PIGSKIN PREVIEW 2021
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Willmar aims for state......... NLS has a new coach................... Litch aims for more...................... BOLD starts fresh......................... Paynesville looks tough..........
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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PIGSKIN PREVIEW
2 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
Index: 2-3 … Willmar Cardinals 4 … New London-Spicer Wildcats 5 ... Litchfield Dragons 6 ... Benson Braves 7 ... BOLD Warriors 8 ... Minnewaska Lakers 9 ... Montevideo Thunder Hawks 10 ... ACGC Falcons 11 ... BBE Jaguars 12 ... Paynesville Bulldogs 13 ... Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks 14 ... KMS Fighting Saints 15 … Lac qui Parle Valley Eagles 16 ... MACCRAY Wolverines 17 … Renville County West Jaguars 18 … Yellow Medicine East Sting
Willmar linebacker Tanner Fleming (left) chases down Little Falls quaterback Austin Neu in a Section 8AAAA game Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 at Hodapp Field in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
WILLMAR
Cards aim to make another state run
Willmar returns talent, experience from 2020’s successful team
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
WILLMAR — A top-10 team in the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season, the Willmar Cardinals
football team is looking to make another charge at a section championship this fall. Going 6-2 last fall, Willmar’s signature win was against No. 1-ranked
Hutchinson, 28-24. Then in the postseason, the Cardinals went 2-0 with wins over Little Falls and Detroit Lakes. In those games, they outscored the competition 91-14.
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And even with Willmar moving to Section 2AAAA, this will be another talented corps. “This year’s team is the fastest and stronger team as a whole that I have had in my 12 years as head coach,” said Cardinals head coach Jon Konold, who has a 61-57 career record. “Our hope,” Konold added, “is that speed and strength will translate well to the football field.” With 10 returning starters, two All-District offensive players are back in the mix. The first is senior quarterback Alex Schramm, who was the North Central White’s Quarterback
of the Year. In the air, he was 34 of 78 for 555 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. But it was his feet that did the most damage as he ran 139 times for an area-best 1,028 yards and 13 touchdowns. He will also play on defense at cornerback. “Alex is now truly a dual-threat QB,” Konold said. “Last year, Alex relied on his legs to help the Cardinals on offense. This year, Alex has improved his passing ability and now will be able to dissect defenses on the ground as well as through the air.” Another key returner is on the offensive line
in senior center Ethan Schwab. Making the move inside after playing tackle in 2020, Schwab (6-foot-3, 300 pounds) was the district’s Lineman MVP. He’ll have two other returning linemen at his side in Daniel Lohse and Anthony Alonzo as the team looks to replace outgoing players Taggert Reynolds and Mark Linbo. Schwab will also see time at defensive tackle. “He’s one of the best offensive lineman in our league,” Konold said of Schwab.”Size, strength and aggressiveness are key attributes of Ethan.”
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Senior Brandt Sunder also returns to the mix as a wide receiver/free safety. An All-District honorable mention, Sunder had 16 tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown. On offense, Sunder came up with seven catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. That wideout role should expand this fall after the graduation of leading receiver Jacob Rosendahl. “He’s ready to step into the number one wide receiver rolefor the Cardinals and the quarterback of the defense playing free safety,” Konold said. “He will also play a key role as a punt and kick returner.” Other returning starters: senior running back/ cornerback Michael Price
(401 rushing yards, seven touchdowns); senior kicker LaBlue Moo; junior wideout/safety Sam Raitz; junior punter Jacob Streed; and junior linebacker/tight end Mattix Swanson. “We return many key starters in key positions for our football team,” Konold said. “In the positions that are in need of replacing are young, talented players.” Rebuilding the front seven on the defense is a point of emphasis after defensive linemen Joe Price and Aidan Donelan, and linebackers Kaden Streed and Tyler Ludwig graduated. Swanson, Zach Gadient, Connor Owens, Tanner Fleming and Ramero Trevino will compete for time at linebacker. Schwab, Lohse, Jacob Flannigan, Jon Ritz, Jacob Leiva, Mason Swanson and Dylan Goblirsch
will all vie for reps at defensive line. The postseason will also have a different look for the Cardinals. After spending the last six seasons in Section 8AAAA, Willmar will compete in 2AAAA for the next two years. Other teams in 2AAAA include: Faribault; Hutchinson; Jordan; Marshall; and St. Peter. “Overall, we have many players that have played a lot of football games,” Konold said, “and that experience will assist some of our younger players that will be getting their feet wet at the varsity level.” Willmar begins the 2021 season on Friday, Sept. 3 at St. Cloud Apollo. After a Week 2 matchup at Hutchinson, the Cardinals will make their Hodapp Field debut on Friday, Sept. 17 against Big Lake.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | 3
Willmar’s quaterback Alex Schramm celebrates with teammate Michael Price after Schramm scored a touchdown in a game against Little Falls on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020 at Hodapp Field in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
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4 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
PIGSKIN PREVIEW New LondonSpicer junior quarterback Kyle Doty rolls out for a pass during an East Central District crossover game against Albany on Oct. 23, 2020 from Pederson Field. West Central Tribune file photo
New LondonSpicer sophomore wide receiver Brycen Christensen is hit by Albany’s Will Mergen during an East Central District crossover game on Oct. 23, 2020 from Pederson Field. West Central Tribune file photo
NEW LONDON-SPICER
New head coach leads Wildcats
Long-time assistant Chad Gustafson replaces Dan Essler at NLS
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
NEW LONDON — The sidelines at New London-Spicer football games will look different with the retirement of longtime head coach Dan Essler. But, the Wildcats will have a familiar look as
Essler’s long-time offensive coordinator, Chad Gustafson, takes over the lead role as the team looks to improve on its 4-4 mark from 2020. During Essler’s 21 seasons as head coach, NLS went 133-82 and went to three state championship games, winning the Class AAA title in 2009.
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After going 2-4 in the regular season, NLS picked up a pair of postseason wins over Montevideo and Minnewaska in the Section 6AAA tournament. It was the 15th straight season with a record of .500 or better. “Even though we suffered gaping losses due to graduation, we feel the
players coming up from the JV could help build a winner,” said Gustafson. The Wildcats’ JV went 6-1 last year. NLS returns its signal-caller from last season as Kyle Doty returns for his senior season. “Having Kyle Doty returning as a starter should help the offense regain its form,” Gustafson said. As far as offensive weapons, senior Peyton Coahran and junior Brycen Christiansen are returning starters. In the backfield, Conner Rothwell (6-2, 265 pounds) will pave the way at fullback. Seniors Noah Woelfel and Brody Lien, and sophomore Mason Delzer will figure into the mix at running back. The offensive line has a pair of returning starters
in senior tackle Annikan Haglund and senior guard Nate Netland. Senior Tayden Nelson should see time at tackle, junior Luke Wosmek will also handle guard duties. Junior Isaiah Halverson is slated to play center. “We have good size and speed and hope to have a good mix of pass and run in the offense,” Gustafson said. Coahran will be one of the focal points of the defense, returning to the perimeter at cornerback. But, there’ll be plenty of new players in the mix. On the defensive line, Gustafson points out seniors Sam Gabrielson and Lawsin Dechon. At linebacker, there’s senior Trevin O’Malley, and juniors Gavin Degner and Hunter Downey. Then in the secondary, senior
Mason King will look to stop pass catchers at cornerback. “The defense will have many new faces but should be stout up the middle with bigger tackles and quick linebackers,” Gustafson said. With 54 players expected to dress for varsity, Gustafson is hoping to have less two-way players on game day. “The core players have worked out hard this year and many players will have a chance to contribute,” Gustafson said. The Wildcats’ season begins on Thursday, Sept. 2 against St. Cloud Cathedral at Husky Stadium on the campus of St. Cloud State University. The home opener is Friday, Sept. 10 against Watertown-Mayer.
PIGSKIN PREVIEW
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | 5
LITCHFIELD
Litch plans to restock the cupboard
Dragons return talent after winning the section title BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
LITCHFIELD — The Litchfield football team has hopes of replicating last year’s section championship team. But in order to do that, the Dragons are going to have to replace a strong senior class that got the school its first section title since 2006. “Although we will sorely miss some talented seniors who set multiple school records, the cupboards are not bare for the Dragons,” said head coach Jim Jackman, who is 34-43 heading into his ninth year leading Litchfield.
Last season, the Dragons ranked third in Class AAA with 41.3 points per game on the way to a 6-1 record. That included a 55-14 win over Rockford in the Section 2AAA title game. Litchfield has two players hoping to replace All-Area quarterback Ben Alsleben in seniors Logan King and Beau Weseloh. King is also a first-team All-District safety, coming up with 68 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. For pass catchers, the Dragons will rely on seniors Ryan Schutz and Tanner Kohls while in the backfield, Jackman said the
team will take a committee approach early on. Both the offensive and defensive line units will be led by 6-foot-4, 285-pound senior Dom Dietel. A first team All-District offensive tackle in 2020, Dietel currently has offers to play in the NSIC from Bemidji State and the University of Mary. There’s less mystery around the defense, which boasts three All-District honorees. Along with King and Kohls (All-District honorable mention, cornerback), the defense will be led by senior middle linebacker Wyatt Larson. An
All-District first teamer last fall, Larson had 67 tackles (four for loss), a sack and a fumble recovery. Kohls was second on the team with three interceptions. The Dragons also have senior Kole Bartlett at linebacker. “There are many spots where competition is ongoing as the Dragons look to find the best 11 to defend their section championship,” Jackman said. Litchfield’s season will get underway on Friday, Sept. 3 at Milaca. The home opener is Friday, Sept. 10 against Holy Family Catholic.
Litchfield’s Dom Dietel (74) pressures Watertown-Mayer’s Albert Rundell during a East District South game on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020 in Watertown. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW
6 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 Benson running back Thomas Dineen carries a defender during a Nov. 11, 2020 Mid-State game against Howard Lake-WaverlyWinsted from Brock Field in Benson. West Central Tribune file photo
Benson defensive end Thomas Dineen (15) chases down BOLD quarterback Drew Sagedahl for a sack in the second quarter of an Oct. 9, 2020 game at Brock Field in Benson. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
BENSON
Braves hope to build on last season
Benson has a strong corps of 12 seniors for 2021
BY MATTHEW CURRY West Central Tribune
BENSON — The Benson Braves could be on the verge of adding from last season’s success with a large portion of last year’s team returning for
the 2021 season. Despite losing 15 seniors, the Braves are returning 26 key players and are looking to be led by 12 seniors. “With 15 seniors graduating, competition for spots heats up real quick, and that’s a good thing,”
said Adam Foslien, who returns for his third year as head coach. “It tends to bring the best out of everyone. We will have players battling right up to the first game for starting spots.” Benson ended last season with a 4-3 record and
the Mid State 4 district regular-season championship. After losing its first game, 35-20, to BOLD, the Braves went on a four-game win streak before dropping back-toback games to end the season. Benson has the task of replacing 15 all-district athletes, including quarterback Cole Hedman, who finished with 792 passing yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Also gone is Ben Peterson, who finished with 327 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 17 catches. Another departure is Ben’s twin brother, Abe Peterson, who led the team with 21 receptions for 456 yards and five
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touchdowns. Foslien says Ryan Tolifson, a 6-foot-3-inch 170-pound junior, will be the starting quarterback. Foslien described Tolifson as an athletic and shifty quarterback. While Tolifson did not take a snap as quarterback last season, he rushed 11 times for 54 yards. Benson will also be returning seven linemen to its roster. Also back is Thomas Dineen (6-1, 205, Jr.), who figures to be one of the district’s top players. An All-Area selection in 2020, Dineen was the district’s Defensive Lineman of the Year after tallying 44 tackles (8-1/2 for loss) and seven sacks from the
end position. At running back, he went off for 929 yards and 12 touchdowns. Foslien is confident about the upcoming season based on the prep his team has done leading into the regular season. “We do have many guys who saw varsity time last year, and will need some new guys to step up and contribute,” he said. “We had many guys who really spent quality time in the weight room in the off-season and are excited to see what they can do for us.” The Braves begin this season on Friday, Sept. 3 at Kimball. The home opener is Friday, Sept. 10 against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle.
PIGSKIN PREVIEW
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | 7
BOLD
BOLD has some question marks
Warriors hope to have new faces shine in 2021 BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
OLIVIA — With more than 77 percent of the team’s total yards gone due to graduation, there’ll be plenty of mystery to the 2021 iteration of BOLD football. But, the Warriors plan to put up a fight and show they’re among the area’s best squads when the season kicks off on Sept. 3 at home against Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City. “We are going to have to bite and claw for every inch,” said BOLD thirdyear head coach Derek Flann. “But I think we
have the kind of kids that are going to go out and give everything they have to try to win ball games. “At the end of the day, I think that will give us a chance to be competitive each week.” Six starters return on both sides of the ball for the Warriors. And on the defensive end, four of the top five tacklers from last year’s 6-2 team are back in seniors Connor Plumley (63 tackles), David Garcia (53), Ethan Sullivan (35) and George Garcia (34). Plumley, a linebacker/fullback, was an
All-District pick in 2020. Other returning starters are senior linemen Xavier Basaldua and Cayden Kubesh along with senior WR/CB Hunter Borer and junior WR/CB Stevie McMath. On offense, the goal will be to replace the production of quarterback Drew Sagedahl (933 total yards, 16 touchdowns), fullback Tim Peppel (881 rushing yards, 10 TDs) and tight end/wideout/quarterback/linebacker/kicker Braeden Tersteeg (five touchdowns on offense; 37 tackles). Flann said sophomore Rylan Gass
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and freshman Jack Gross will compete for the starting QB job. BOLD does return its top receiver from a year ago in freshman Hudson Vosika (23 catches, 237 yards, 2 TDs). Flann expects the youngster to play a larger role this fall. “We are not going to be big, but we have a lot of ‘want to,’” Flann said. “We have a good amount of depth at a number of positions and a number of people competing for starting spots. … Competition is great for everybody and we will see who steps up and wins each job.”
BOLD running back David Garcia heads downfield late in the first half of an Oct. 9, 2020 game against Benson at Brock Field in Benson. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
8 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
PIGSKIN PREVIEW MINNEWASKA
Lakers have lots of question marks
Minnewaska will have its least experienced squad since 2016
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
GLENWOOD — There will be plenty of mystery and intrigue with the Minnewaska football team this fall. The Lakers, coming off a 3-4 season where they reached the second round of the Section 6AAA playoffs, graduated 16 seniors. In that group were 13 starters, with nine two-year starters and three three-year starters in Tyson Meyer, Jakob Swalla and Aaron Ver Steeg. “This is probably the most inexperienced roster we have had since 2016,” said Minnewaska fifth-year head coach Jeremy Christensen. “But it is also one of our largest rosters with 68 players in grades 9-12. Our challenge as coaches is to try to find the right pieces to the puzzle.” Christensen added: “We are excited to work with this year’s group (and) see where the season goes. I think we have the ability to surprise some people this year.” Where the Lakers figure to have the most
Jared Rubado / Alexandria Echo Press Damon Uhde makes a tackle at the line of scrimmage on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 during Minnewaska’s 24-0 win over Montevideo..
experience back is in the trenches. Seniors Nate Rankin and Brady Blair return to the offensive and defensive lines. On defense, Rankin finished
with 44 total tackles (3 for loss) and 2-1/2 sacks. “We are looking for him to be a leader for both our DL and OL in 2021,” Christensen said
of Rankin. “(He’s) a very good athlete for his size. We will ask him to do a lot on both sides of the ball.” Junior Jack Larson
is a returning starter at O-line and middle linebacker. Senior Hunter Kostelecky will move from center to tight end while also playing
defensive line. “We need him to be a physical presence on the edge in our running game while being a sure-handed target for our QBs,” Christensen said of Kostelecky. Looking to fill the void left by Meyer in the backfield (115 rushing attempts, 581 yards, eight touchdowns) is senior Dalton Friedrichs. “Dalton has been stuck behind some of the best RBs Minnewaska has had over the past few years in Tyson Meyer, Darion Alexander and Max Reichmann,” Christensen said. “(He’s) primed to have a breakout year as our main weapon in the running game.” Senior Easton McCrory is slated to take over at quarterback and orchestrate Minnewaska’s Gun-T offense. Seniors that had a big offseason that Christensen is expecting big things from include: OL/ DL Dylan Amiot; WR/ DB Noah Danielson; and WR/DB Alec Larson. The Lakers begin the 2021 season on Thursday, Sept. 2 at home against Royalton.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | 9
MONTEVIDEO
Montevideo expects to be better in ‘21
Thunder Hawks aim for a full schedule after a pandemic-shortened 2020
BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune
MONTEVIDEO — To call the 2020 season arduous for the Montevideo Thunder Hawks would be to understate, Kyle Goslee admits. In his first season as head coach, pandemic protocols enabled his team to play only four games, making Montevideo one of the hardest hit in the West Central Tribune area in terms of lost games. “It was brutal,” said Goslee, back for his second season after going 1-3 in 2020. “We had one shutdown, then we came
back and got shut down again.” Montevideo hopes to get in a full schedule led by 12 seniors. The Thunder Hawks open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3 at home against the Sauk Centre Mainstreeters. Goslee and his staff are optimistic about 2021. There’s some talent and the players are enthusiastic about having a normal year. “Absolutely,” Goslee said. “Get rid of COVID and let these kids go and play, have fun, build some team chemistry, make some memories and create something special for themselves.
“Embrace the moment.” Quarterback Kaden Boike returns to run the Thunder Hawks’ double-wing offense. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound senior is a “student of the game,” Goslee said. “He’s a heady kid.” Also back is Francis O’Malley, a dynamic athlete who’ll lead Montevideo at running back and linebacker. Only a sophomore, he’s 6-1 and 220 pounds. “He’s a phenom,” Goslee said. “There are so many good things to say about him. He’s a role model and a great leader, an extremely hard worker. He’s the real deal.”
Montevideo’s line will be anchored by Callim Schmitz. At 6-2, 200, the senior will start both ways. “He’s a heady kid and a student of the game, like a coach on the line,” Goslee said. The Thunder Hawks opened 2020 on Oct. 23, which would have been Week 3 for most teams. They lost 24-0 to Minnewaska. After missing another week, they beat Melrose 28-27 in overtime on Nov. 6, then closed the regular season with a 33-13 loss to Pierz. In the Section 6AAA playoffs, they lost 36-6 to New London-Spicer.
Montevideo freshman running back Francis O’Malley looks to break a tackle during a Section 6AAA quarterfinal against New London-Spicer on Nov. 17, 2020 from Pederson Field in New London. West Central Tribune file photo
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10 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
PIGSKIN PREVIEW ATWATER-COSMOS-GROVE CITY
ACGC plans to forget last season’s slump Falcons started 2-0, but lost their last five games BY MATTHEW CURRY West Central Tribune
GROVE CITY — Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City had a decent start to last season, but staggered into a season-ending slump. The Falcons earned back-to-back victories to start last season, defeating Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 34-0 in Week 1 and Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted 32-18 in Week 2. From then on, the Falcons lost their next five games to end the season 2-5. ACGC will be without quarterback Luke Trebil, who finished last season with 691 passing yards and five touchdowns, with 398 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The Falcons will also be without wide receiver Braeden Pickle, who led the team with 27 receptions for 419 yards and four TDs. Anders Grimstad (6-foot 175 pounds) will be the quarterback and
will also start at defensive back. Running backs Landon Blom, Mason Studemann and Terrell Renne are set to return for the Falcons. Blom (5-11, 180) led the team with 580 rushing yards on 120 attempts, scoring three TDs. Wide receiver Mason Hiltner (5-10, 160) is set for a good season. He had 110 receiving yards and one touchdown on five catches last season. Head coach David Blom, who has a 29-34 record at ACGC, believes his team will have more success this season. “We have a young team that is excited to get back on the field and get the best high school experience playing under the Friday Night Lights,” Blom said. The Falcons get the 2021 season underway on Friday, Sept. 3 at BOLD. The home opener is Friday, Sept. 10 against Kimball.
West Central Tribune file photo Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City junior running back Landon Blom looks to break a tackle during a Mid State game Oct. 9, 2020 against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa from Falcon Field in Grove City.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | 11 Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa junior defensive lineman Santos Sorenson (60) looks to assist on a tackle made by junior defensive lineman Bryce Feuerhake (67) during a Mid State game Oct. 9, 2020 against Atwater-CosmosGrove City from Falcon Field in Grove City. West Central Tribune file photo
BELGRADE-BROOTEN-ELROSA
BBE seeks to snap losing streak
Jaguars, 0-7 last season, have more experience to bank on 2021
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
BELGRADE — The Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars hope to bounce back from last season after falling in each of their seven matchups. BBE went 0-7. The Jaguars’ best game came when they lost 48-18 Browerville/Eagle Valley in the Section 4A playoffs. Jaguars’ coach Chris Moscho, returning for his 13th year, hopes to see
more success. “We’ve been young the past couple of seasons,” Moscho said. “We are looking for a lot of experience coming back.” Moscho believes Gavin Kampsen (Sr., RB/LB); Blaine Fischer (Jr., WR/ CB); Jamison Reed (So., WR/DE); and Tanner Shelton (Jr., QB/CB) will be players to watch this season. “These guys have put in a lot of work,” Moscho said. “They have set
themselves up to be successful.” Seniors Easton Hagen (WR/CB); lineman Aaron Schulz and Will Van Beck (WR/DB) return. Juniors Talen Kampsen (WR/LB) and Tyler Jensen (WR/ LB) are other players Moscho said are to be watched. The Jaguars open the season at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3 against Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg at BBE High School in Belgrade.
