Paynesville Bulldogs

Paynesville junior running back Blake Hiltner cuts upfield during a Mid-State crossover game against Morris/Chokio-Alberta on Oct. 30, 2020 from Paynesville High School. West Central Tribune file photo

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 are looking forward to what appears to be a much more normal season.”

Senior Chase Bayer is slated to orchestrate the offense again after completing 40 of 76 passes for 996 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions despite playing in four-and-a-half 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 2020 due to injury. Juma was slated to be a twoway starter last season.

Paynesville is on the road for its home opener on Sept. 3 against Melrose.