Helias' Clint Distler Shines as Starting Quarterback in Senior Season

Strategic Insights -

As the second-ranked Crusaders (14-0) prepare to face fifth-ranked Kearney (12-2) for the Class 4 championship, Clint Distler has emerged as a top contender for the player of the year award. After initially facing competition from junior Zach Rockers, Distler took over as the starting quarterback due to Rockers' injury and has remained the leader all season.

Distler has completed 129 of 198 passes for 1,988 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. He is also Helias' second-leading rushing threat with 722 yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite playing quarterback full-time, Distler still brings an aggressive attitude to the game and has been touted as a "tough" and "old-school" player by his teammates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clint Distler has completed 129 of 198 passes for 1,988 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions in the 2009 season.
  • Distler is Helias' second-leading rushing threat with 722 yards and 17 touchdowns.
  • Due to an injury to junior quarterback Zach Rockers, Distler took over as the starting quarterback and did not lose the position despite Rockers being cleared to play.
  • Helias Coach Chris Hentges has praised Distler's ability to be the quarterback, saying "Clint was undefeated and playing real well," after Rockers was cleared to play in the fourth week of the season.
  • Distler is described as a "tough" and "old-school" player by his teammates, with fullback Conner White saying "He's pretty old-school, and I like that a lot. He brings a real level of toughness."
  • The Crusaders will face the Bulldogs of Kearney for the Class 4 championship on Friday at the Edward Jones Dome, with a game time of 4:15 PM.

Statistics:

  • 129 of 198 passes completed by Clint Distler in the 2009 season
  • 1,988 yards gained by Distler through the air
  • 22 touchdowns and only seven interceptions by Distler
  • 722 yards and 17 touchdowns gained by Distler on the ground
  • 6-4 opponent Zach Rockers emerged as a quarterback prospect last season
  • 18 receptions and 342 yards collected by Clint Distler as a junior
  • 57 tackles collected by Distler on defense as a junior
  • 39.4 yards per punt by Aaron Vossen
  • 8 of 10 PATs made by Gavin Frevert in place of injured kicker Taylor Heislen
  • 6 of 13 field goals made by Keith Ringler of Kearney

Sources:

  • "Byline: Rus Baer Nov. 25--JEFFERSON CITY --"
  • Columbia Daily Tribune
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
  • The Permissions Group Inc.