January 8, 2021 – Sioux City, IA –
Winning is a tradition in certain areas around the country. Demands for a championship come every year for those in Los Angeles and Boston. Those demands aren’t always met, however, because it’s very hard to find “the guy”. Morningside College has won 10 straight championships and is the favorite to win an 11th straight because they have that guy. His name is Joe Dolincheck. The junior quarterback led his team to yet another undefeated season topping the league in pretty much every passing category. He followed up a great 2019 season by leading the Great Plains Athletic Conference in QBR, yards per game, completion percentage, and passing touchdowns. The man is simply playing out of his mind and throwing for 5 touchdowns in his last game against the Hastings leads people to believe he isn’t close to finished. The next and final step is winning the NAIA championship this spring. The Mustangs are obviously favorites to win yet again.
With 28 touchdowns, 2,687 passing yards, and a 69% completion percentage throughout the course of the 2020 campaign, Dolincheck thought the GPAC Offensive Player of the Year award was all but locked up for him. Unfortunately, it went to rival Northwestern quarterback Tyson Kooima who beat defenses with both his arm and his legs. Is this the motivation Dolincheck needs to win another championship this year? Is this even a guy you want to give extra motivation?
Many people were shocked he didn’t receive this award, but not Dolincheck. Former Morningside quarterback Trent Solsma was the star quarterback he had to replace after Solsma graduated. Joe knew he was going to be compared often to the one before him and he has taken that task head on as he has yet to lose a game. Another championship may be the thing he needs for people to start recognizing him. He did win Offensive Outstanding Player in the 2019 championship game, so another sharp playoff performance could help cement his claim as the best quarterback in the league.
Due to Covid-19, the playoffs were pushed back to April 17, 24 and May 1, 10. This means the Mustangs will have a five month layoff between the regular season and playoffs. This also means, however, Dolincheck has five months to put in the extra work to prove his doubters wrong. He tweeted out his stats showing him leading in most GPAC passing categories after finding out he didn’t win player of the year so all signs are indicating he is ready to prove his doubters wrong in the playoffs and into next year.
