GR
Garrett Rau
  • Educational Studies - Secondary and Chemistry
  • Class of 2020
  • Abbotsford, Wisconsin

Garrett Rau of Abbotsford Makes MWC Football All-Conference Team

2017 Dec 21

The Midwest Conference (MWC) announced the 2017 Football All-Conference Team in November. The Prairie Fire placed five players on the All-MWC team, including two first-teamers.

Garrett Rau of Abbotsford, WI

Garrett Rau and Dom Parello garnered first team honors, while Matt McCaffrey, Evan Economous, and Jacob Paul all earned a spot on the second team.

Garrett Rau picked up first team honors as a punter and Dom Parello earned his way as an offensive lineman. Rau finished the conference season with 29 punts for a total of 1,094 yards (37.7 yard per punt), including six inside the 20-yard line and five of 50+ yards. On the season he totaled 55 punts for 2,100 yards (38.2 yards per punt). He ranks fourth on the single-season list at Knox in yards, yards per punt, and punts downed inside the 20-yard line (13). Against Beloit, he set the Knox single-game mark for yard per punt when he averaged 47.5 yards per punt. Parello led an offensive line that allowed Matt McCaffrey to break numerous offensive records over the course of his career.

On the second team, McCaffrey made it as quarterback and was joined by Jacob Paul on the defensive line and Evan Economos at defensive back. McCaffrey finishes his career as the all-time leader at Knox in passing attempts, passing completions, passing yards, completion percentage, games over 200 yards passing, rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, rushing yards by a quarterback, best average carry by a quarterback, most yards total offense, most yards per game total offense. He also set single-season marks in most rushing yards by a quarterback, best average carry by a quarterback, lowest interception percentage, best efficiency rating, and completion percentage. He had one of his best season this year when he rushed for a team-leading 675 yards (6.5 per carry) and seven touchdowns and passed for 1,743 yards and 16 touchdowns. His 6.5 yards per carry places him fourth in Knox history among all rushers. Paul and Economos helped to hold the league's offensive skill MVP, Joey Validivia, to his lowest rushing total of the season (55 yards) and only total below 100 yards. Paul finished the season with 44 total tackles, including 12.5 for a loss and 4.5 sacks. Economos picked up 23 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two interceptions, five passes broken up, and a forced fumble on the season.