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Knights hope to surprise under new management
QB Max Marty returns after earning all-conference honors last fall
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The Glarner Knights return the Capitol Conference after two years away. Led by all-conference wideout Ethan Friedrich and quarterback Max Marty, the New Glarus-Monticello football team is aiming to surprise some of their old foes this fall.

NEW GLARUS — DJ Schuett takes over as the New Glarus-Monticello football coach this fall, after serving as assistant for six years under longtime head coach Jeff Eichelkraut. Schuett will be assisted by son Darris Schuett, Chris Rear, Travis Zimmerman, Jance Marty, Matt Sarbacker and Jeff Winder.

The Glarner Knights went 2-7 a year ago and graduated four all-conference players, including first-team SWC offensive and defensive lineman Dain Walter. All-conference players Eli Zimmerman, Jack Parman and Logan Roach also graduated, as did Mitch Murray and Cale Weeden among others.

Returning is junior QB Max Marty, who earned an honorable mention nod as a sophomore, and senior wideout Ethan Friedrich, a second-team pick. Also back is senior TE/LB AC Strok and senior lineman Ja’Kody Strahm. Marty threw for over 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago, completing 51.5% of his passes. He also scrambled for 174 yards on the ground. Friedrich hauled in more than 400 yards passing with five scores. He and Strok averaged more than 16 yards per catch.

Of those knocking on the door for higher responsibilities and additional snaps this fall are Charlie Sarbacker, a sophomore WR/LB, juniors Cade Thayer (WR/DB) and Sutton Zimmerman (OL/DL), plus senior Emery Johnson (RB/DB). Johnson averaged 4.8 yards per carry in limited touches a year ago.

“This group is ready to work hard and compete,” Schuett said. “We had great summer contact days and we are excited to get started.”

The Knights will leave the Southwestern Wisconsin Conference after just two seasons, returning to their old stomping grounds in the Capitol Conference, per WIAA bi-annual realignment. While formerly familiar foes await in Columbus, Lake Mills and Lodi, new challenges await — like Madison Edgewood, which bounced from the rugged Badger South to the Rock Valley over the past three seasons. Also in the Capitol are Big Foot, Lakeside Lutheran and Beloit Turner.

“We’re entering a new conference — again. It’s a new conference with new teams. It’s a good football conference,” Schuett said. “We expect our kids to work hard and give maximum effort to compete. We will let everything else take care of itself.”