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12 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
PIGSKIN PREVIEW PAYNESVILLE
Expect more fireworks from Paynesville Bulldogs’ high-power offense ready for more in 2021
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
PAYNESVILLE — The Paynesville Bulldogs’ calling card for years has been its fast pace and athleticism. In 2020, it helped Paynesville to a 5-2 record and the highest scoring offense in Class AA at 44.3 points per game. Expect more of the same in 2021 as the Bulldogs try to reach state for the fourth time in five years. “We will have a good mix of athleticism, size and strength to go along with above-average speed,” said Bulldogs head coach Max Meagher, who enters his 13th season leading his alma mater. “If we can play together, avoid injuries and continue to get better each practice, we could be a tough team come playoff time. We also realize we are in the heart of some very good 1A/2A/3A football teams and we could play very well and still lose games due to the quality of the opponents we face.” Meagher added: “We
games. In his absence, junior Grayson Fuchs showed a diverse skill set, also playing wide receiver and running back. Also returning in the Bulldogs’ backfield is senior Blake Hiltner, who accounted for 693 yards and three touchdowns on 111 carries. Two starters return on the offensive line in center Gavin Miller and tackle Spencer Eisenbraun. On defense, seniors Miller Mumm and Dalton Lahr resume their role as inside linebackers while junior cornerback Eli Nelson will patrol the secondary. Meagher also has his eye on a pair of wideouts/defensive backs in junior Max Athmann and senior Tafadzwa Juma. Athmann saw significant playing time as a sophomore while Juma is looking to get back into form after missing most of West Central Tribune file photo 2020 due to injury. Juma Paynesville junior running back Blake Hiltner cuts upfield during a Mid-State crossover game against Morris/Chokio-Alberta was slated to be a twoway starter last season. on Oct. 30, 2020 from Paynesville High School. Paynesville is on the road for its home opener touchdowns and three the offense again after are looking forward season.” on Sept. 3 against Melcompleting 40 of 76 pass- interceptions despite Senior Chase Bayer to what appears to be es for 996 yards, nine playing in four-and-a-half rose. is slated to orchestrate a much more normal
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | 13
DAWSON-BOYD
Blackjacks back for another good year Dawson-Boyd aims for a 15th straight winning season BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
DAWSON — The Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks are hoping to exceed expectations and earn the school’s 15th straight winning season. “Nobody is touting this team as a sub-district or section favorite,” said Blackjacks head coach Cory Larson, who is entering his 20th season. “Stay healthy and keep improving week to week and the hope is always for expectations to increase.” After going 5-2 in 2020, Dawson-Boyd will get the season underway on Sept. 2 at home against Minnesota Valley Lutheran. Seven starters — including seniors Caleb Torke, Collin Jorgens and Collin Swedzinski — will return to the fray. Torke is a 5-foot-10 wide receiver/defensive back who led the Blackjacks last season with 11 catches. Jorgens is a 225-pound offensive and defensive lineman, and Swedzinski is a 6-foot wideout/linebacker. Juniors Levi Olson (TE/
DE), Holt Larson (LB), Garret Kostad (OL) and Aiden Swenson (DB) also return as starters. “We have a lot of key positions to fill going into the season,” Cory Larson said. Holt Larson is the top returning offensive threat after rushing for 123 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. The Blackjacks will need to replace the bulk of their backfield production after Micah Olson (923 rushing yards, 534 passing yards, 14 total touchdowns) and Jordan Hastad (325 rushing yards, five touchdowns) graduated. “Much of our ground game was lost to graduation,” Cory Larson said. “We do return a few kids up front that gained a lot of experience as underclassmen last year. There are a good number of kids we will look to create plays for us on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, we bring back more experience. The mix of kids we have gives us the ability to play kids at multiple positions.”
West Central Tribune file photo Dawson-Boyd defensive end Carter Bowen looks to get by a block from Yellow Medicine East tight end Bryce Sneller during an Oct. 16, 2020 Southwest District West Division game from Yellow Medicine East High School.
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PIGSKIN PREVIEW
KMS’ Hunter Kallstrom runs through a hole in the line during an offensive runthrough on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021 in Kerkhoven. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
KERKHOVEN-MURDOCK-SUNBURG
KMS hopes to make up for lost time
Fighting Saints saw their ‘20 season cut short, but return lots of talent
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
MURDOCK — The Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg football team had its season cut down to five games in 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic. Because
of the coronavirus, KMS missed Week 6 and did not play in the postseason. With the schedule back to normal, the Fighting Saints are ready to make up for lost time. “KMS will be a young
Go BBE JAGUAR Athletes!
