PIGSKIN PREVIEW 2019
West Central Tribune
Willmar's Carter Ochsendorf (82) and Kaden Streed (40) are two of the Card’s promising returnees.
WILLMAR
New-look Cardinals not stepping back Despite loss of key players, Willmar confident it can replicate 2018 success By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com Willmar’s goals in 2018 were to be good enough to get a first-round bye and to make a run in the Section 8AAAA tournament. But few could have seen the kind of run the Cardinals made in 2018. They got the top seed and a first-round bye
in the section tournament, ultimately getting to state for the first time in 30 years with a 50-28 win against Detroit Lakes in the finals. At state, Willmar knocked off Hermantown (44-0) and St. Paul Johnson (62-20) and qualified for the Prep Bowl for the first time in 45 years. Ultimately, the Cardinals were one game short of a state championship, losing to SMB
44-18. Twenty-three seniors graduated from last year’s record-setting group. But a promising group is back in Cardinal red as Willmar looks to replicate its 2018 success. “There will be many new faces contributing for the Cardinals this season,” said 11th-year head coach Jon Konold. “The exciting thing about the new faces
that will be contributing this fall is that there is a lot of athleticism, speed and a determination to be great.” Last year, Willmar was the top-scoring team in Class AAAA at 44.5 points per game. Gone are the video game-like numbers put up by quarterback Drey Dirksen (2,367 passing yards, 1,261
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Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.
Wishing all area teams the best of luck this season! Play hard and have fun!
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D2 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
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rushing yards, 51 total touchdowns) and receivers like Jake Evans (42 catches, 576 yards, 12 touchdowns), Ty Roelofs (26-521-5), Ryan Slette (32-4446) and Caleb Owens (21-488-4). This iteration of the Cardinals looks to feature the run more, led by senior running back Ethan Roux. An All-District pick last fall, Roux ran for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns on 123 carries. He also caught a pair of touchdown passes. “This year, Ethan is motivated and determined to improve on last season,” Konold said. “Ethan is a captain for the 2019 season and will also be a big contributor on defense.”
Helping to open some running lanes are returning offensive linemen Taggert Reynolds and Aiden Donelan. “Although he is only a junior, (Reynolds) is a very accomplished offensive lineman. He loves playing offensive line and getting dirty in the trenches,” Konold said. “As a sophomore, Aiden used his athleticism and intelligence to become an excellent offensive lineman. Aiden is a little undersized on the offensive line but his toughness and technique allow him to be one of the best in the district.” Taking over at quarterback is 6-foot senior Tanner Bauman. “Tanner has paid his dues and worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity,” Konold said. “Tanner’s strength is his ability to throw the football but (he)
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Ethan Roux (22) will be a key contributor in Willmar’s backfield this season.
LaBlue Moo (15) returns to handle Willmar’s kicking duties.
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is also a very good runner.” Willmar’s defense will be more familiar with four players in last year’s front seven back in the mix. Junior defensive end Kaden Streed led the Cardinals with five sacks in 2018 and is tied with senior linebacker Kadin Larsson as the top returning tacklers with 67 apiece. “Kaden is one of the hardest workers that I have worked with in my 20 years of coaching. His motor never stops going and is always in relentless pursuit of the football,” Konold said. “Kadin has gotten bigger, stronger and faster this offseason. His experience on the defensive side of the football will be an asset for the Cardinals.” Senior Carter Ochsendorf will resume his role as defensive end opposite of Streed while Ashton Gregory is back at linebacker alongside Larsson. In the secondary, Zach Morrell looks to lead a group that lost a shutdown corner in Alexander Wickliff (39 tackles) and a ballhawk in Roelofs (eight interceptions). “Zach wasn’t a starter last season but he played a lot of snaps at cornerback in a reserve role,” Konold said. “Zach is very smooth and a great cover corner. His best asset as a corner is his ability to come up and make a sure tackle in the open field.” Willmar opens with a rematch of the 8AAAA championship on Aug. 30 at Detroit Lakes. The first home game will be in Week 2 on Sept. 6 against North Central White district newcomer Delano. On Sept. 20, the Cardinals will play host to Alexandria for homecoming. “The Cardinals will have some holes to fill from last year’s seniors,” Konold said, “but have some experienced seniors that will provide leadership for the team.”
With quarterback Drey Dirksen graduated, Willmar may focus more on its running game in 2019.
Ashton Gregory (18) and Kaden Streed (40) are two of Willmar’s top defensive returnees.
