Athlete Spotlight: Hudsen Sheldon

MANDAN – Backyard football is a term often used to describe a style of play that has little structure but plenty of excitement.

And it’s a style that has worked well for the Mandan Braves over the past two seasons with the ball in the hands of standout quarterback Hudsen Sheldon.

A fleet-of-foot senior, who also possesses a strong and accurate arm, can make plenty of good things happen. And offensive teammates know never to give up on a play. It’s not uncommon to see Sheldon scramble from one side of the field to the other before finding a receiver.

“I would say my biggest strength is my ability to extend plays with my legs,’’ Sheldon said. “It allows my receivers more time to get open and make plays for our offense.”

And that skill can create a lot of challenges for opposing teams.

Bismarck Century head coach Ron Wingenbach said Sheldon’s ability to make plays in or outside the pocket, in addition to his elusive running skills, make him the dynamic player that he is. Minot High coach Chauncy Hendershot said he’s a great competitor with a ton of talent that is showcased in all the sports he plays.

Braves’ coach Todd Sheldon, Hudsen’s uncle, described him this way. “His internal drive is off the charts,’’ he said. “He really enjoys competition. Watching him grow as a person over the course of his life has been an absolute joy. My brothers and I are very close so having our boys growing up in the area has provide some amazing times together.”

Hudsen came from family full of quarterbacks, so it wasn’t that big of a surprise to see him gravitate to that position. Organized football started in third grade for Hudsen in the Mandan Touchdown Club. His father, Scott, coached him for several seasons. He moved into middle school and found success there before making the transition to varsity under the tutelage of his uncle.

“My relationship with my uncle isn’t just centered around football as one may think,’’ Hudsen said. “During football season and outside of football we’re still family (and do a lot of things together).”

Of course, the conversation often centers around football and the team. Knowing this is his final season, he’s trying to appreciate all the moments together. 

Before it was his time to shine on the field Hudsen was doing what many good players waiting in the wings do. Watching and learning. “Hudsen has always been observant of what is going on around him and that applies to the coaching that other players have gotten,’’ coach Sheldon said. “I feel he learned a ton being on the sideline with (former quarterback) Max Carlson.”

Making good decisions in the pocket is always a work in progress, but Hudsen admits he’s gotten better at finding receivers on shorter routes instead of always going for a long play down field. The all-stater has managed the offense effectively in other ways like avoiding sacks and throwing the ball away, when necessary. “Teams have changed their schemes to accommodate for his natural style and he had adjusted his game to give us a chance to win,’’ coach Sheldon said.

The quarterback has benefitted from a capable offensive line and several gifted receivers. “The lineman I’ve had in my career deserve a lot of credit for enabling us skill guys to make plays’’ Hudsen said. “I have been blessed with great pass catchers. From Karsyn Jablonski and Tahyre Frank to Paxton Olhauser and Rustin Medenwald. And obviously this year with Jensen Schulz, Tristan Ulmer, Kaveon Lanier and my cousin Doug Sheldon.”

Sheldon threw for over 2,000 yards a season ago and is on track to reach that total again. He has over 1,600 yards with one more regular season game to play. He has already surpassed 400 yards rushing.

Mandan has emerged as an annual playoff contender. The Braves have reached the postseason in each of the last six seasons, including three trips to the semifinals. Hudsen attributes that to players buying into the program’s core values which put the team above self and giving back. Many of the players volunteer in the community and help with the youth programs, Hudsen said. That pride in the community, school and program makes it that much more special to compete and represent the community. 

Coach Sheldon said the staff spends a fair amount of time addressing the four C’s of the football family – Challenge, Confront, Comfort and Celebrate. It doesn’t happen without support. The Mandan Touchdown Club has laid the ground work for success and players are expected to be involved in youth football whether that be helping with camps, fundraising, coaching, helping at practices or just providing encouraging words to the players.

The team has big expectations this season. Those goals include a trip to the playoffs which includes a playoff game at home ending with a trip to the Dakota Bowl in Fargo. 

Hudsen’s athleticism extends beyond the football field as he’s a standout in basketball and also in track and field and baseball.

“I’ve always enjoyed whatever sport I’m competing in at the time,’’ he admits. “But over the last couple of years football has started to become my favorite.”

Athletics will likely be in his future once he graduates from high school. Right now he’s undecided on what sports path he’ll take and what school he's going to attend. For now, he’s focused on his gridiron play, and hopefully, a long postseason run for the Braves.

Photo by Jon Jablonski