Neuqua Valley Offensive Lineman Max Schueneman Prepares for Senior Season

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Neuqua Valley’s Max Schueneman didn’t have a smooth start to varsity football. During the opening game of his sophomore year against Oswego, Schueneman’s first play ended with him falling on his face. This moment marked the lowest point of his career, but he quickly recovered in the next play with a successful five-yard run. Since then, his performance has consistently improved.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 305 pounds, Schueneman is now recognized as the largest and most versatile lineman for the Wildcats, poised for his senior season. As a sophomore, he played right guard and managed to earn all-conference honors in the Southwest Valley Blue at left tackle last season, showing effectiveness in 87% of his blocks. This season, he anticipates a return to right guard, although Coach Bill Ellinghaus plans to move him strategically as the team re-enters the DuPage Valley Conference.

“I think he will (play guard), and it has nothing to do with him not being able to play tackle and everything to do with where we feel like he’s going to best help our football team,” Ellinghaus said. “There’s nowhere on the offensive line that I wouldn’t play him. We’ve bounced him around a little bit. He knows where every position is.”

Senior quarterback Drake Mennecke has expressed confidence in Schueneman’s abilities regardless of his position. Mennecke appreciates having Schueneman as a protector, feeling secure when lining up behind his center.

“It’s awesome to play with Max,” Mennecke said. “I know that Max is going to get his guy no matter what. He’s going to fight his hardest against the end.”

Schueneman, having worked diligently through the summer, is expected to have a significant impact this year. He started training with OL Mafia in December, which included gym workouts, running drills, and refining blocking techniques. His program focuses on developing quick feet and increasing agility, crucial attributes for linemen.

Despite shedding 10 pounds and losing some baby fat, Schueneman has maintained his strength and improved his athleticism, according to Ellinghaus. He is the fourth offensive lineman during Ellinghaus’ coaching tenure to commit to a Division I program, joining his uncle Karl, a former Division I player at Iowa State from 1972 to 1975.

“I’m thrilled that he’s got a Division I scholarship,” Ellinghaus said. “Division I scholarships are now even more of a premium than ever before because of the portal. So fewer and fewer kids are able to get those Division I scholarships.”

Schueneman has secured his recruitment ahead of his final high school season, which fills him with excitement and anticipation, suggesting that this year’s high school career will be fast-paced.

“It’s exciting,” he said. “It feels great. It feels like this high school career has flown by. We should be very good this year.”

Neuqua Valley, rebounding from two consecutive losing seasons, looks to Schueneman as a key player for improvement. His leadership development over the past years has led to him being voted captain by his peers, praised by Ellinghaus for his solid character and readiness to support teammates.