Mount Vernon QB Joey Rhomberg returns early after knee surgery and immediately excels

MOUNT VERNON — Joey Rhomberg spent his summer visualizing and taking mental repetitions, instead of working on passing and timing with receivers.

Mount Vernon’s junior quarterback recovered from offseason knee surgery, but still attended workouts and 7-on-7 practices and competitions. He refused to remain idle and found ways to learn and even help his teammates before the season started.

“It was really hard being out,” Rhomberg said. “I was there every practice, helping out and supporting them. I was just trying to get my body healthy and ready for the season.”

Rhomberg returned earlier than expected and provided a punch to Mount Vernon’s potent passing attack. He leads Class 3A with 1,086 passing yards before the fourth-ranked Mustangs’ high school football game Friday against Davenport Assumption at Brady Street Stadium.

“We were concerned about how fast he was going to be able to get back,” Mount Vernon Coach Lance Pedersen said. “The neat thing about Joey is they told him a date and he proved them wrong. His work ethic is second to none.

“Physically, he’s always preparing. We have a great strength and conditioning program here. He got himself ready to go before our first game. Mentally, he studies the game all the time. He does an amazing job, watching film, asking questions, so when we go into a game Joey is well prepared for the challenges the defense will give us.”

Starting tailback Henry Ryan served as QB while Rhomberg was on the mend. Ryan was also slated for under center the first three weeks. When August came, it appeared Rhomberg was ahead of schedule on his rehab. He was cleared a week before the opener against Anamosa, avoiding a backfield shuffle.

“Joey kept doing mental reps and everything he could to get ready,” Pedersen said. “In hindsight, I think that may have helped him prepare, because he worked even harder to get back, physically. He was just very sound on the mental part of it.

“It worked out perfect. Now, we’re able to have Henry and Tyler Panos back there doing some great things. Joey is able to do some great things at the quarterback spot.”

The initial prognosis was for a two- to three-month hiatus. He was motivated to get back on the field and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his teammates for the entire season. Rhomberg committed himself with the help of his physical therapist.

“He’s mentally tough,” Pedersen said. “When he was thrown that challenge, he said I’m going to prove you wrong and I’m going to be ready to go.”

Once he was cleared, Rhomberg made up for lost field time. He began to work with all the receivers, including Brady Erickson and Evan Brase. They built a strong rapport and that has carried over into games.

“Before that, I could throw just a little bit,” Rhomberg said. “We were just working hard. We were trying to get on the same page for the season.”

Rhomberg has progressively gotten better, averaging 217.2 yards per game and completing 97 of 156 passes. He torched Benton Community for 329 yards last week and Center Point-Urbana for 249. He threw for four touchdowns in each, bringing his total to 11, which is tied for second in 3A.

“He just reads the defense well,” Pedersen said. “He has trust in all of his receivers. He isn’t afraid to distribute the ball to different people. That helps a quarterback develop confidence, too. You know you don’t have to key on one receiver to throw the football.”

Eight receivers have caught at least one pass in each of the last two games and Rhomberg has completed passes to at least five receivers in each game. Caden Stimmel’s 10 catches for 57 yards led Mount Vernon against Anamosa. Brady Erickson had a game-high 11 catches for 126 yards in Week 2. Jensen Meeker had 74 receiving yards, Austin Deeb hauled in two TD passes and Erickson led the team with seven receptions against CPU. Last week, Evan Brase had 153 yards and three TDs on six catches.

Rhomberg spreads the ball around effectively and prevents defenses from keying on one target.

“We work so hard with all of our receivers,” Rhomberg said. “Once they take away a dangerous threat like Brady Erickson and Evan Brase, other guys step up and make plays for us. It’s really fun to have all those options to throw to.”

His work off the field has enabled him to pick defenses apart. Rhomberg and Pedersen both praised assistant coach Dan Ketchum for his tutelage. Dedicated video study has helped him read defenses and determine where to throw. He has shown patience, checking down to the open receiver.

“I love studying the game and watching film,” Rhomberg said. “I feel a lot of confidence after watching film. I feel like once I get to the actual game I’ve already seen everything so I can focus on executing the play.”

The Mustangs (5-0) have jumped out to a strong first half, scoring 28 or more points in four games, shutting out three opponents and averaging 35.2 points per game before facing the Knights (2-3). Rhomberg has been a leader, but Mount Vernon’s success has been a team effort.

“They’re all solid people and they love playing together,” Pedersen said. “That’s a dangerous combination because I’ve always said a great team can beat great individuals.

“These guys are focused on each week. They’re a great group to be around. Joey’s confidence continues to grow because of the people around him.”

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