A rare pair of Cobbers
But thatās the situation at Concordia. Senior right guard
Jed Seeger and senior left tackle Noah Caron have been fixtures in the Cobbersā starting lineup since their freshman years."I think thatās real odd," Seeger said. "Experience in the offensive line is important. Experience is probably the biggest teacher."
The two hope to use their abundance of knowledge Saturday at Jake Christiansen Stadium. Seeger and Caron will play in one of the biggest games of their career against Moorhead State. It will be their final Crystal Bowl.
"Itās a very important game," Caron said. "Itās what Iāve been thinking about all year. Itās one of those games youāll remember, especially being a senior."
Seeger and Caron were introduced to the rivalry four years ago. Seeger, who played at Westbrook-Walnut Grove (Minn.) High School and Caron, who played at Bemidji (Minn.) High School, knew little about the history of the Concordia-Moorhead State matchup when they rolled on to campus.
"I didnāt know what it was about," Seeger said. "But the seniors were good about telling me about it."
Seeger soon learned what all the fuss was about. He drew his first starting assignment in the Crystal Bowl, his first college game. Caron only played on the field-goal team that first game. He entered the starting lineup in the third game of his freshman campaign.
"I was puking my guts out, I was so scared," said Seeger of his first Crystal Bowl. "It was pretty crazy."
Caron said his appreciation for the rivalry has only intensified through the years. Like Seeger, Caron didnāt realize the magnitude of the rivalry right away.
"My first year here I didnāt know much about Moorhead State," Caron said. "But living here the last few years, you end up meeting some of the players and coaches from (Moorhead State). It gives you more respect for them."
Seeger and Caron demand respect too. Seeger hasnāt missed a start in his college career. Caron hasnāt been left the starting lineup after he entered it. But both said it was kind of a fluke they were able to step into the starting lineup that quickly.
Two factors helped both players step in as freshmen. First, heavy graduation losses in the offensive line left spots open for the taking. Second, Seeger and Caron came to Concordia with outstanding size.
Caron was listed at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds and Seeger was already 6-3, 265. Since, Caron has added 35 pounds and Seeger is listed at the same size.
"They were both high-caliber players coming out of high school," said Concordia coach Jim Christopherson. "Just on their size alone."
Caron said the fact he and Seeger were both freshman starters the same year helped them adjust. It gave each of them someone they could identify with, rather than have to go through the experience alone.
"I came in thinking I would have to wait a couple of years," Caron said. "Everyone knows freshmen donāt start. Itās very rare. I just opened up."
There are differences between the two. Seeger anchors the right side of the line, while Caron holds down the left side. Their personalities are also on opposite sides of the spectrum.
"Noahās a gentle giant, thatās how he comes across," Christopherson said. "Jed is a little more flamboyant and outgoing. But Noah steps it up when the whistle blows."
And when the whistle blows is when they both excel. Seeger said he and Caron are as similar as can be when on the football field.
"We have the same goals," Seeger said. "We both will do whatever it takes to win. The biggest thing is neither of us want to get beat when we play. Itās embarrassing to get beat (by your man). I know Noah thinks that way too."
And both are hoping they donāt get beat Saturday, as individuals or as a team. Seeger and Caron should play key roles in the gameās outcome.
Concordia returns all five starters to its offensive line, while Moorhead State has new starters at all positions on its defensive front seven. How that matchup shapes up could decide which team wins the football game.
"This game gets bigger every year," Seeger said. "Everyone remembers the score. If you win, you can keep your chin up."
NOTES:
Senior halfback Dan Steinbeisser will make his first career start on Saturday for the Cobbers. Steinbeisser missed two weeks in fall practice due to injury. "Heās behind," Christopherson said. "Conditioning-wise and timing." ... Starting cornerback Jarad Ziebarth and reserve players, cornerback Paul Goldmann and defensive end Lance Larson, have missed time in the fall because of injuries. ... Linebacker Craig Gilbert is still recovering from a knee injury he suffered last season. "Right now weāre telling him not to expect too much," Christopherson said. "Heās been realistic." Christopherson said although Gilbert isnāt at 100 percent, the senior will probably see some time against the Dragons. ... Christopherson said freshman running back Marcus Ludtke of Albert Lea, Minn., has looked impressive. There is a possibility Ludtke could see some action Saturday.