West Central Tribune
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D4 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
ATWATER-COSMOS-GROVE CITY
Falcons primed for jump up from .500 By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com Bringing back a multitude of playmakers with intact lines on both offense and defense, Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City appears primed for a jump in the standings. The Falcons are looking to improve from last year’s 5-5 mark. “We are excited to bring back our whole offensive and defensive lines,” said ACGC head coach David Blom. “Replacing Michael Trebil at QB will be hard but we have a few guys that are putting in the time this offseason to give them the best chance to have success.” Trebil completed 52.6 percent of his passes for 1,301 yards with 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns. Playing cornerback on defense, Trebil had 31 tackles and picked off four passes. A pair of players are looking to fill Trebil’s vacancy behind center in senior Steven Lawver and junior Luke Trebil. Lawver saw some time at quarterback in 2018, throwing for 144 yards, two touch-
downs and two interceptions. Whomever takes over at QB will have one of the most diverse weapons in the area in senior Josh Kinzler, who averaged 8.8 yards per carry for 805 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also led the Falcons with 49 receptions for 795 yards and 11 scores. Running back Cael Blom (333 rushing yards, four TDs in 2018) and tight end Dawson Miller (114 receiving yards, 1 TD) also plan on being key weapons for ACGC. “Both Cael and Josh are two returning running backs and are expected to take the bulk of the carries,” Coach Blom said. “Dawson Miller is a big target at TE and is able to out-rebound defenders with his physical style of play.” Connor Dilley, Ethan Melberg, Tanner Berghuis, Hunter Kelley and Wilson Gratz are all back on the offensive and defensive lines while Taylor Fester is also in the defensive line rotation. Senior Zach Hinther (TE/LB) and juniors Noah Renne (RB/LB) are also among the returning starters. ACGC begins the 2019 campaign on Aug. 30 at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa.
West Central Tribune
Steven Lawver (9) is back to direct ACGC’s offense at quarterback.
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Josh Kinzler will be counted on as a passing game threat for the Falcons.
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BUFFALO LAKE-HECTOR-STEWART
Mustangs are big, fast, experienced By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart firstyear head coach Kevin Zanoth said the Mustangs are a hungry bunch, with eight experienced and talented starters back from a team that ended 2018 on a positive note. The 2018 Mustangs were beaten soundly in their first four games but rallied to win two of their final four regular-season games, then opened the playoffs with a 33-22 win over Sleepy Eye-St. Mary’s — a team had beaten them 32-3 just three weeks earlier. The season ended with a five-point loss to a 7-3 Ogilvie team. Zachary Reuber (5-10, 190, Sr., RB) is back after a 1,400-yard season in 2018,
and the rest of the starters include six seniors and a junior. “They are big, fast and experienced,” Zanoth said. Kaden Zanoth (6-2, 200, Sr.) lines up behind center and, in addition to Reuber, will have Bradlee Wulkan (5-11, 190, Sr, FB) in the backfield. August Bergstrom (6-0, 160, Sr.) is back at wide receiver, and the line is stout. Mitchell Krumrey (6-0, 250, Sr.) is back at center and Sutton Melberg (6-3, 200, Sr.) and Cale Peterson (6-3, 225, Jr.) also return up front. Dylan Maiers (6-2, 200, Sr.) lines up at tight end. Junior Cale Luthens also is expected to make strides this season. “They are looking to make a name for themselves this season,” Zanoth said. Aaron Hubin / Hector News-Mirror
Fullback Bradlee Wulkan (22) and Zachary Reuber (2) form the heart of the Mustangs’ running game.
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Aaron Hubin / Hector News-Mirror
Cale Petersen (99) will help anchor the Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart defense
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 D7 Aaron Hubin / Hector News-Mirror
Top: BLHS' Zachary Reuber (2) is one of the top backs in the Tomahawk Conference. Right: The Mustang's August Bergstrom (84) fields a kick. Below: Kaden Zanoth (42) and Mitchell Krumrey (14) converge on a play.
Proudly supporting YME, CMCS & MACCRAY athletes! Have a GREAT season!
D8 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
BELGRADE-BROOTEN-ELROSA
Jaguars counting on athleticism to rebound By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com What Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa lacks in experience, the Jaguars hope the sheer athleticism can boost the team this fall after going winless in 2018. “Aside from Jackson (Peter), Andrew (Weller) and Mark (Jenniges), these guys do not have a lot of experience playing varsity football but have experience playing on the varsity level for
a couple years now in basketball and baseball,” said BBE head coach Chris Moscho. “They are tremendously athletic group of kids and we are excited to see what they can do for the team.” Peter, a 6-foot-1, 160-pound quarterback/wide receiver/cornerback, looks to spark an offense that put up double-digit points just three times while also getting shut out three times. Peter threw for 457 yards with three touchdowns and six interceptions while
Andrew Weller (5) makes a play on defense for BBE during the 2018 season.
rushing for 98 yards in part-time duty at quarterback. “Jackson was our quarterback after about three weeks last year and did a fine job for us for what we asked him to do,” Moscho said. Weller, a junior, is slated to see time at running back, wide receiver and safety. Jenniges, a fellow junior, will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines. A pair of sophomores are hoping
to make an impact for the Jaguars in Ashton Dingmann (QB/WR/S) and Will VanBeck (WR/CB). “We have a lot of young talent that is eager to get out on the field and showcase their abilities,” Moscho said. “They are a group of underclassmen with a lot of potential and knowledge of the game.” BBE begins the 2019 season on Aug. 30 at home against Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City.
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We have a lot of young talent that is eager to get out on the field and showcase their abilities CHRIS MOSCHO, BBE Head Coach West Central Tribune
BBE’s Jackson Peter (7) hauls in a pass during the 2018 season.
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D10 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
BENSON
Benson encounters new class, new opponents DB) caught 45 passes for 449 yards, earning Mid-State Honorable Mention Benson has moved down to Class A and All-Section 5AA honors. He’ll join Enderson at defensive back. this season and the Braves have four Jacob Wolter (5-9, 210, Sr.) and Alden experienced starters and several Players Syltie (6-3, 225, Jr.) will anchor the to Watch in Adam Foslien’s first season offensive line, with Syltie also playing as head coach. defensive line and Wolter lining up at Will Enderson (6-3, 190, Sr.) is back linebacker. at quarterback after throwing for 1,202 The Braves have eight juniors, mostly yards last year, and he will also start in skill position players, who are expected the defensive backfield. to contribute. The schedule will look different. Matt Tolifson (6-0, 155, Sr., WR/ By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com
Instead of the old West Central Conference rivals like Morris/Chokio-Alberta, Montevideo and Minnewaska, the Braves’ new slate includes Royalton, BBE, KMS and Upsala/Swanville. “We’ll mix a good blend of senior leadership and a strong junior class — many of whom saw action as sophomores — to help fill voids from graduation,” Foslien said. “Our strengths are athleticism, speed and experience but a weakness would be a lack of depth at certain positions.”
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Benson's Matthew Tolifson is back as one of the area's top players following a stellar 2018 season.
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We’ll mix a good blend of senior leadership and a strong junior class — many of whom saw action as sophomores — to help fill voids from graduation. ADAM FOSLIEN, Benson Head Coach
West Central Tribune
Cole Hedman (81), Jacob Wolter (78) and a host of Benson tacklers take down a running back during the 2018 season.
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BOLD
BOLD makes transition from the Steve Solem era By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com For the first time since 1992, BOLD’s sidelines won’t be patrolled by Steve Solem. The longtime Warriors head coach stepped down after his team lost in the Class A Prep Bowl last fall to Mahnomen/ Waubun. In his place will be Derek Flann, a 2000 BOLD graduate who has
been on the sidelines as an assistant coach for the past three seasons. Previously, Flann was the co-head coach at Tracy-Milroy-Balaton where he had a 67-34 record and a state trip in 2015. “This year will be a big transition for BOLD football after losing Steve Solem at the helm,” Flann said. “Having played for Steve and having coached under him for the last three years, I
know the shoes are going to be tough to fill. We have retained the entire coaching staff that worked under Coach Solem, but some positions have been moved around at the request of a few head coaches.” While the man in charge is new, BOLD does bring back a pair of the most talented playmakers in Class A football in senior quarterback/safety/lineback-
Quarterback Jordan Sagedahl (4) leads BOLD back for another shot at the Class A state tournament.
er Jordan Sagedahl and wide receiver/ cornerback Gavin Vosika. Seven more starters return from a Warriors team that went 13-1 in 2018. The two-time Mid-State 1 District quarterback of the year, Sagedahl completed 65.2 percent of his passes for 1,983 yards and 29 touchdowns last
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year while also running for 736 yards and 12 scores on 72 carries. Sagedahl has accrued a 33-3 record as a starting quarterback. Meanwhile, Vosika ran 77 times for 682 yards and 13 touchdowns, caught 44 passes for 873 yards and 11 touchdowns, returned 19 punts for 348 yards and a touchdown and had seven kick returns for 203 yards and one score. “Bringing back a QB with 36 starts is a great thing for any program and having weapons that he trusts in place should allow us to put some points up on the board,” Flann said. All-District honorable mention lineman Brady Ridler returns along with guard Andrew Sheehan and center Peyton Riley to help open holes despite the loss of standout Riley Weis. Sheehan also returns as a defensive anchor after
ranking second on the team with 72 tackles in 2018. “We lost a lot of experience on the offensive line, and some of our top defenders,” Flann said. “But we have some kids waiting to fill those roles.” Also among the BOLD returners are seniors Anthony Maher (TE/DE) and Matt Moorse (WR/CB) and juniors Tim Peppel (FB/MLB) and Braeden Tersteeg (K). “We will need to see who can play at the physical/mental/emotional level that we expect from kids and that might take a few weeks to figure out. I know that we can be a very good football team. It will be up to our seniors to see if we can be great.” Flann continued, “Everybody in the program, both coaches and players, have learned so much from Coach Solem. We need to do our very best to honor the legacy that he has left here by playing the game the way he taught all of us to: never outhit and never outworked.”
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BOLD quarterback Jordan Sagedahl carries the ball during the 2018 state tournament.
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D14 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
BOLD quarterback Jordan Sagedahl looks for a receiver during a 2018 game.
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BOLD running back Gavin Vosika (22) will be one of the Warriors’ primary offensive threats this season.
West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 D15
DAWSON-BOYD
New-look Blackjacks need underclassmen to shine By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com
ers (11) and letterwinners (21),” said D-B head coach Cory Larson. “Many For the last three years, Daw- will take on a much different role son-Boyd’s identity has revolved after losing a senior class with good numbers and experience. This year’s around bruising running backs Bentsenior class only consists of seven. We ley Boike and Colton Husby. will need some underclassmen to step In three years, Boike ran the ball up to varsity-level football.” 606 times for 4,888 yards and 52 The Blackjacks want to play to their touchdowns. Husby followed up with strength, so that means less running 275 carries for 1,847 yards and 32 in the trenches. scores in that time. “After losing two big running backs Now, the two have graduated and that lived between the tackles, we the Blackjacks are in search of a new will need to utilize our speed on the identity as they look to follow last perimeter,” Larson said. year’s 8-2 mark. Out wide, D-B has a pair of return“We return a fair number of start- ing seniors in 5-foot-10 Romell Hor-
Romell Horton, right, will be a spark for the Dawson-Boyd passing game.
ton and 6-foot-4 Zach Durfee. Horton had eight catches for 289 yards and five touchdowns for an average of 36.1 yards per catch. Durfee had 12 grabs for 213 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Josh Anyasike also figures to be in the perimeter mix after nine catches for 161 yards and five scores last fall. Who steps into the quarterback role to replace the graduated Jake Lee remains to be seen. Lee completed 55.7 percent of his throws for 1,465 yards, 20 touchdowns and four interceptions. While plenty of questions remain on offense, the defensive picture is a lit-
tle clearer after holding teams to 16.7 points per game. “Defensively, we bring back the most experience with seven of 11 starters returning,” Larson said. Returning juniors Jordan Hastad (LB), Slade Irvine (OL/DE), Austin Moen (DL) and Micah Olson (DB) are among those in the defensive mix. On Aug. 29, the Blackjacks open the season at home against New Ulm Cathedral. “As it is each year, we need to stay focused on getting better each week,” Larson said. “Find the things we do well and build off of that.”
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Defensively, we bring back the most experience with seven of 11 starters returning. CORY LARSON, Dawson-Boyd Head Coach
Zach Durfee (5) will be a prime target in the Dawson-Boyd passing game.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 D17
HANCOCK
Owls have eyes trained on state tourney By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com The last three seasons, Hancock has ended the season with a winning record. And after back-to-back 6-4 seasons, the Owls’ goal is to take a step closer to the 9-man state tournament this fall. Running back/linebacker Gideon Joos is one of six seniors on this year’s squad and comes back as an All-District selection in 2018. Joos, a “great defensive player (and) hard-nosed football player),” according to head coach Chad Christianson, was second on the Owls’
defense with 92 tackles along with two interceptions, one fumble recovery and one defensive touchdown. Dalton Rose (78 tackles) is another senior back in the linebacking corp along with junior Brandon Kellenberger, who led the team with 95 tackles and three interceptions in 2018. Kellenberger will also be one of three high-end playmakers returning on offense after catching 43 balls for 434 yards and seven touchdowns. Daniel Milander (sr. WR/CB) is also in the mix as a returning starter.
Tyler Timmerman (28) led Hancock running backs with 721 yards in 2018.
Junior Preston Rohloff resumes his which is a Class AA school in the postrole as the Owls’ signal-caller after season that is playing a 9-man schedcompleting 106 of 218 passes for 1,564 ule in the regular season. yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Behind him at running back will be another returner in Tyler Timmerman, who had 721 yards and nine touchdowns on 105 carries. Jed Feuchtenberger will also return at running back following a 661-yard, nine-touchdown effort as a freshman last year. The Owls will have an intriguing start to the year. On Aug. 30, Hancock opens the year against United North Central,
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West Central Tribune and Forum News Service
Above: Quarterback Preston Rohloff (7) established himself as one of the Owls\' offensive threats as a sophomore in 2018. Left: Jed Fuechtenberger (27) ran for 661 yards and nine TDs for the Owls last season.
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KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG
Veterans set to lead Saints forward
West Central Tribune
Strong defense will be a key to success as KMS establishes new offensive leaders in 2019. By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com Who, or what, will carry the load for Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg will be a burning question early in the season. Last year, the Fighting Saints relied heavily on running back/linebacker Dylan Rudningen, who carried the ball 344 times for 2,250 yards and 36 touchdowns on offense. Then on the defensive end, he had 68 tackles, one interception, three forced fumbles, and had a kickoff return for a touchdown for good measure. And he put up some of those numbers while having a hand taped up in a club thanks to a broken wrist. But, there are plenty of building blocks from last year’s 9-2 team that head coach Jason Fernholz can work with. “KMS returns multiple starters on both sides of the football and will be led
by veterans on the offensive and defensive lines,” said Fernholz, who shared head-coaching duties with Justin Johnson and Matt Fragodt last year. Senior Christian Diederich (6-foot, 250 pounds) was the district’s Offensive Lineman of the Year while fellow senior Chris Moist (6-0, 230) comes back after being the district’s Defensive Lineman of the Year. Both lines will also get a boost with the return of junior Rick Jones (6-0, 180). A trio of juniors — Brody Forsell (6-0, 225), Devon Swanson (6-0, 240) and Ben Clark (6-0, 205) — will also be vying for time on both lines while offsetting the graduations of All-District linemen Regan Carlson and Caleb Heidelberger. Three more All-District players return for the Saints in seniors tight end/ linebacker Titian Norton and running back/linebacker Austin Dieke as well as junior wideout/cornerback Isaac Call. As for the offense, Fernholz is look-
ing at junior Wylee Lottman (RB/CB) as someone who can shoulder some of the load with sophomore quarterback Alex Call back behind center. Brandon Kallstrom, a junior, is being looked upon to open up holes at fullback/tight end. Senior Eli Wold is also looking to get reps at wide receiver and in the secondary. “(Wylee is) athletic, versatile. He has the mental capability to play multiple positions,” Fernholz said. “(He) will be counted on to carry the ball as well as play wide receiver on offense. He will see time at cornerback and linebacker on defense.” After reaching the Section 4A finals last year, KMS opens the 2019 season with a tough four-game stretch starting with BOLD on Aug. 30. Their first three opponents — BOLD, Royalton and Upsala/Swanville — combined for a 27-7 record in 2018.
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D20 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Quarterback Wyatt Anderson will be back behind center for the KMS Saints in 2019.
West Central Tribune
KMS returns multiple starters on both sides of the football and will be led by veterans on the offensive and defensive lines. JASON FERNHOLZ, KMS Head Coach
Line play on both sides of the ball will be one of KMS’ strengths this season.
West Central Tribune
PIGSKIN PREVIEW 2019
Coltin Pflipsen and the New London-Spicer Wildcats will be without 19 graduated veterans from the 2018 squad.
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NEW LONDON-SPICER
New faces in new places for the Wildcats By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com
white, black and gold uniforms will be drastically different. Nineteen seniors graduated from a In 2018, New London-Spicer rode the squad that scored 39 points per game shoulders of its talented seniors to nine straight victories, an appearance in the and relinquished just 15 points per Section 6AAA Finals and the program’s game. While acknowledging the potential challenges ahead, head coach Dan 13th consecutive winning season. When the Wildcats open their new Essler still remains optimistic through campaign on the road against Milaca this transition. on Aug. 29, the players dressed in their “This will be an interesting season
for the Wildcats,” said Essler, who enters his 20th season on the sidelines. “We graduated a dominant senior class last season and have very little experience on both sides of the ball. We plan on reloading and not rebuilding.” Earning a spot on the Tribune All-Area first team, Payton Madison (FB/LB) is arguably the team’s biggest loss after he racked up over 1,300 yards and 15
touchdowns on offense and 60 tackles, including a 2 ½ sacks on defense. Essler and the coaching staff hope to fill some of the voids with youngsters moving up from junior varsity, which last year put up similar numbers to their varsity counterparts en route to a 7-1 record.
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Additionally, NLS return five starters in Cade Wosmek (Sr. OT), Jacob Holman (Sr. TE/LS), Ethan Haugen (Sr. SS/P), Griffin Duininck (Sr. K), and Jack Novak (Jr. CB/TB). Novak and senior David Barthel will compete for the starting tailback position. Elsewhere, junior Mason Toutges and sophomore Kyle Doty will battle for the starting quarterback position. “We are hoping to get back to platooning, so most players will play one side of the ball and be a backup on the other side of the ball,” Essler said. “Many positions are wide-open competitions for starting spots.” The Wildcats compete in the Wright County Conference after playing in the Granite Ridge Conference one year ago.
The Wildcats have the numbers to do more platooning on both sides of the ball this season.
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Veteran head coach Dan Essler is back on the sidelines for the Wildcats this fall.
West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 E3
LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY
Eagles see depth as means to turn-around By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com
Smith. “The key for us is not losing guys to injuries and finding and develLooking to bounce back from a 3-6 oping some depth.” Hoping to lead LQPV’s efforts to get showing in 2018, Lac qui Parle Valley over .500 for the first time since 2010 hopes the players are in place for an is senior Layton Wittnebel. Doing a litimprovement when the season gets tle bit of everything at running back/ underway on Aug. 29 against Spring- linebacker/safety/kick returner, the field. All-District pick ran for 432 yards and “I believe that we have the pieces five touchdowns while hauling in one to replace the guys we lost to gradu- receiving touchdown on offense. He ation,” said Eagles head coach Tony was also the team’s defensive player
of the year after compiling 105 tackles and a blocked punt. The Eagles also return a trio of linemen on both sides of the ball in seniors Derek Djonne (6-foot-3, 250 pounds), Tucker Droogsma (6-2, 180) and Trinity Lindner (6-3, 200). Sophomores Blake Wollschlager (6-2, 225) and Zander Boehnke (5-10, 210) look to be in the mix to fill the vacant line spots. Mason Clark looks to fill the void at
receiver left by Caden Bjornjeld, who had 28 catches for 491 yards and four touchdowns en route to being named to the All Sub-District team. Evan Hegland and Austin Bonn are slated to line up at wideout as well. Junior Colton Mortenson will look to fill the void at quarterback left by the graduation of Wyatt Halvorson. Mortenson will also see some time at defense at defensive end.
