the eruption of runs. Joey Flattery than faced only four batters in the fourth for a quick and easy bottom of the ninth to give the Gaels the win and advance them to the 2A championship. They will play the winner of Cherokee and Dyersville Saturday at 2 p.m.

F/9

St. Edmond     8

Solon               4

Last Update, 8:41 p.m.

TJ Rushing, High School Playbook

#4 St Edmond (32-3) 11 vs. #5 St. Albert (24-4) 8

CHECK HERE FOR CLIPS FROM THIS GAME...

Flattery is a name I will undoubtedly become used to during this one, there are five of them on the Gaels; Joey, John, Anthony, Patrick and David. These guys are no slouches either. Joey is batting .517 with seven home runs and 33 RBI’s and Jon is batting .411 with nine home runs and 31 RBI’s. Sophomore Anthony is batting .376 and David, who just finished eighth grade, is batting 1.000….he’s 1-1 on the season. Basketball star John Engler has also played a key role in the Gaels being at Principal Park today, he’s batting .391 with six home runs, six triples and 36 RBI’s.

St. Albert will bring a young team to Des Moines. They should make good contact, but not possess a whole lot of power. Their three leading hitters are two juniors and a sophomore, so lack of experience may be an issue. The Falcons have 15 home runs as a team compared to the Gaels 26.

This game will begin at 2:00, I will have an inning-by-inning blog…

1^st Inning:

Top: St. Albert pitcher Jake McGruder brought a 1.24 E.R.A. into this state quarterfinal, that was eclipsed many times over in the top of the first inning. St. Edmond’s Nick Clark started the game with a single to right field just out of the second basemen’s reach. Brandon Derring went down looking after that. Clark than stole second and was hit home after a Jon Flattery walk and John Engler single. Jon Flattery than went down looking and Pat Flattery singled to right field scoring pinch-runner Daniel Doster. Engler would score the third run of the inning on a passed ball. Anthony Flattery walked and Billy Mann hit a sharp grounder to the second basemen that was too hot to handle, that scored Pat. The ninth-hitter of the inning Tom Kesten flied out to right field to stop the Falcon bleeding. The Gaels will start the second with the top of their order and four runs on the board.

Bottom: Gaels pitcher Joey Flattery brings in an unbelievably impressive 0.98 E.R.A. to the state tournament. And while he leaves the first inning with three K’s under his belt, the Falcons were able to garner on run in between. Flattery walked second hitter Paul Johnson who than scored on a Sean Urzendowski infield single. The Gaels take a 4-1 lead into the second inning.

2nd Inning:

Top: Nick Clark grounded out to second and that was followed by Brandon Derrig being hit by a pitch, he shook it off well. Joey Flattery than grounded into a fielders choice. John Engler followed that with a shot into left-center, he ended up with a double and and scored pinch-runner Doster for his second run of the game, giving the Gaels a 5-1 advantage.

Bottom: Joey set down the seven, eight and nine batters in order all by K’s. He now has six strike-outs though two…wow

last update, 2:51 p.m.

TJ Rushing, High School Playbook