Gridiron players recognized

Sonja Karp
NLJ Sports Editor
 
“Once a Dogie, Always a Dogie” is a familiar mantra at Newcastle High School, and several Dogies received recognition for their achievements wearing the orange and black uniform for fall sports. 
Senior Slade Roberson earned both All-Conference and All-State honors for his efforts on the gridiron, which after being sidelined for his junior year due to injury, made the honors all the more sweet. Head coach Matt Conzelman had nothing but kudos for the senior leader.
“Slade’s hard work and commitment in the preseason and postseason led him to be a contender in offensive stats statewide,” Conzelman said. “Slade was a great leader and role model for Dogie football, modeling exceptional character. He will be greatly missed by the Dogie football program for his leadership, competitive edge, and hard work ethic.”
Roberson finished his senior year with 1,295 all-purpose yards, placing him seventh overall in the state for 2A. He was also a standout on the defensive end of the ball, finishing the season with 63 tackles, 12 of which were for a loss.
Those being named to the 2A East All-Conference team include senior Josh Womack, and juniors Tanner Nielsen, Holden McConkey and Heath Henkle. Receiving Honorable Mention to the All-Conference team were senior Aidan Chick and juniors Hogan Tystad and Quint Perino.
Womack led the Dogies defensively on the season with 67 tackles, eight for a loss, and two sacks. Offensively, Womack played tackle which helped produce 1,855 yards of total offense for the Dogies.
“Josh was a leader for both the offensive and defensive line,” Conzleman nodded. “He was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ball and he showed a lot of grit, and showed up to every game with an ‘Never say die’ attitude.”
As a new addition to the Dogies, Nielsen was a pleasant surprise for Conzelman and the team, who contributed offensively, defensively and on special teams. Nielsen ended the season with 23 receptions for 377 yards and four touchdowns. As cornerback, Nielsen had 20 tackles, 15 of which were solo tackles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions. He also churned up 273 yards in kick-off returns for the season.
“Tanner made a huge impact offensively and defensively for the Dogies,” Conzelman said. “We are definitely looking forward to having Tanner back for the 2022 season!”
McConkey could be counted on to surprise fans and defenses alike with his ability to elude well-aimed tackles throughout the season. As such, he finished the year with 735 all-purpose yards and was the leading rusher for the Dogies with 461 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, McConkey racked up 65 tackles and led the squad with 16 solo tackles. He also amassed 208 yards in punt and kick returns.
“Speed kills in the game of football, and Holden showed that on many plays throughout the season,” Conzelman began. “Looking ahead to the 2022 season, Holden is being looked at as one of our key skill players to watch.”
Henkle returned to the gridiron this season after injury sidelined him for his sophomore year. As center for the Dogies, he held the all important position, which Conzelman referred to as the quarterback for the offensive line. His efforts helped produce 1,855 yards of total offense for the year.
“Heath had an outstanding season and was pivotal in his role of reading, adjusting to, and stopping the defensive fronts and blitzes,” Conzelman stated. “We were happy to have him back and healthy this year and it will be exciting to bring his experience back to the offensive/defensive line in 2022.”
As outside linebacker on defense, and wide receiver on offense, Chick earned honorable mention for his efforts on the field. Defensively, he compiled 39 tackles —18 tackle assists and 15 solo tackles — had one fumble recovery and one interception. Offensively, Chick finished the season with 117 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Tystad played tight end for the Dogies and ended the season with 195 yards receiving and one touchdown. Defensively, he finished with 39 tackles, 13 solo, and one fumble recovery.
As strong safety, Perino accumulated 36 total tackles — 28 assists and eight solo — one fumble recovery and two interceptions. On offense, Perino racked up 73 yards rushing, 70 yards receiving and 152 all-purpose yards for the season. 
“Aidan’s relentless energy and knack for finding the football and making plays made him a great asset for the team,” Conzelman began. “Hogan showed a lot of growth this season and made some key receptions during the season, and Quint also showed a great deal of growth as a football player. We are excited to have both back next year for another season.”