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E4 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
The key for us is not losing guys to injuries and finding and developing some depth. TONY SMITH, LQPV Head Coach
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Layton Wittnebel (27) will be a key returning regular for Lac qui Parle Valley this fall.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 E5
LITCHFIELD
Dragons’ defense key to righting ship By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com
block in 2018. Junior Drew Kotzer and senior Bryce Defense will be the key as Litchfield Penk had 52 and 47 tackles, respectivetries to climb out of the East Central - ly, to rank third and fourth on the team last fall. South district this fall. On the defensive line, another threeGoing 3-6 in 2018, the Dragons held year starter is back in senior Dylan St. Cloud Cathedral and Holy Family Isakson, who is slated to start at defenCatholic to seven points each while sive tackle. starting the season 2-0. The rest of the Offensively, the Dragons lost about way, Litchfield allowed 29.6 points per 80 percent of its yardage from a year game while going 1-6. ago due to graduation, including quarSenior linebacker/running back Pat- terback Brandt Pederson (467 passing rick Benson returns as the Dragons’ yards, 686 rushing yards). top tackler. A three-year starter, the Litchfield starts the season with 5-foot-9, 175-pound Benson had 70 back-to-back home games against tackles to go with a team-high 3-1/2 Zimmerman on Aug. 30 and Annandale sacks. He also had the team’s lone kick on Sept. 6.
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Litchfield will need strong defense this season as the Dragons aim to rebound from a three-win year in 2018.
E6 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
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Stability along the line on offense and defense will be a key for Litchfield this season.
Several Litchfield defenders take down a running back during a 2018 game against New London-Spicer.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 E7
MINNEWASKA
Lakers eye state berth despite tough schedule
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Minnewaska’s Grant Jensen (5) carries the ball against BOLD in a 2018 game.
By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com Last year, the Minnewaska football team made it to the doorstep of a state berth, reaching the Section 5AA championship game. This fall, the Lakers look to at least duplicate that success, and do it with a step up in section competition. Opening at home against Parkers Prairie on Aug. 29, Minnewaska was moved from Section 5AA to 6AAA. The teams in their new section include: Albany, Melrose, Montevideo, New London-Spicer, Pierz, Sauk Centre and St. Cloud Cathedral. Pierz has won the section two years in a row, including a state title in 2017 and a trip to the semifinals in 2018. Section 6AAA is “one of, if not, the best AAA section in the state,” Lakers head coach Jeremy Christensen said. “We return some key pieces from our section runner-up team in 2018, but will need to fill the holes of our graduating seniors,” Christensen added. The key loss comes from quarterback Ryan Amundson, who ran for 655 yards, threw for 666 yards and had a combined 13 touchdowns. Junior Darion Alexander, who Christensen describes as a “hard-nosed runner that is a versatile athlete and could play a number of different positions for us,” is slated to take over for Amundson. Returning to the mix for Minnewaska is junior running back/linebacker Tyson Meyer. An All-District pick a year ago, Meyer led the team with 731 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns while also tallying a team-high 83 tackles.
“Look for him to have another outstanding season on both sides of the ball,” Christensen said of Meyer. All-District players Luke Barkeim (TE/DE) and Dylan Jergenson (OL/DL) return to the fold. Grant Jensen (RB/ QB/DB), Tyler VanLuik (OL/DL) and Drew Nelson (K/P) are returning threeyear starters while Christian Bartz (LB), Jakob Swalla (OL/DL) and Aaron VerSteeg (WR/DB) are returning starters for a Lakers squad that was 8-3 in 2018. “We have seen our kids have another outstanding summer in our strength and speed program look to use those assets to the best of our ability,” Christensen said. “As in years past, we will rely heavily on our running game, but look to utilize the passing game and our perimeter athletes more this season. Defensively, we will try to stop the opposition’s running game first and pressure the quarterback as much as possible.”
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E8 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
We have seen our kids have another outstanding summer in our strength and speed program look to use those assets to the best of our ability. JEREMY CHRISTENSEN, Minnewaska Head Coach
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Minnewaska receiver Aaron Ver Steeg stretches to make a catch during a 2018 game at BOLD.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 E9
MONTEVIDEO
T-Hawks’ offensive line may help boost scoring
Montevideo back Cade Weber (3) stretches for additional yards as Cole Sandven (54) moves up on the play during a 2018 game. By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com To bounce back from a 2-7 campaign, Montevideo is hoping a veteran group up front can help pave the way. All five of the Thunder Hawks’ starting offensive linemen from a year ago — Trew Evenson, Junior Salazar, Jackson Enevoldsen, Cole Sandven and Ross Kwilinski — are back in purple and gold and hope to improve an offense that averaged 17.8 points per game in 2018. Another key cog returns in starting quarterback Tyler Blue, who threw for 676 yards a year ago. The Thunder Hawks will try to replace last year’s top rusher, Trent Dreyer (674 yards, four touchdowns) with players like Cade Weber, Jonah Sulflow, Brady Hogrefe and Cam Ward. Sulflow returns to the defensive secondary alongside fellow senior Selvin Hernandez while Hogrefe and Weber are set to lead the linebacker corps along with Ward. Logan Abrahamson is back on the defensive line with Enev-
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oldsen and Kwilinski. “We have a great group of seniors that got a lot of playing time last fall and some juniors that have worked hard to find their way onto the field,” said Montevideo head coach Dave Vix. “All the players have spent time on getting bigger, faster and stronger. This group treats each other like brothers and are a true family.”
