High school athlete of the week - Zach Schmalenberger

Zach Schmalenberger, a senior running back on the Richardton-Taylor-Hebron football team, lifted the Raiders to a 44-32 victory over Central McLean on Friday, Aug. 31. Schmalenberger collected three touchdowns while rushing for 260 yards on 36 carries.

DP: What has the been the key factors to the team's early success this season?

ZS: "I would say we really worked hard in the off-season and in the weight room, making sure that we got together to throw the ball around. I would say off-season workouts and just bonding better has really helped us to this early success."

DP: What goals do you have for this season?

ZS: "I would say just to keep improving as a team, make the playoffs and ultimately state."

DP: What is it like being a senior on this team?

ZS: "It's very humbling. I played football here since seventh grade, so I looked up to the past seniors. And now that I'm there, I hope that junior high looks up to me. I just love football so it means a lot that I'm a senior, get to start both ways."

DP: When did you begin to play football and what do you most enjoy about it?

ZS: "I started football here, seventh grade. What I most enjoy is being with my teammates and get to play the sport that I love."

DP: If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

ZS: "I'd probably say pizza, go-to meal, gets it done easy. So I'd probably say pizza."

DP: Who is your celebrity crush?

ZS: "I don't really know. I'd probably have to say Jennifer Aniston."

DP: What is the best tv show or movie that you've watched recently?

ZS: "I'd have to say The Office."

DP: Coke or Pepsi?

ZS: "Coke."

DP: Country music or hip hop?

ZS: "Hip hop."

DP: Football or anything else in the world?

ZS: "Football."

DP: Who is the biggest inspiration in your life to succeed?

ZS: "I'd probably say myself. I look to myself to push myself harder. Yeah, I'd say myself because I push myself and I just want to get better as person in everything I do."

1/2: Richardton-Taylor-Hebron senior running back Zach Schmalenberger stretches for extra yardage against Central McLean on Friday, August 31 from John H. Gengler Memorial Field. (Shelby Reardon/The Dickinson Press)

2/2: