14 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
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
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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.