team,” said third-year head coach Jason Fernholz. “We have had many changes to our roster with five new offensive linemen and three new defensive linemen.” Six starters are back from last year’s 3-2
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squad. And leading that group is senior quarterback Alex Call. The 6-foot-2, 175pound lefty was the district Quarterback of the Year after completing 60.5% of his passes last season for 657 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He also ran for 111 yards and three scores, and accounted for 26 tackles as a defensive back. “The Saints will turn to the leadership and experience of Alex Call,” Fernholz said. Junior tight end/linebacker Isaac Rudningen returns after earning All-District honors. He caught 14 balls for a team-high 279 yards and four touchdowns. He
also led KMS’ defense with 46 tackles and two forced fumbles. Sophomore Jared Cortez will also look for an increased role after seeing time at wideout and cornerback. He had eight catches for 61 yards, as well as two interceptions last season. Freshman Jett Olson will see reps across the field at wideout, running back and safety. The Fighting Saints will also try to divy up touches at running back between juniors Chase Magaard (123 yards; 16 tackles at safety), Masyn Olson (76 yards; 34 tackles at LB) and Hunter Kallstrom (44 yards; 11 tackles, 1 sack at LB), along with sophomore Malaki Lee. Magaard is
also expected to see time at wideout. “We are more athletic overall this year and have the ability to move multiple players around if needed,” Fernholz said. “Our skill guys are experienced and we will lean on them throughout the season.” Juniors Jason Jones and Sebastian Solis, along with sophomores Carter Auspos, Owen Kidrowski and Collin Johnson, will look to make up the offensive line KMS’ season opens on Friday, Sept. 3 at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa in Belgrade. The home opener is on Friday, Sept. 10 against Browerville/ Eagle Valley.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | 15
LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY
LQPV banks on six key seniors Young Eagles won two playoff games to end 2020 BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune
MADISON — The Lac qui Parle Eagles went 5-3 in 2020, winning Section 5A playoff games over Lakeview and Canby. And then the season ended. The coronavirus pandemic prevented LQPV — and every other high school football team — from experiencing the state playoffs. While getting to state in 2021 is certainly a goal, Tony Smith, in his fifth season as head coach, has a bigger goal in mind. “I coach to encourage and promote excellence in each student-athlete,” Smith said. “I want to help people develop an energy and a drive to be the best. “My hope is that I make them a good teammate and a better person.” Returning starters include seniors Landon Schirm, Dain Mortenson,
Blake Wollschlager and Zander Boehnke. Junior Tyler Schickedanz also is back. They hope to replace top 2020 players Carter Amland, Colton Mortenson, Eli Lowry, Evan Hegland and Brandon Rios. Schirm is a 5-foot-9, 150-pound wide receiver/defensive back/kick returner/punt returner. Mortenson (5-8, 170) is a running back/linebacker. Wollschlager (6-3, 245) and Boehnke (5-10, 240) anchor the line. Wollschlager returns at center and defensive end. Boehnke is a guard/ defensive tackle. Schickendanz (6-2, 145) is a wide receiver/ defensive back. LQPV will be young. The roster includes six seniors, two juniors, seven sophomores and 14 freshmen. The Eagles open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3 at Tracy-Milroy-Balaton. The home-opener is Sept. 10 against MACCRAY.
West Central Tribune file photo Lac qui Parle Valley junior defensive back Tyler Schikedanz nearly makes an interception during a Southwest District West Division game against Dawson-Boyd on Nov. 6, 2020 from R.B. Clay Field in Dawson.
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MACCRAY junior quarterback Isaac Strommer fires a pass toward the sideline during a Southwest District West Division game against Yellow Medicine East on Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 from MACCRAY West Elementary in Maynard. Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune
MACCRAY
New coach takes over Wolverines
Cole Christopher has some experience to improve upon 2020 BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
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MAYNARD — With seven starters back on both sides of the ball and a new head coach, MACCRAY will look to make steps towards the school’s first winning record since 2016. Taking over the helm for the Wolverines is Cole Christopher. He will try to turn around a team that went 0-4 in 2020.
MACCRAY begins the 2021 campaign on Sept. 2 at home against Murray County Central. On the offensive end, Isaac Strommer returns at quarterback for the fourth straight season. He was 61 of 128 for 663 yards, four touchdowns and nine interceptions last season. “(Isaac’s) a talented thrower of the football that will have plenty of opportunities to showcase that this season,”
Christopher said. While top receiver Brady Kienitz graduated, the Wolverines will look to spread the ball around to receivers Gavin Husman, Brooks Asche and Isaac Post. Husman has averaged 12 yards per catch over his career while Asche averages eight yards per reception. Running back Dreyer Homan returns to the fray alongside Evan Laumb, a former lineman that’ll move to the
backfield after breaking the school’s 100-meter dash record during the track and field season in the spring. Three linemen — Landin Ahrenholz, Gavin Nord and Caleb Kleene — return to the trenches. Another four-year starter leads the defense in senior linebacker Austin Sweep, who led the team with 37 tackles. “(He led) us in tackles in every game he has played and he will be
expected to be a leader in tackles once again,” Christopher said of Sweep. Laumb, Kleene and Brady Heiling will all see time at linebacker. In the defensive backfield, Husman, Post, Strommer, Asche and Jordan Warne will all be there to slow down opposing teams’ passing game. Up front, Homan will be at defensive end while Tyler Loe will line up at nose guard.