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E10 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
All the players have spent time on getting bigger, faster and stronger. This group treats each other like brothers and are a true family. DAVE VIK, Montevideo Head Coach
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Montevideo’s Tyler Blue (7) will be back behind center this season for the Thunder Hawks.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 E11
PAYNESVILLE
Bulldogs’ expectations the same: state tourney By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com
West Central Tribune
Quarterback Grady Fuchs will direct the Paynesville offense this season.
Even with eight starters on offense and seven on defense to replace, Paynesville’s goals don’t change. “(Losing those starters) will provide for a steep learning curve,” said Bulldogs head coach Max Meagher. “Even though a lot has been lost due to graduation, the expectations have not changed.” For Paynesville, that means a third straight trip to the Class AA state tournament and, hopefully, not having the season end at the hands of Caledonia. While there will be plenty of new names in the huddle, the Bulldogs do have several strong building blocks, starting with senior running back/ linebacker Daltin Christinsen. The first team All-District pick and twoway starter ran for 1,454 yards and 17 touchdowns while finishing fourth on the team with 61 tackles along with an interception. Levi Bast is another two-way starter returning at safety and wide receiver. Bast, a second team All-District pick, led Paynesville with 77 tackles while also grabbing a pair of picks on defense. On offense, Bast caught 16 balls for 252 yards and three touchdowns. Paynesville also has a pair of offensive starters back in the interior with left tackle Dylan Messick and center Spence Evans. Last year, the Bulldogs’ line paved the way for a school-record 5,818 total yards and a Class AA-best
46.7 points per game. Grady Fuchs returns at linebacker, where he had 76 tackles, three interceptions and five fumble recoveries. And, he’ll step into the quarterback role after being vaulted into the position in the state semifinals last year after an injury to starter Max Weidner. “On offense, our line should have good size and be pretty athletic for the size they bring to the table,” Meagher said. “Returning a 1,000-yard runner in Christinsen behind a big line should provide a safety valve for Fuchs as he adjusts to his first full year as a varsity starting QB. Our receiving corp was hit hard by graduation and we will need guys to step up and make plays.” Meagher continued, “Graduating three of four in the secondary on defense means that one of the strengths of the team is now a question mark. With both inside linebackers graduating and all three defensive linemen, the toughness and ability to read and react is also a big unknown.” Paynesville opens the 2019 season at Montevideo and will have five games against Class AAA competition, including state power Pierz in Week 2. There’ll be growing pains, but the Bulldogs’ goals remain sky high. Meagher said, “Due to the strong schedule and the difficulty of earning a win, the Bulldogs will need to remain focused at getting better each week and staying healthy in hopes to be playing our best football at the end of the season.”
GOOD LUCK NL-S WILDCATS
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Paynesville head coach Max Meagher said focus and health will be vital to the Bulldogs’ successes in 2019.
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E12 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Paynesville’s Daltin Christinsen (25) carries the ball during a late-season 2018 game.
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Paynesville’s Levi Bast (10) drags down a ball carrier during a 2018 game.
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The Bulldogs’ Caden Spanier looks for room to run during a 2018 game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 E13
RENVILLE COUNTY WEST
Jaguars return nine starters to spark a 2019 turnaround By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Renville County West needs a boost from its nine returning starters to turn around from a 1-8 season in 2018. RCW got its first win of the season in Week 3 but lost to Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda in overtime in Week 4 and never recovered, dropping its final five games. But the Jaguars have experienced players back who are bent on righting their record. Jack Howard (5-8, 170, Sr.) is back at quarterback and he’ll have fellow
seniors Connor Aalderks (5-7, 160, Sr., WR/KR/DB) outside and Axel Zaragosa (5-7, 165, Sr., RB/DB) in the backfield. Jaden Kolker (5-9, 190, Jr., RB/LB) is back after missing most of last season with injuries. The Jaguars have good size up front. Zac Rice (6-2, 200, Sr., G/DE) and Jack Haney (5-10, 240, Jr., G/DT) will line up next to center Landon Tanner (5-8, 220, Jr.). Tyler Rice (6-2, 170, Sr.) will help up front at tight end and he’ll man a linebacker spot on defense. Dion Zenter (5-9, 170, Sr.) is back starting in the Jag’s defensive backfield.
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Tyler Rice (30) delivers a hit during RCW’s game against MACCRAY last fall.
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RCW’s Jack Howard returns to lead the Jaguars’ offense at quarterback in 2019.
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E14 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Renville County West back Axel Zaragoza stares down a MACCRAY tackler during a 2018 game.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 E15
MACCRAY
Wolverines’ returners ready to earn some Ws By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com On the heels of an 0-9 season, MACCRAY brings back a slew of returning players anxious to find their way into the win column while going from 9-man to Class A football. Among the eight starters back from 2018, a pair of three-year starters are in the mix in Rhys Schwitters and Will Asche. At running back/linebacker, Schwitters had 302 rushing yards, 448 receiving yards, 120 passing yards and four total touchdowns. On defense, he is the top returning tackler after tallying 54 stops along with 2-1/2 sacks, a fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown. Ashce, who’ll be set to play tight end/
linebacker, finished with 43 tackles. The interior brings back a trio of starters from last year in senior Parker Ruiter (6-foot-1, 235 pounds) and juniors Cody Sumner (6-0, 274) and Eli Duhoux (6-1, 265). Tommy Hoekstra is back after posting 13 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown at wide receiver a year ago. Senior Ole Sandry returns to play at fullback/tight end/linebacker. After starting half the season as a freshman, Isaac Strommer will be back at quarterback as a sophomore. In five games, Strommer completed 59 of 129 passes for 673 yards with eight touchdowns and 16 interceptions. The Wolverines square off with Wabasso for Week 1 on Aug. 30 in West Central Tribune Wabasso. MACCRAY receiver Rhys Schwitters (3) tries to shake a tackler during a 2018 game.
