Current, former North players doing fine

- by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald
  • Dr. Corey Yeager / Photo courtesy letsengage.com
  • Minneapolis North defensive lineman Tommie Gilkey scores on a blocked punt during the Polars’ 48-6 victory over St. Paul Johnson Friday, September 9. /Photo by Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald
  • Zach Yeager / Photo courtesy North Carolina A&T

Prep Scene

Since the high school football season began, I’ve only been to one game. A couple of weeks ago I was in Minneapolis to watch the host North Polars defeat the St. Paul Johnson Governors 48-6 in the season opener for both teams.

The Polars took care of business behind quarterback Keishaude Gilmer completing 11 of 12 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown, running back William Smith’s scores on runs of 3 and 32 yards, and a 15-yard blocked punt returned for another score byTommie Gilkey Jr.

Not only was it the season opener for veteran coach Charles Adams and first-year head coach Richard Magembe, the game offered much more than tackles, touchdowns, receptions, blocked punts, and other on-the-field highlights.

During the game, I spotted Dr. Corey Yeager on the sidelines in his familiar spot as a volunteer assistant coach for North. I already knew that his son, Azrie Yeager, was a senior offensive/defensive lineman for the Polars, which led me to ask about another member of his family.

I asked how his son Zach Yeager was doing as a redshirt freshman quarterback at North Carolina A&T University.

“He’s doing fine,” the proud father said with a smile. “He won the starting job as a redshirt freshman.”

Based on his prep career it’s not a surprise that Zach Yeager is progressing so quickly. During his three years as the signal caller for North, the 6’2” 200 pounder, put up outstanding numbers.

As a sophomore in 2018, he passed for 1,175 yards and 15 touchdowns, 2,179 yards with 27 touchdowns in 2019, and 1,945 yards along with 21 touchdowns in 2020.

Today, as Zach Yeager tries to get NC A&T back on track after an 0-3 start, younger brother Azrie Yeager plans to contribute to another state playoff run for the 3-0 Polars.

Meanwhile, Dr. Yeager, who also serves as team psychotherapist for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, will continue to marvel at both of his sons’ accomplishments while continuing to contribute to the Northside community.