PIGSKIN PREVIEW
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | 17
RCW defensive lineman Tyler Amsden (left) tries to get around a Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s blocker during a home game on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020 in Danube. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
RENVILLE COUNTY WEST
Lots of new faces in store for RCW
Jaguars, undefeated in ‘20, start fresh after talented class moves on BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune
DANUBE — The Renville County West Jaguars are wrapping up one of the best football runs in school history, going 6-0 in 2020 after an 11-1 record in 2019. Ryan Hebrink called it a once-in-a-generation run of talent. “We were extremely blessed as a coaching staff to have some of the players that we did,” said Hebrink, who
enters his 12th season as RCW’s head coach. Gone are Jaden Kolker (St. John’s University), Riley Ashburn (Bethany Lutheran basketball), Brandan Hoberg (Ridgewater College baseball), Landon Turner (Minnesota-Morris football), Jacob Haney and Ayden Gustafson. And while the 2021 RCW football team won’t have as many familiar names, Hebrink is nonetheless
optimistic about the season. “I don’t know if you’d recognize any of the names,” he said. “But we’re super excited about the kids we have coming up.” There are five seniors, including two out for football for the first time. Seniors Tyler Amsden (5-foot-11, 245-pound, tight end/ defensive end) and Ethan Haen (5-10, 160, defensive back) are returning starters, as are
juniors Noah Gullickson (5-11, 245, G) and Carter Rice (6-4, 250, DE). Gullickson is a returning all-district selection. “We look for Noah to be a leader on our line on offense and defense,” Hebrink said. “(He’s) strong, (has) good size and (is) quick off the ball. He has a motor that doesn’t stop.” There are nine juniors, most of them expected to contribute, Hebrink said. The roster includes seven sophomores and
10 freshmen. “We expect each player on the team to have a role and if they’re able to do that role to the best of their ability, we’ll be able to do a lot of good things,” Hebrink said. “We don’t have the names that we’ve had in the past. But we’ve got a lot of players who are capable of a lot of good things.” The Jaguars open the season at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2 at Westbrook-Walnut Grove.
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18 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
PIGSKIN PREVIEW
Yellow Medicine East junior wide receiver Isaac Jimenez cuts up the field during a Southwest District West Division game against MACCRAY on Nov. 6, 2020 from MACCRAY West Elementary in Maynard. West Central Tribune file photo
YELLOW MEDICINE EAST
Good Luck to all the ACGC students!
YME hopes to build on its experience, hard work The Sting have returning starters, strong offseason to show improvement BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
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GRANITE FALLS — With just five wins over the past four years, Yellow Medicine East is hoping to trend upward in 2021. Going 1-6 in 2020, the Sting play host to New Ulm Cathedral to open the season on Sept. 3.
“YME football is looking to bounce back from a difficult 2020 season and compete at a high level,” said Sting head coach Dave Schueler. “Our young men have put in a lot of work preparing for this season and are excited to show their growth this upcoming fall.” Eight starters — three seniors and five juniors
— return for YME. Four are two-way starters in seniors Patrick Hoernemann (tight end/ linebacker) and Isaac Jimenez (wide receiver/ safety), and juniors Nolan Hildahl (running back/linebacker) and Landon Anderson (wide receiver/linebacker). Also back in the huddle for the Sting: senior Javier Jackson
(linebacker); junior Cody Dahlager (quarterback/ running back); junior Bryce Sneller (linebacker); junior Owen Torvik (defensive lineman); and junior James Peterson (offensive lineman). Other players Schueler is looking to make a leap in 2021 are: seniors Luis Guzman and Israel Eakes, juniors Jake Odegard, Nahum Tarin,
sophomores Moises Hidalgo, Andrew Flaten, Drew Almich and Connor Fagen, and freshman Brady Dahlager. “All of these young men have shined throughout summer football and summer weight lifting,” Schueler said. “We’re excited to see them demonstrate their talents this season.”
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 | 19
The KMS football team looks to replace all five of its starters from 2020 when this season gets underway on Sept. 3 against BBE. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Area football section assignments SECTION 2AAAA Faribault Hutchinson Jordan Marshall St. Peter Willmar
SECTION 2AAA
Dassel-Cokato Glencoe-Silver Lake Holy Family Catholic Litchfield Providence Academy Rockford Watertown-Mayer
SECTION 6AAA
Albany Melrose Minnewaska Montevideo Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta New London-Spicer Pierz
SECTION 5AA
Atwater-CosmosGrove City Eden Valley-Watkins Holdingford Kimball Paynesville Royalton
SECTION 4A
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Benson Browerville/Eagle Valley Kerkhoven-MurdockSunburg Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Parkers Prairie Upsala/Swanville
SECTION 5A
BOLD Canby Dawson-Boyd Lac qui Parle Valley Lakeview MACCRAY Minneota Yellow Medicine East
SECTION 2 9-MAN
Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart Cedar Mountain Hancock Nicollet Ortonville Renville County West Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s
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Good Luck BBE Jaguars!
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Good Luck to all our area High School Sports from all of us at
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