Future Illinois Quarterback to Take on Hutchinson

One week ago today, Nathan Scheelhaase sat his 6'3" 185-pound frame down in front of live television cameras at the Metro Sports studios in Kansas City to take his pick from six schools that have vied for his attention for the past year. For Scheelhaase, the choice was clear - he was going to play for Ron Zook and the University of Illinois.

Scheelhaase enters into the 2008 football season as the number seven-ranked dual-threat quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com, and the third-ranked player in the state of Missouri overall. He and the storied Rockhurst (Mo.) program will be four-time Kansas 6A state champ Hutchinson's season opener on September 5.

The Simone Award, given to the best player in Kansas City prep football, had never been awarded to a junior until Scheelhaase won it after his phenomenal performance last year. In 2007, Scheelhaase rushed for 917 yards and 14 touchdowns, while throwing for 1,861 yards and 20 touchdowns with just five interceptions. Even more incredible, he led the Hawklets of Rockhurst to a 13-0 record and its eighth state championship in school history. In addition to Scheelhaase, Rockhurst's Tom Freeman, an offensive lineman, and Keith Langtry, a wide receiver, are ranked among the top 30 players in Missouri by Rivals.

Rockhurst's rich football history will clash against Hutchinson High School's recent football dominance of the state of Kansas when the two meet in September. Under head coach Tony Severino, the Hawklets have won six state titles and 80 percent of their games. With head coach Randy Dreiling at the helm of the Salthawks, Hutchinson has won the last four state championships in Class 6A, and is on a 36-game winning streak.

The Hawklets are no stranger to competition from Kansas schools. Rockhurst competed against the dominant Shawnee Mission North teams of the '70s, the Olathe North dynasty of the late 90's and the great Garden City teams of the early 2000's. However, they have not faced an opponent from the Sunflower State since defeating the Buffaloes in 2001, behind two Tony Temple touchdown runs.