Rebels running back is Mr. Football finalist

• Jake Disterhaupt

Jake Disterhaupt

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Moose Lake-Willow River running back Jake Disterhaupt is one of 10 Minnesota Mr. Football finalists, a prestigious annual award presented to the state’s top senior high school football player.

Disterhaupt, a 6-foot-1, 192-pound Willow River senior, is a highly-recruited Division I talent who rushed for 4,600 yards and accounted for 80 touchdowns in his four-year varsity career. He averaged an absurd 11.6 yards per carry on his 398 total attempts.

Over time, Disterhaupt helped run the Rebels to three Class AA Prep Bowl runner-up finishes in 2009, 2011 and 2012. He was recently named an All-State First Team selection for his second time, including his best season in 2011. He’ll also be honored Sunday at the Metrodome as a part of the Vikings’ All-State Team.

“This is all definitely an honor,” Disterhaupt said Monday evening. “I just think of all of the other kids who work just as hard as me, and it makes me feel so appreciated to be selected.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Disterhaupt continued about his career. “My team is like a family. It’s something I’ll always remember.”

Coach Dave Louzek has always spoken highly of his senior star.

“He’s the fastest and most physical kid on the field that will either outrun everybody or lower his shoulder and go,” Louzek said earlier this year. “This season, he’s scored on offense, defense and special teams. With the ball in his hands, he’s able to make plays.”

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