Northern Star: John Bonner

71 total tackles, 5 tackles for loss in 2023 for Grand Rapids alum

DULUTH, Minn.- This Saturday will mark the end of St. Scholastica’s football season. Standing at 2-7 overall, things haven’t gone the Saints’ way this fall, but one of their defensive captains is committed to turning CSS around in 2024.

“After each week, we’ve gotta take a look in the mirror and make sure we’re getting better and fixing the mistakes and we get better every single week.” says John Bonner, who’s wrapping up his third year with St. Scholastica and his second as a team captain.

“I just try to make sure that everybody’s lined up and in the right spots and try to keep spirits high when things aren’t necessarily going our way… Keep the emotions under control for some of the guys when they’re getting into it.” With 71 total tackles this season, he’s on pace to match or even best last year’s total of 75.

“He’s a great team leader,” says Anthony Vo, another stalwart of the Saints’ defense. “Very vocal, (he) tries to tell everyone what they’re supposed to be doing, like me when I switched to ‘backer, not really sure what I was doing…I’d always ask him for help.”

Before joining St. Scholastica, Bonner was a three-time All-District selection in Grand Rapids. Though he was more of an offensive threat with the Thunderhawks, Bonner brings that same level of hustle and energy to the Saints’ defense. “We approach every week the same. We just want to gameplan, try to shut down these teams the best we can.”

Bonner understands the Saints won’t become a winning football team overnight. Still, he’s ready to lead his teammates on a path to a brighter future. “We’ve got a good group. (We’ve) just got to keep getting better and growing, get everybody taking steps forward and just embracing the challenge every single week.”

St. Scholastica’s season finale will be on the road against Macalester on Saturday at 1 p.m.