Athlete of the Week - Peyton Schumacher, PEM Football

PLAINVIEW, Minn. (KTTC) – Take a look at the tape. It doesn’t lie.

PEM’s Peyton Schumacher is a playmaker.

The Bulldog senior had three interceptions and two touchdowns in Saturday’s state semifinal win over Annandale -- paving the way for PEM’s first Prep Bowl Berth since 2002.

“He has been lockdown against some of the state’s best receivers in small school all year last year and all year this year,” said PEM Head Coach Kevin Lamb.

Schumacher wasn’t just lockdown against Annandale, he was game-breaking. The senior speedster scored the first points of the game on a 68-yard touchdown reception. Three plays later, he changed the tone of the game, picking off Annandale’s quarterback, and then returning it the house to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead.

“All game, I kind of came back and baited him to throw those balls,” said Schumacher. “He threw it, and then I just jumped those receivers.”

“We encourage him to freelance a little bit out there,” Lamb said. “He knows his responsibilities and he’s going to play those responsibilities, but we trust his athleticism and his instincts.”

Schumacher’s football IQ helped the Bulldogs put the game away. Late in the fourth, Schumacher recorded his third interception, which he almost returned for his second pick-6 of the game. He says playing in every game last year helped prepare him for this moment.

“Last year definitely helped me because I started all year and I got a lot better,” he said. “This year, I haven’t got burned yet. Let’s knock on wood.”

Schumacher’s teammates have taken notice of his athletic ability. They know he’s a player they can rely on. Schumacher even helped convert a key fourth down in the third quarter for the Bulldogs.

“He’s crazy athletic,” said PEM quarterback Connor McGuire. “He does whatever he needs to do, know how to find the ball. He’s got a nose for the ball.”

Peyton Schumacher of the PEM Bulldogs is this week’s KTTC Athlete of the Week.

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