It was at this early point in the game when Morrison went down. Gino describes the experience of having to step in: “I didn’t have time to think about what happened. I just had to step up and make plays.” He made an impact right away as he recovered a fumble. “It was a crazy play” he says. “[Senior] Montgomery Green forced the fumble, and I was able to recover it. It was really cool to make that play.” He also said that it was a “Welcome-to-varsity moment.”
Not only has Saline football been one of the state’s perennial football powers the past 6 years, but it also has some of the best players on the sidelines, waiting in the wings for their chance to contribute. One of those players is junior linebacker Gino Geherin.
Up until this season, Geherin was a second stringer behind senior leader and Air Force football commit, Alex Morrison. However, when Morrison went down with a foot injury in the first quarter against reigning state champions, Chippewa Valley, on August 29, Geherin was thrust into the starting role.
It was early in the first quarter; the score was still tied at zeroes. The game was very physical from the opening whistle, as both teams were presumably thinking about last year’s matchup, when Saline lost 31-26.
It was at this early point in the game when Morrison went down. Gino describes the experience of having to step in: “I didn’t have time to think about what happened. I just had to step up and make plays.” He made an impact right away as he recovered a fumble. “It was a crazy play” he says. “[Senior] Montgomrey Green forced the fumble, and I was able to recover it. It was really cool to make that play.” He also said that it was a “Welcome-to-varsity moment.”
Geherin referenced the team mentality that head coach Joe Palka has drilled into his players: “Next man up.” Palka has been able to teach his players that, even if a player goes down with an injury, other players will step up in their absence and perform successfully.
Playing linebacker at any level of football is a tough task, but it is especially challenging for a first time starter at a high level program like Saline. As a linebacker, one has to make adjustments to fellow defenders. Geherin compared it to “being the quarterback of the defense.”
The Hornets are experienced on defense in 2019, with seniors Noah Nelson, Zach Sabin, and Montgomery Green leading the staunch defense. Geherin says, “The seniors know what they’re doing.” Yet in a blowout win over Adrian when the second stringers came in, Geherin says that he “had to know what to do when players asked him questions about where to line up.” Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and taking a leadership role is an extremely difficult thing to do, yet Geherin was able to step in and perform well for the team.
Of Gehrein, sophomore Guissepe Gottfried says,“He’s a hard worker, and he put a lot of [effort] into becoming a great football player...which has helped him to become the next man [in our lineup].” Max Miller also praised his hard work.
Often, a team’s success is not determined by their star players, but by the depth of players that coaches have at every position. Geherin’s work ethic and mindset has helped him excel in a new starting role.
Keeping the same routines and mindset as a starter has been important for Geherin. He has a specific routine on game days, during which he listens to music for 30 minutes before kickoff. Geherin also says that “nothing has changed in my preparation mentality The only difference is more practice repetitions.”
Many players still get butterflies before a game. Geherin says the “nerves are still there before each game, but it’s easier to get dialed in after the first game.” Not deviating from one’s routine can help calm nerves as the brain stays more focused on the task coming up, which is exactly what Geherin has done.
As a starter, one can also get more recognition from friends and people at school. Geherin says,“You get a lot more good lucks” and “praises.” When a player gains more recognition, their confidence can skyrocket. Not only does confidence help their own play, it can also elevate the team’s play, which is all a player can hope for.
The Saline Hornets have started 2019 strong, and Geherin is hopeful for continued success. Yet, they have bigger goals this season. Geherin says his goal is to “win the division” with the ultimate goal being “winning states.”
Saline has all the key elements to a championship winning team with senior leadership, dynamic playmakers, good quarterback play, and a fantastic defense. Blowout wins over Adrian and Huron have provided confidence for the players, and they will need it with a tough SEC conference schedule coming up. With players like Geherin, the Hornets believe they can beat anyone.
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