Leading up to this season, Mason Schmitt and T.J. Johnson made smaller contributions for the Champlin Park boys’ lacrosse team.

As seniors, the field is now theirs and they’re making the most of it. 

Schmitt, a midfielder who saw limited playing time as a junior due to a back injury, has emerged as one of the Rebels’ top scoring threats, while Johnson boasts one of the state’s best save percentages after posting mediocre stats as a reserve goaltender last year.

Schmitt and Johnson both had key performances to lead Champlin Park past Elk River 7-3 in a Northwest Suburban Conference matchup Monday at Elk River High School.

Schmitt scored two goals in the victory, showing off moves that prove he’s recovered from a fractured back sustained early last season. Schmitt said he played through the pain not realizing the seriousness of the injury and entered this season with a renewed energy and spirit.

“I just wanted to come in this season with a fresh start, fresh body and do everything I can do as a team,” said Schmitt, who is the team’s second-leading scorer with five goals in two games. That's five more goals than last year when he finished with just one shot on goal. Schmitt had six goals and two assists in the 23 combined games he played during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Johnson finished last season with modest statistics, recording just one win and 18 saves in five games. He already has two wins, and his 11 saves against the Elks gives him a .636 save percentage for the season. (Following the game, Johnson's save percentage was ranked among the state's 10 best.) 

Johnson waited patiently for his opportunity, playing backup for three years to goalie Bryce Plunkett. Plunkett, who went 11-0 in the regular season last year, helped the Rebels not only make their first state tournament appearance in 2013, but also guided the team back in 2014.

“Playing behind Bryce is a lot to live up to,” Johnson said. “He’s an unbelievable goalie, so coming into the year I knew I had a lot to live up to.” 

Johnson said he worked hard in the offseason to preparing for taking over as the starter. 

Despite coming out of the shadows cast by a great goalie, Johnson doesn’t feel the pressure. 

“I know my defense is here to work with me, and I’m loud in the net,” Johnson said. “I’m not going to let that pressure get to me, and stay focused on every game.”

Being strong in net is an expectation for Champlin Park coach Chaun Klemetsrud. 

“I think the defense, in general, knows where our standards are set,” Klemetsrud said.

Defense and goaltending will be key for the Rebels as they look to improve on a season that ended with a 14-7 loss to Blake in the state consolation game.

“This team has a lot of potential, but we gotta work as a team and get there,” said Johnson, who is heading to play lacrosse at Capital University in Ohio next year.

Before he goes, however, Johnson’s focus is on forging his own legacy as a starter.

“Bryce had a great season, but I’m here to have a great season too,” Johnson said. 

Schmitt also has a personal stake in helping Champlin Park make a deep run at the state tournament.

His older brother Cody was part of the 2012 Rebels team that went 11-2 in the regular season and narrowly missed make state thanks to a 7-6 defeat to Eden Prairie in the section semifinals.

“I like to see us reach our full potential and go a couple rounds past my brother, showing him up a bit,” Schmitt said.

The Rebels seem to be on track, matching the 2-0 start of that team from three years ago.

Senior goalie T.J. Johnson had 11 saves as Champlin Park defeated Elk River 7-3 on Monday in a Northwest Suburban Conference matchup at Elk River High School. 

Junior midfielder Brody Sturm and senior midfielders Mason Schmitt and Tyler Smith each finished with two goals for the Rebels (2-0), ranked No. 10 in the first coaches poll of the season.

Champlin Park took a 4-1 lead into halftime, but saw the Elks (1-3) close the deficit to one with goals from junior attackman Nolan Kivley and freshman midfielder Nick Utz midway through the third quarter.

Johnson and the Rebels defense responded to hold Elk River scoreless the rest of the game. 

Sturm notched his second goal with one minute remaining in the third, and Smith and Schmitt tallied their second goals in the fourth quarter as Champlin Park pulled away for the victory.

Elks sophomore goalie Bryce Welle finished with seven saves. 

The Rebels improved to 2-0 with the victory and are one of four teams undefeated in the Northwest Suburban. Elk River dropped to 1-3 in league play.

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