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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