By: The Sports Guy
Proctor Journal

Proctor senior Patrick Merrier earned All-State Prep Football team Honorable Mention honors by the Minnesota Associated Press. Merrier, a state-level standout at wide receiver for the 7AAA champion Rails, clawed his way into a 2007 All-State team fortified with players from larger Twin Cities Metro area schools.

Merrier had four touchdowns and one conversion for 26 points. He had 10 receptions for 211 yards for 21.1 yards per catch. He had the most receptions, receiving yards and TD’s of the year. It all came during a game against Cloquet where he had four receptions for 121 yards and four TD’s.

On a local level, Rails seniors Caleb Maki, Jon Macey, and Joey Leveille were named to the All-Area football team. Macey and Leveille earned selection on the defensive unit, while Maki’s kicking on field goals and kickoffs put him on the offensive squad.

Maki, senior kicker, converted 5 of 6 field goals and 23 extra points and averaged 46.7 yards per kickoff and 32.9 yards per punt. He rushed for 724 yards on 148 carries catching 10 passes for 150 yards. He also had 379 return yards, 10 TD’s and made 83 tackles, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He was named to the Sea-Range All Conference Team, received the game ball for his work against Hermantown and received the Team’s Special Teams Award and Most Valuable Player honors.

Macey, junior defensive lineman, ended the season with 105 tackles, 10 for losses, two sacks, seven hurries and one fumble recovery. He was also named to the Sea-Range All Conference team and received the team’s “Hitter Award.”

Leveille, senior linebacker, had 1,462 rushing yards, 84 solo tackles, forced 10 fumbles recovering five, and one interception. He was named to the Academic All State Team. He was also named to the Sea-Range All Conference team and received the team’s “Hustle Award.”