Anoka: Nothing taken for granted in senior season

Off to a surprising 2-0 start after winning two games all of last season, Anoka's football team faces a giant test Friday at Wayzata (2-0).

Playing the defending Class 5A champions will have a familiar feel. Running back Antonio Ford transferred to the Trojans after three seasons at Coon Rapids, where he popped pads with Northwest Suburban Conference rival Anoka.

"In the lump department, I think we took more from him than we gave," Tornadoes coach Jeff Buerkle said.

But this season, Anoka has one of its thumpers back in action. Senior linebacker Landon Mathis returned after missing his entire junior season because of a knee injury. In the Tornadoes' 24-7 victory last week against Andover, Mathis was in on 17 tackles and recorded a sack and a tackle for loss. His overall value is beyond statistical measure.

"We weren't as confident without him," Buerkle said. "He's the rally guy. When he says, 'Let's pick it up and get going,' it gets picked up and gets going."

Mathis spoke with Star Tribune reporter David La Vaque about the lessons learned from injury and making his senior season count.

Q What are you and your teammates saying about playing at Wayzata this week?

A They are the state champs and we all know that. But we have to stay confident in what we're doing and trust in each other. We can't be afraid. We have to go in there saying, 'Hey, we're ready to play, too.'

Q How difficult was last season?

A It was tough watching them lose. It was something I really wished I could have been a part of even though I was on the sidelines cheering for my teammates. It was really tough on me because I love football so much and I love being with the guys on the field. It was difficult, but God had his reasons for my injury. I think it made me better this year because I understand a lot more.

Q I imagine this season is the Anoka football you've been wanting to see.

A Yeah, our senior class was really good when we were freshmen and sophomores. So it's nice to see that we're really coming together. This is a vibe I knew we had to have and could have.

Q Coach Buerkle said you inspire teammates. What does it mean to hear that said about you?

A It's a big blessing. It's an honor to be a leader for this team and just to play with these guys. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Q Coach Buerkle said you're not the fastest guy but that you study film and read plays well. Does some of that come from your older brother, [former Anoka and current Bethel linebacker] Seth?

A Yeah. Growing up with Seth, it kind of just runs in the veins. He's my best friend and I love him to death because he always encourages me.

Q How did sitting out for a year grow your passion for the game?

A This year was going to big already because one of my really good buddies on the team, Dylan Witschen, passed away from brain cancer at the end of sophomore year. So being back this season it really came to me that, 'Hey, I'm still here at least. I'm on the field and I shouldn't take for granted any of these moments.'