St. Michael Star Matt Spaeth Shines in Bears Win over Vikings

In his second season as a Chicago Bear, the workmanlike effort from the former STMA football star is winning over fans in the Midway.

By Mike Schoemer

November 28, 2012

Former St. Michael-Albertville football and basketball standout Matt Spaeth picked a great time to make a "highlight reel" catch.

On a key drive for the Chicago Bears in the second half, Spaeth broke for the corner of the end zone and dove for a 13-yard pass from Jay Cutler, hanging on to make it a 25-3 lead for the home squad.

The catch–and Spaeth’s success in helping shore up a battered Bears offensive line–is earning the hometown favorite some praise both in Chicago and here in the Twin Cities.

Longtime scribe Sid Hartman cornered Spaeth after Sunday’s win, which put the Bears two games clear of the Vikes in the NFC North standings, to ask him about the play and the Bears’ season.

Patrick Reusse, Star Tribune columnist and ESPN radio host, said the catch took him back to a 2001 playoff game in St. Michael when the Knights topped Class 4A powerhouse Hutchinson.

And the AP captured Spaeth’s catch in front of Vikings’ safety Jamarca Sanford, showing him struggling to keep his body inbounds to make the play.

Finally, the Chicago Daily Herald awarded the tight end one of its “Game Balls” for the key play.

Columnist Mike Spellman wrote:

“[Brandon] Marshall will have a ton more opportunities down the road and the same might not be said for tight end Matt Spaeth. So, for your tremendous catch in the end zone which broke the game open, Matt Spaeth, this game ball’s for you.”

A Streak Of Historic Proportions

November 27, 2012

By Patrick Wall

Kicker Alex Henery has quietly been putting together an impressive career with the Eagles. Last season, he set a team and NFL rookie record by hitting 88.9 percent of his field goals. Henery continued rewriting the team history books on Monday night.

After connecting on three field goals, Henery has hit 19 in a row, an Eagles record that he previously shared with David Akers. Henery has been nearly automatic throughout his career, connecting on 44 of 48 field goals since last season. Over the last two seasons, Henery has become the second-most accurate kicker in the league, trailing only Jacksonville’s Josh Scobee. This year, Henery has missed just one field goal attempt.

The conditions Monday night were ideal. Plus, Henery works with two former Pro Bowl selections, long snapper Jon Dorenbos and punter/holder Mat McBriar.

"Today I hit everything in pregame; I don’t think I missed even one. I hit the ball well today and our rhythm was good," said Henery, who was successful from 36, 41 and 45 yards. "A lot of credit goes to Jon and Mat for making things smooth. There is a lot more that goes into it than just me kicking it."

When asked about his accomplishment, Henery was unfazed. Such is the life of a kicker.
"That is not one of those things I look at," he said. "It’s a cool honor, but I have to concentrate on the next kick, not the last one.

"This is a team sport, so how the team does is more important than how an individual does. I just do what I can, but we have to get the win. That is what matters."

Statue for Phil Dawson

From "Browns-Steelers: Plain Dealer staff predictions"

November 25, 2012


Bud Shaw

Record: 7-3

Browns 12 Steelers 10.

Preliminary plans announced after the game for the Phil Dawson statue.