Many things have been broken this football season; senior Nate Fisher’s leg, Benilde-St. Margaret fan’s hearts in a one-point upset on their turf week three, the renowned “homecoming curse” for St. Francis (losing homecoming twelve years in a row) and state rushing records.

Senior running back Jake Engnell was, at one point this season, the leading rusher in the state and is currently number three (leading the metro area) with 191 attempts, and 1,099 yards. With a two touchdown and 183.2 yard per game average, Engnell makes up 52% of the Fighting Saints total yardage, and 43% of their touchdowns.

“I’m pretty proud of myself. It’s cool to think about because I was at the top for those weeks and no one else can say that.” Engnell said, “Randy Shaver even talked about me on Kare 11.”

According to football coach Chris Lindquist, it is almost unheard of for a football player to carry the ball over 40 times in a game, especially in high school. Engnell has carried the ball over 40 times in numerous games.

“He’s definitely running harder this year,” said Lindquist.

Engnell has been playing football since fourth grade.

“My favorite part of football is playing under the lights,” he saidl. “I’ve played football for most of my life. It’s my favorite sport and I love it.”

Engnell practices 5 to 6 days a week with his team to hone his skills, something he considers important in order to play. He also values his teammates and their ability to play together. He feels it is important to be able to rely on each other during a game. Engnell’s proudest team moment was in eighth grade

“One of my favorite memories from football is when we went to Tennessee,” said Engnell. “We won all the games down there. Traveling with my friends out of state was fun, and the team winning just made it better.”

Engnell feels the biggest struggle in football is dealing with a loss. He feels it means the team didn’t try with their best effort.

“But I’m proud of my team, because of things we’ve accomplished together,” said Engnell.

Early in his high school football career, Engnell suffered a concussion and had to deal with the struggle of recovery.

“For a while after, he wouldn’t let anyone near his head. He’d freak out when people touched his helmet, and he was cautious in the game,” said Lindquist. “Now he’s fine, he’s back out there hitting harder than before. He’s the most durable running back there is.”

In fact, Engnelll says he will play football in college depending on what athletic scholarship offers come his way.

Throughout Engnell’s years in football, Lindquist has gotten to know him and collected  fond memories of the running back.

“I don’t have just one favorite memory of Jake,” said Lindquist. “I’ve enjoyed watching him be able to come back from injury, and just watching him grow up.”