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The opposing defenders might see Duerksen coming out of the Mancelona backfield.

Catching him will be another different story.

Once he's in the secondary, Duerksen is capable of taking it to the house.

It's that threat to score from anywhere on the field that makes Duerksen a dangerous weapon for the Ironmen, and a runner the opposition will undoubtedly be keying on this season.

Stopping the flashy speedster will be a major priority for the defenses. And that, in turn, should open some holes for the other backs to bust through.

If the offensive linemen do their jobs effectively, that is. Judging from last year's effort, it's clear the Ironmen can count on the line moving the defenders off the ball.

Duerksen powered the Ironmen to a state playoff berth with his performance in the 2006 season finale against a good Bellaire squad, and the reason why he'll be a marked man this year.

Big turnaround from 2005 With the offensive line springing him free several times, Duerksen rushed for 122 yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown in the Ironmen's 20-0 victory over the Eagles.

"I'm just really happy for these kids,"Mancelona coach Dan Derrer said after receiving the obligatory ice water dunking following the game. The Ironmen finished the regular season 6-3, and gained an automatic berth in the playoffs.

But, what was even more impressive was the defense's shutout of an explosive Bellaire team that came into the game with playoff aspirations of its own.

Mancelona built a 20-0 lead early in the third quarter, and kept the Eagles from mounting any threat until the fourth period when the Ironmen turned them back with two goal-line stands.

"These kids were focused,"Derrer said. "They were the most focused this group's been, and they were ready to go."

But the Ironmen's run ended in the pre-district, where they lost to Norway, 34-0.

Derrer gave the credit to the Knights.

"We lost to a great team today,"the coach said. "We played hard, we hit with them, but we had a hard time moving the ball on them."

Mancelona did get into Norway territory in the first half, picking up two first downs. But a pass interception gave the Knights possession of the ball, and took some of the steam out of the Ironmen's attack.

The Ironmen struggled on offense, and showed only flickers of life. The defense, however, hung tough and forced a couple of turnovers to give Mancelona opportunities it couldn't convert.

"I consider this season a success, even with the loss,"Duerksen said. "We were 0-9 last year [2005], and our team set goals before the season to get into the playoffs, and we accomplished that."

Duerksen's mission is to help get the Ironmen back in the playoffs again this year.

This time, they intend on winning the first game of the playoffs. Once they clear that hurdle, they know anything is possible.