MACCRAY’s Will Asche (5) closes in to make a tackle during a game last season.
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E16 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
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MACCRAY’s Tommy Hoekstra (7) holds onto a ball carrier as teammate Will Asche (5) moves in to help during a game last season.
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Wolverines receiver Rhys Schwitters looks a ball into his hands during a 2018 game.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 E17
MORRIS/CHOKIO-ALBERTA
Tigers’ defense ready to carry load By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com
to play at all three levels and regularly makes plays at the line of scrimmage as After going 4-6 in 2017, Morris/ well as deep in coverage,” Tigers head Chokio-Alberta managed to match that coach Kevin Pope said of Jack. “Offenwin total in the first half of the 2018 sively, he emerged as a well-rounded threat both catching and running the season en route to a 6-4 record. ball.” But in order to keep up their winning In the trenches, Jake Riley is the lone ways, the Tigers have to replace an offensive lineman back from 2018. All-Area and All-Star Game talent. “(Jake) has already been a two-year Gone is Camden Arndt, who ran for starter at left tackle,” Pope said. “He 1,226 yards and 10 touchdowns en route brings experience and leadership to the to being the district’s offensive back offensive front.” of the year and offensive player of the At quarterback, junior Zach Bruns year. He also had 47 tackles, three sacks is looking to bounce back after a broand a pair of forced fumbles. ken collarbone knocked him out of the As far as the defense goes, Morris/ lineup after just four games. In that CA has its anchor back in senior safety/ four-game span, Bruns racked up 592 running back Jack Riley, who was the total yards and seven touchdowns (four team’s defensive player of the year in passing, three rushing). 2018 after accumulating 95 tackles, two “Back healthy this year, he will look sacks, one forced fumble and a pair of to build on his early-season breakout interceptions. On offense, Riley ran from last year,” Pope said of Bruns. the ball for 113 yards and a touchdown Morris/CA gets the 2019 season while catching eight balls for 94 yards. underway on the road against Benson “Defensively, he has the rare ability on Aug. 30.
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Morris/Chokio-Alberta receiver Austin Berlinger tries to corral a deep pass during a game at Montevideo last season.
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E18 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Defensively, [Senior Jake Riley] has the rare ability to play at all three levels and regularly makes plays at the line of scrimmage as well as deep in coverage. KEVIN POPE, Morris Chokio-Alberta Head Coach
Morris/Chokio-Alberta’s Braden Waldbeser looks to shake a tackler during a 2018 game against Montevideo.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, August 29, 2019 E19
YELLOW MEDICINE EAST
Can the Sting continue to step it up? By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com In a sign of small, yet gradual improvement, Yellow Medicine East doubled its win total from the previous year in 2018 under first-year head coach Dave Schueler. Replacing long-time leader Mike Gaffaney, Schueler guided the Sting to a 2-7 record, which featured double-figure wins on the road at Lakeview and at home against Wabasso. With a new season on the horizon, Schueler believes the team can continue its progression in year No. 2. “The guys are all excited to get back to work and show what they can do,” Schueler said. “It’s going to be a great season.” If the Sting hope to make any strides, the offense has to improved. Despite bumping its scoring average by more than five points per game from the year before, YME was still the lowest scoring team in its section. With several returning starters up front, Schueler’s bunch will rely on the running attack. Behind them, RB/LB Angel Jimenez, RB/S Carter Sneller, RB/
LB Elliott Korstad and RB/CB Oscar Galvan will be among the options to carry the load out of the backfield. Jimenez, an All-Sub District selection in 2018, took the majority of the snaps as the team’s quarterback last season. In 2019, the senior will compete for time at the position, along with freshmen QB/S Cody Dahlager and junior QB/CB Tyler Syring. Defensively, the Sting will be without top lineman Dalton Anderson and linebacker and team MVP Ayden Friese, who tied with defensive back Carter Sneller with a team-high 60 tackles. Entering his senior season, Sneller will be back manning the secondary. Linemen Juan Ontiveros and Jaden Gorres along with linebackers Abel Chaparro and Will Lecy are a part of talented underclassmen who will sure up the rest of the defense. “This is a solid group of young athletes who have been working hard and waiting for their opportunity to play varsity football,” Schueler remarked. Yellow Medicine East will open its 2019 campaign on the road against Murray County Central on Aug. 29.
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YME’s Carter Sneller tries to get to the edge during a 2018 game.
E20 Thursday, August 29, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
This is a solid group of young athletes who have been working hard and waiting for their opportunity to play varsity football. DAVE SCHUELER, YME Head Coach
YME quarterback Angel Jimenez scans the field for a receiver during a game last season.
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