Schreurs reaches century mark in victories

Dan Schreurs made sure his team knew where he stood high school football coaching victories last week.

The analytics fanatic who usually writes a collection of stats on a whiteboard during Monday’s film session this time kept it simple.

“All I drew up there was a big 99,” he said.

Cedar Grove-Belgium’s players knew what that meant, and they made sure Schreurs got his 100th career win with a 57-0 demolition of Howards Grove on senior night last Friday.

“I wanted it to happen with this team. These guys are special on the field and off the field. The way they handled and supported me with the passing of my mom,” he said.

Jean Schreurs died Aug. 27, one day before the second game of the season.

“A lot of the seniors have been with me three years as varsity starters. We have a good friendship outside of football. It’s a special group of guys.”

The group led a team that made quick work of the 2-6 Tigers, with low numbers and plans to drop to eight-man football next season.

Austin Knapp had nine carries for 118 yards and three scores in the first half. Josh Egan ran five times for 72 yards and two scores. Alex Geib had an eight-yard touchdown run, and Brady Albinger had a one-yard score. Gavin Aponte and Van Vorpal each made an interception and had long returns.

“In the first half, they had no first downs,” Schreurs said of the Tigers.

The Rockets led, 40-0, at halftime.

“I told the seniors I’m sorry it’s your senior night, but you’re done at halftime,” Schreurs said.

He left some on special teams, and Griffin Knight started the second half by returning the kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown.

Egan had seven tackles, leading 19 Rockets with at least one. Josh Anzia had six and RJ Griffin and Ray Griffin each had five. 

Postgame festivities led by Schreurs’ wife and team statistician Melissa included unveiling a banner in honor of Schreurs’ 100th victory and other activities.

“I got the water and I got a whole bunch of mini-footballs dumped on me. I think there was 100 in there,” Schreurs said.

Defensive coordinator Jason Klein, who has been with Schreurs since becoming a head coach, got a Gatorade bath. 

Schreurs reached the milestone in 12 years.

“That’s just under 8.5 wins a season. When you look at it and you’re only scheduled to play nine (games), that’s not too shabby,” he said.

The Rockets, 6-2 overall and 5-1 in the Big East, play at 2-6 Reedsville on Friday. A win could earn them a high enough seed in the playoffs to get two home games, Schreurs said.