Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks

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. West Central Tribune file photo

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.”