Bulldogs will have a new look, familiar toughness

The Paynesville defense wraps up Royalton’s Connor Carlson (22) during the first quarter of a Mid State district game Oct. 1, 2021 at Paynesville

Paynesville’s new coach Tim Pattrin has a team full of veterans

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

PAYNESVILLE — Tim Pattrin takes over at Paynesville after 12 seasons at Brandon- Evansville, where he posted a 60-52 career record.

He replaces Max Meagher, who resigned after last year’s team went 7-3, losing to Royalton 33-22 in the Section 5AA semifinals. Meagher is arguably the most successful football coach in school history, leading the Bulldogs to state playoff appearances in 2011, ‘17, ‘18 and ‘19.

But he didn’t leave the cupboard bare.

Paynesville returns eight starters on offense and eight on defense.

“We have a good nucleus of players with experience,” Pattrin said. “They have picked up the systems quickly over the summer and we’re looking forward to a good year.”

Starters back include Grayson Fuchs (Sr., QB/DB); Spencer Eisenbraun (Sr., OL/ DL); Eli Nelson (Sr., WR/DB); Max Athmann (Sr., WR/LB); Carter Lieser (Sr., WR/DB); Aaron Mages (Sr., OL/ DL); Gus Johnson (Sr., WR/DB); and Austin Pauls (Sr., RB/LB).

“Grayson Fuchs is an explosive player both running the ball and throwing it,” Pattrin said.

Fuchs could be one of the top quarterbacks in the west central area.

“Spencer Eisenbraun is a big, strong and aggressive lineman on both sides of the ball,” Pattrin said.

Another player to watch is Nelson.

“Eli Nelson is a fast and shifty player that is explosive with the ball in his hands,” Pattrin said.

There is some carryover with the coaching staff. Ron Fuchs, Chad Campbell, and Ben Borgerding all return. Bryce Savage joins them.

Pattrin is putting in his own schemes, so the Bulldogs will have a different look. They hope to continue the tradition of strong football teams, regardless of systems.

They open on Friday, Sept. 2 at home against Melrose.

Paynesville junior Eli Nelson runs out onto the field during pre-game introductions during a Mid State district game against Royalton On Oct. 1, 2021 at Paynesville.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune