PIGSKIN PREVIEW
Here's the West Central Tribune's look at area football teams 2024
Cards put focus on fundamentals
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
WILLMAR — The Willmar football team is ready for another baptism by fire this fall.
The Cardinals have four teams on their schedule that qualified for last year’s Class AAAA state tournament. That starts with a Week 1 non-district matchup with Benilde-
St. Margaret’s, then state runner-up Rocori for homecoming in Week 5, at defending state champion Hutchinson in Week 6 and at home against Totino-Grace in Week 8.
“The big thing is preparation and we had a really good summer,” said Willmar head coach Jon Konold. “As a coaching staff, we really zeroed in on things we wanted to be successful with. The old saying is ‘Go slow
to go fast,’ so we really want to make sure the kids are sharp on the fundamentals so we can expand it and go faster from there.”
That begins with eight returning senior starters from last year’s 2-7 team.
Senior running back Conlan Carlson looks to be a force in the backfield after finishing second in the team in rushing in 2023. He’ll
also see time on defense at safety. “Conlan’s a versatile running back that can run the football as well as catch the ball out of the backfield,” Konold said. “His strengths are his ability to see the field as well as his elusiveness.”
The line will be anchored by Finley Donelan. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Donelan is a three-year starter. He’ll be joined on
Willmar junior Jackson Schnichels, left, tries to break a tackle by Marshall's Dylan Haney during a Week 2 game on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Hodapp Field in Willmar.
Cardinals
CONTINUED FROM J2
the line by fellow returning senior starter Gustavo Blue Arce (5-9, 225). And joining Donelan on the defensive line are returning senior Luke McCleary (60, 225) and junior Cameren Champagne (5-6, 190).
“Finley will be one of the top linemen in the district,” Konold said. “He’s very fast and athletic for a big guy.”
Wideout Jackson Schnichels returns after leading the team in receiving in ‘23. He’ll be joined out wide by fellow senior Ethan Riemersma. And throwing them the ball is junior Jordan Ellingson, who took over at quarterback midway through last season.
“As the lone return of the receiver corps, Jackson looks to be the top target for the Cardinals,” Konold said. “He’s a good route runner and catches the ball really well.”
Braeden Fagerlie is back at linebacker. And after a knee injury ended his junior season early, Ethan Swierenga hopes to be the anchor in the defensive backfield.
“He has worked extremely hard to get back to 100 percent,” Konold said. “Ethan looks to be a shutdown corner for the Cardinals.”
Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Benilde-St. Margaret's
Friday, Sept. 6 at Marshall
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Princeton
Friday, Sept. 20 at Becker
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. Rocori
Friday, Oct. 4 at Hutchinson
Friday, Oct. 11 at Chisago Lakes
Wednesday, Oct. 16 vs. Totino-Grace
Brown / West Central Tribune
Willmar junior Jackson Schnichels warms up prior to a Week 2 game against Marshall on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Hodapp Field in Willmar.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune Willmar sophomore Jordan Ellingson, left, scrambles away from Marshall's Gavin Schaefer during a Section 2AAAA semifinal game on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at the Schwan Regional Event Center in Marshall.
Joe
Friday,
NLS sports a new look in '24
It starts at the top with new head coach Pat Westby, who replaces Chad Gustafson
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
NEW LONDON — The New LondonSpicer football team will try to stay among Class AAA’s best with a new head coach at the helm.
Out is Chad Gustafson, who coached the Wildcats for three seasons after being a long-time assistant. He led NLS to the 2022 Class AAA state championship, a state berth in ‘21 and a section final in ‘23.
In his place is Brian Westby, a 1998 NLS grad. He previously served 20 seasons as an assistant coach at Dassel-Cokato.
Seven starters are back from a squad that went 6-4 in 2023. Gone are standouts Mason Delzer, Grant Paffrath, Lucas Swenson, Marshel Johnson and Luke Knudsen.
The linebacker corp will bring back plenty of experience with seniors Braden Long, Jack Steffensen and junior Matthew Gehrke. Long and Steffensen will also play at running back.
NLS WILDCATS
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
New London-Spicer junior Jack Steffensen, center, and his Wildcat teammates come in for a huddle before taking the field against Watertown-Mayer on homecoming night
Sept. 29, 2023.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
New London-Spicer junior wide receiver Blake Kath makes a touchdown grab for the Wildcats against Dassel-Cokato on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at New London.
Wildcats
CONTINUED FROM J4
“Braden has a keen nose for the football and is a smart, instinctive player,” Westby said. “Jack played a versatile role on defense last year, excelling in various positions. This year, he’s settled into the Sam linebacker spot, where he’ll be a key leader for the defense.
“Matthew played significant downs as a sophomore late in the season. He’s an excellent run-stopper with a great ability to flow to the football.”
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
New London-Spicer junior Nolan Johnson takes open space and runs upfield against Annandale on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, at New London.
At receiver, seniors Brock Buffington and Blake Kath look to help move the ball. Buffington will also play at linebacker and Kath at defensive back.
“Brock returns with experience as a starting defensive back and will be called upon as a wide receiver to use his height and speed to make plays in the passing game,” Westby said. “His ability to make contested catches will be key to the passing game.”
NLS is also breaking in a new quarterback after last year’s starter, Blake Schultz, is pursuing opportunities elsewhere to play hockey. Taking reps early on at QB is senior Nolan Johnson. He’ll also be used at wideout and free safety.
“Nolan brings starting experience back as a wide receiver where his athleticism will be needed as a threat for the Cats’ offense whether under center or split out wide,” Westby said. “Look for big plays from this senior player.”
Junior Nolan Caskey is back at fullback and defensive end. Senior Noah Rodelius looks to anchor the line at right tackle.
“Noah’s experience blocking last year will help lead the way in the Wildcat running game,” Westby said. “His ability to understand blocking schemes and communicate well with teammates will help the Wildcat line open holes for the run game and provide time in the passing game.”
NLS opens the 2024 campaign at home on Aug. 29 against Albany.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Albany
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Foley
Friday, Sept. 13 at Dassel-Cokato
Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Litchfield
Friday, Sept. 27 at Watertown-Mayer
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Glencoe-Silver Lake
Friday, Oct. 11 at St. Cloud Apollo
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Annandale
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
New London-Spicer sophomore linebacker Nolan Caskey sacks Annandale quarterback Nick Walter on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, at New London.
Falcons
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
GROVE CITY — A strong senior class graduated from the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City football team, which will look to lean on a new wave of athletes for the upcoming season.
ACGC, behind its veteran group in 2023, finished with a 4-3 record in the Mid Northwest-Gopher Gold District and 6-4 overall. The Falcons had a five-game winning streak last year and it came to an end against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa in the Section 4A semifinals.
ACGC will rely heavily on its five returning starters in 2024. Back for the Falcons are: Cameron Giese (Sr., WR/S), Riley Johnson (Sr., OL/DL), Joseph Sherwood (Jr., DL), Brodie Straumann (So., RB/LB) and Beau Richardson (So., OL/DL).
ACGC junior
looks for running room during a Week 2 game against Browerville/Eagle Valley on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Grove City.
With graduate Kyler Pickle no longer commanding the offense, Brayden Schroeder will lead the Falcons on offense. He is a sophomore quarterback listed at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Cameron Giese
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
ACGC junior Joseph Sherwood goes for a block on a Browerville/ Eagle Valley defender during a Week 2 game on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023 at Grove City.
ACGC
CONTINUED FROM J6
Pickle had 1,346 passing yards and 14 touchdowns through the air, completing 116 passes in 201 attempts. He also rushed for 257 yards and three touchdowns on 69 carries.
Isaiah Renne, a 2023 West Central Tribune AllArea member, also graduated. The star tight end recorded 702 yards and nine touchdowns on 39 receptions. Defensively, Renne broke the school record for tackles in a season and a career. Regan Elton, a sophomore, will play tight end and linebacker for the Falcons.
ACGC star running back Jevon Williams also graduated after rushing for 1,288 yards and 15 touchdowns on 150 carries in 2023. Last season, Williams also caught 23 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns.
Blom listed three running backs to look out for this fall: Braxton Kragenbring (Sr., RB/ DB), Luke Garvick (So., RB/DL) and Jacob Meyer (So., RB).
ACGC wide receivers Davin Tebben and Oliver Weseman are noted as players to keep tabs on throughout the season. Tebben and Weseman will also both serve as defensive backs.
“These guys have spent time in the offseason preparing for this opportunity to fill the shoes of the guys that graduated,” ACGC head coach David Blom said. “We lost a good group of guys from last year with a lot of experience.”
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Maple Lake
Friday, Sept. 6 at Browerville
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Upsala/Swanville
Friday, Sept. 20 vs. BBE
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. West Central Area
Friday, Oct. 4 at LPGE
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. KMS
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Benson
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
ACGC freshman Brody Straumann carries the ball during a Section 4A playoff game against Benson on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2024 at Grove City.
flavor. REMARKABL
Blom’s assistant coaches for the 2024 season are Dylan Hoerchler, Masen Oltmanns and Brad Nelson.
Jaguars have some big shoes to fill
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
BELGRADE — Losing 15 seniors for a Class A school is tough. It’s even tougher coming off a trip to the Class A state semifinals.
But the cupboard is far from bare for the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa football team.
Ten starters are back from a Jaguars squad that finished 11-1 overall and won the Mid Northwest Gopher-Gold District in 2023.
BBE will have to replace the offensive output from a Mr. Football finalist in Luke Dingmann. The West Central Tribune’s Hengstler-Ranweiler award winner for the top three-sport senior male athlete, Dingmann completed 70.5% of his passes for 1,903 yards and also rushed for 736 yards on 78 carries. He finished with 39 total touchdowns.
Other players that graduated include senior offensive lineman/middle linebacker Maximus Hanson, running back/safety Toby Cebulla and wide receiver/defensive backs Ryan Jensen and Mason Commerford.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
BBE junior Brett DeRoo, center, and his Jaguar teammates get ready to take the field against Browerville/EagleValley in Belgrade on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
BBE junior Luke Illies snags a pass from senior quarterback Luke Dingmann during a game against Browerville/Eagle Valley in Belgrade on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa junior quarterback
Luke Illies hands the ball off to junior running back Jack Lundberg in the Class A semifinals against Minneota on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Bagley
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. West Central Area
Friday, Sept. 13 at Benson
Friday, Sept. 20 at ACGC
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. Upsala/Swanville
Friday, Oct. 4 at Browerville
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. LPGE
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at KMS
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa junior offensive lineman Cooper Roering holds off a rush from Mayer Lutheran senior defensive end Ben Bonk in the Class A quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at St. Cloud
BBE
CONTINUED FROM J8
Senior Brett DeRoo was the district cornerback of the year in ‘23. The 6-foot3, 175-pound DeRoo made 59 tackles and had two interceptions, including one for a touchdown.
Luke Illies is back at the district’s wide receiver of the year. The 6-5, 175-pound senior made 30 catches for 389 yards and nine touchdowns.
Harley Weber was the Defensive Lineman of the Year. He capped off last season with 50 tackles, including six for loss, and one sack. At 6-2 and 265 pounds, Weber played
defensive line, offensive line and played running back in some scenarios.
Along with Weber, BBE brings back plenty of size. Senior Cooper Roering (6-3, 285), senior Carson Gilbert (6-2, 225), junior Noah Kampsen (6-3, 265) and junior Nate Geer (6-0, 225) all return to the trenches. They’ll pave the way for senior running back Jack Lundberg, who had 654 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 101 attempts.
Another wideout/defensive back in the mix is 6-foot-3 senior Josh Walstrom. Senior Ethan Mueller returns at linebacker and running back.
The Jaguars kick off the 2024 season on Friday, Aug. 30 at home against Bagley.
Apollo High School.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Benson junior Jaden McCarter doges BBE defenders to gain a good chunk of yardage during a game in Belgrade on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
BENSON — The Benson football team is littered with new faces across the field in 2024.
Coming off a 1-8 season, the Braves have just four players returning to
their positions from last fall, according to second-year head coach Brady Dokkebakken. But, Dokkebakken is encouraged by the young team’s moxie.
“Training camp will be an important time for us,” Dokkebakken said. “We are looking at a talented freshman class looking to take spots and some position
changes that have the coaching staff very excited.
“This year’s squad had an incredible offseason in the weight room and so far in practice, it has shown. This is a faster and stronger team. The success of this team will be determined by how well we can translate great athletes into great football players.”
Key among the returners is senior running back/linebacker Jaden McCarter. He was the Braves’ leading rusher and the team’s offensive MVP last season.
“JMac will be a great two-way starter for us,” Dokkebakken said. “After a great offseason, we are expecting a leap for this
Benson
CONTINUED FROM J10
Two more seniors return to the fold in lineman Jack Storlien and tight end/ linebacker Grant Gunlogson.
“After a tough offseason injury, Jack still managed to improve on both sides of the ball,” Dokkebakken said. “He will be a great leader for us in the trenches.”
Junior Tayte Antolick returns to play tight end/linebacker. He’s joined by classmate Connor Oehlberg at running back/cornerback.
Sophomore Darin Hippe is a threeyear starter already and will move to quarterback as well as play linebacker. Another sophomore, Cole Oehlberg, returns at running back/cornerback.
“His tenacity in the offseason has made him a great football player that we can’t wait to see lead the offense,” Dokkebakken said of Hippe.
The Braves are also looking at contributions from senior running back/linebacker Eshon Freeman, senior tight end/defensive end/ linebacker Logan Dotson, sophomore lineman Dearcus Neal and freshman Adrian Young.
Benson starts the season on Aug. 29 at Mahnomen/Waubun. The Thunderbirds made the Class A state semifinals last season.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Mahnomen-Waubun
Friday, Sept. 6 at KMS
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. BBE
Friday, Sept. 20 at Long Prairie/Grey Eagle
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. Browerville
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. West Central Area
Friday, Oct. 11 at Upsala/Swanville
Wednesday, Oct. 16 vs. ACGC
This year's squad had an incredible offseason in the weight room and so far in practice, it has shown. This is a faster and stronger team.
head coach Brady Dokkenbakken Wednesday, august 28, 2024 //// West
— Benson
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Benson sophomore Connor Oehlberg is greeted by his teammates during starting lineup announcements before taking the field against BBE in Belgrade on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.
Time is now for BOLD Warriors
Team returns most of its offense and defense and hopes to win section title
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
OLIVIA — The goal is simple for the BOLD football team: Beat Minneota.
Doing that is easier said than done. The Vikings are the defending Class A state champions. Minneota has also ended the Warriors’ season three years in a row, including twice in the Section 5A championship game.
With 10 starters on offense and nine on defense, this is the season that BOLD hopes for a breakthrough.
“Our top players are seniors now and they have been through championship games in the regular season and playoffs a lot but they have come up short,” said Warriors head coach Derek Flann. “To be remembered at BOLD, you have to win those games.
“That is our singular focus right now. We want to be playing deep into November.”
Seven of BOLD’s offensive returners have started three-plus years. The most experienced of that group is wide receiver Hudson Vosika. A fifth-year starter, Vosika was the district MVP last season. He’s also a four-year starter at cornerback.
“Hudson has over 5,000 combined rushing and receiving yards and 68 TDs for his career,” Flann said. “He is one of the best athletes around and can do so many different things on offense, defense and special teams.”
Senior Jack Gross is back at quarterback and safety. He’s a four-year starter and twotime all-district pick at QB. Gross is also the team’s kicker, hitting 85 percent of his PATs. Ninety percent of the team’s receiving yards are back with wideouts Vosika and junior Owen Baumgartner along with senior tight ends Mathew Jacobs and Will Penkert.
“Jack was a double threat as a runner and passer for us last year,” Flann said. “By mid-season, he was starting at safety as well. His football IQ is a real asset for him and our team.”
Gross will be joined in the backfield by senior running backs Kaden Fischer and Brady Kiecker. Kiecker also starts at outside linebacker.
Vosika, Gross, Fischer and Kiecker all had 100-yard rushing games in 2023. That’s thanks to an offensive line that has a combined 110 career starts. The O-line includes senior Owen Flann (four-year starter), senior Carson Serbus (three-year starter), senior Jacob Remer (three-year starter) and junior Emmitt Flann. The quartet average 248.75 pounds.
Owen, Serbus and Emmitt also play on the defensive line, with Owen and Serbus as fourth-year starters.
BOLD WARRIORS
“Owen has over 200 career tackles and 15 sacks coming into his senior year,” Flann said. “Carson has made huge improvements last year in how he approaches the game and can cause a ton of havoc in the middle of the field. He has over 100 career tackles.”
Junior Hayden Edwards is back at middle linebacker. Edwards, Brady Kiecker and Jacobs will try to fill the gap left by graduates Tate Sheehan and Austin Kiecker.
Baumgartner will make the move from defensive end to strong safety.
BOLD matches up with Minneota in Week 3 when the Warriors travel to K.P. Kompelien Field on Friday, Sept. 13.
“These guys want to win the district and win the section,” Flann said. “But to do that, we need to beat the defending state champions.”
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 30 at Windom
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. MACCRAY
Friday, Sept. 13 at Minneota
Friday, Sept. 20 vs. LQPV
Friday, Sept. 27 at Dawson-Boyd
Saturday, Oct. 5 vs. YME
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Lakeview
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Canby
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
BOLD junior Jack Gross, 3, uses his feet to gain yards during a Week 3 game against Minneota on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 at BOLD High School in Olivia.
PREP FOOTBALL
Blackjacks will be propelled by their experience
Dawson-Boyd returns 10 starters on offense, 10 on defense
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
DAWSON — Experience will not run short for Dawson-Boyd this fall.
The Blackjacks, who finished 4-3 in the Southwest North Sub-District and 5-5 overall in 2023, return 10 starters on both sides of the football for the upcoming season.
“We have plenty of experience returning,” Dawson-Boyd’s long-time head coach Cory Larson said. “We definitely feel like we have more depth than a year ago. Our team speed and physicality should improve solely based on everyone being a year older.”
Gunner Liebl returns at the helm of the Blackjacks. The junior quarterback, who was an All-Southwest North pick, has
his biggest weapon back. That is senior Brayson Boike.
Boike, a 6-foot-7 wide receiver, caught 39 passes for 486 yards and five touchdowns in his junior campaign. He also had a kick return for a touchdown last season.
Boike, the All-Southwest North selection, is also a standout cornerback. He recorded 48 tackles with five interceptions and one fumble recovery a season ago.
Dawson-Boyd returns four more offensive contributors: All-Southwest North junior wide receiver Nathan Hansen, AllSouthwest North Honorable Mention and junior running back Kameron Sather and seniors in tight end Drew Hjelmeland and wide receiver Grayson Olson.
Four seniors return to the Blackjacks’ offensive line, one of which is center Collin Olson, an All-Southwest North Honorable Mention. Left guard Gunnar Olson, right tackle Kolten Peterson and left tackle Ashton Swendra also are back.
Dawson-Boyd’s returning starters on the defensive side include five seniors, three juniors and two sophomores.
The seniors are: Boike (CB), Hjelmeland (FS), Collin Olson (DT), Grayson Olson (DB) and Gunnar Olson (DT). The juniors are: Hansen (LB), Sather (LB) and Holland Schacherer (DE). The sophomores are: Colten Bothun (DE) and Aedyn Dahl (LB).
“We need to take huge strides as the season goes to be able to compete with the top
couple of teams in our sub-district and section,” Larson said.
Larson’s assistant coaches for the 2024 season are: Kevin Brent, Hank Ireland, Keifer Stratmoen, Preston Schwegel, Jordan Wager, Justin Wager and Terry White.
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. TMB
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. LQPV
Friday, Sept. 13 at Lakeview
Friday, Sept. 20 at YME
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. BOLD
Friday, Oct. 4 at Canby
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. MACCRAY
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune Dawson-Boyd sophomore quarterback Gunner Liebl runs toward the right side of the field in a Southwest District matchup against Lac qui Parle Valley on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Madison.
Cupboard is not bare for Fighting Saints
Despite
losing 2 scholarship athletes, KMS has enough back to to compete in '24
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
MURDOCK — An impactful senior class graduated but a handful of solid pieces remain rostered for the KerkhovenMurdock-Sunburg football team this season.
The Fighting Saints finished 4-3 in the Mid Northwest-Gopher Gold District and 5-4 overall in 2023, entering the new year without standout seniors Hunter Kallstrom and Jared Cortez.
Kallstrom, who is set to play for the NCAA Division I University of Wyoming this fall, was a 2023 West Central Tribune All-Area defensive lineman in an injury-hampered senior season. He will play tight end for the Cowboys.
Cortez, who will play baseball for NCAA Division II Southwest State University, served as the Fighting Saints’ quarterback. He recorded 753 yards and eight touchdowns through the air and rushed for 93 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries.
But, despite those losses, KMS retains star running back/linebacker Jett Olson, who was an All-Mid Northwest-Gopher Gold pick and named the Fighting Saints’ Most Valuable Player a season ago. He is committed to playing linebacker at SMSU.
Olson rushed for 1,209 yards and 12 touchdowns on 147 carries, good for 8.2 yards per attempt. Defensively, the senior had team-bests of 46 tackles, 37 solo tackles, eight tackles for a loss and three fumble recoveries. He also had two interceptions and a pair of sacks.
Logan Rudningen and Aaron Jones, both seniors, are back after All-Mid NorthwestGopher Gold seasons. Rudningen (TE/OL/ MLB) has received offers from both SMSU and the NCAA Division II University of Sioux Falls. Jones is both an offensive and defensive lineman.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
BBE senior Ryan Jensen, at right, is tackled by KMS sophomore defender Trey Gunderson during a game in Belgrade on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.
Hunter Engelke is slated to be the quarterback for the Fighting Saints. He is a 6-foot-1 junior.
“Hunter is presumed to step into the QB1 spot after losing Jared to graduation,” KMS head coach Jason Fernholz said. “He has a strong arm and is a smart player.”
Other returning starters for the Fighting Saints are: Trey Gunderson (Jr., RB/LB),
Clayton Olson (Sr., OL/DL), Luisao Padilla (Sr., WR/DB/K) and Trevor Sondrol (Sr., OL/DL). Padilla was an AllMid Northwest-Gopher Gold Honorable Mention in 2023.
Fernholz’s assistant coaches will be Brady DeBaere, Mike Duke, Matt Fragodt, Tim Rogotzke, Wayne Rudningen, Zach Sajion and Brent Wilts for the 2024 season.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 30 at Wadena-Deer Creek
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Benson
Friday, Sept. 13 at Browerville
Friday, Sept. 20 at West Central Area
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. LPGE
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Upsala/Swanville
Friday, Oct. 11 at ACGC
Wednesday, Oct. 16 vs. BBE
LPQV must replace some key pieces
Eagles return important skill position players, including quarterback Davis Patzer
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
MADISON — Although it retains core pieces both on offense and defense, the Lac qui Parle Valley football team lost three of their best players from the 2023 season.
A season ago, where the Eagles finished 3-4 in the Southwest North District and 3-6 overall in 2023, LQPV was led by the contributions of Kaden Molden, TJ Mitchell and Kaden Mortenson.
Molden was a 2023 West Central Tribune AllArea and an All-Southwest North defensive lineman. The LQPV graduate recorded 32 tackles, five sacks and one interception last year. As a tight end, he produced 607 yards and eight touchdowns on 30 receptions and ran for 92 yards and three scores. He’s playing football at NCAA Division II Minnesota State-Moorhead.
TJ Mitchell and Kaden Mortenson both were 2023 WCT All-Area Honorable Mentions. Mitchell had 71 tackles and a pair of sacks on defense at linebacker and 64 carries for 244 yards and 16 catches for 152 yards
on offense. Mortenson tallied 56 tackles, six sacks and two fumble recoveries as a defensive tackle.
Yet with those losses, the Eagles have important players back for the upcoming season. LQPV has retained starting quarterback Davis Patzer, running back Landon Weber and wide receivers Kayden Kessler and Dylan Keimig.
Patzer and Weber are 6-foot seniors, Kessler is a 6-2 senior and Keimig is a 5-8 senior.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 vs. Murray County Central
Friday, Sept. 6 at Dawson-Boyd
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. YME
Friday, Sept. 20 at BOLD
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. Canby
Friday, Oct. 4 at MACCRAY
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. Minneota
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Lakeview
Pazter, Kessler and Keimig will each also serve as defensive backs. Weber will play linebacker as well.
Also back on LQPV’s offensive line are Noah Meyer and Blake Wells. Meyer, also a linebacker, is 6-2. Wells, also a defensive lineman, is 5-8.
Other players listed as ones to keep tabs on are Tygan Allpress (Sr., RB/LB) and Gabe Lowry (Jr., LB).
Tony Smith, the Eagles’ head coach, enters his ninth year at the helm. He is assisted by Mark Bjornjeld, Zach Gearman and Paul Lowry for the 2024 season.
Friday, Sept. 20 at YME
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. BOLD
Friday, Oct. 4 at Canby
Thursday, Oct. 10 vs. MACCRAY
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Minneota
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Lac qui Parle Valley junior quarterback Davis Patzer runs upfield with DawsonBoyd freshman defensive end Colten Bothun chasing him in a Southwest District matchup against Lac qui Parle Valley on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, at Madison.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Litchfield junior tight end
Ethan Holtz celebrates a Dragons' touchdown against New London-Spicer on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Litchfield.
Litchfield aims for another section final
title
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
LITCHFIELD — The Litchfield football team was on the edge of the state tournament in 2023, reaching the Section 2AAA championship game.
The Dragons will try to repeat that feat in ‘24.
Litchfield was 8-2l last season and won the Skyway Copper District with a 4-0 record. The Dragons bring back six starters from that group.
At the top of the list is Ethan Holtz. A twoyear starter and two-time all-district pick at linebacker, Holtz finished with a team-high 54 tackles (three for loss). He also forced a pair of fumbles. The 6-foot, 195-pound senior will also see time at tight end.
Holtz is one of three defensive starters back along with junior Alex Medina and sophomore Anthony Taylor. Playing free safety, Medina had 23 tackles, two
interceptions, one fumble recovery and five pass breakups. Taylor had 51 tackles and an interception at linebacker as a freshman.
The offense features a pair of two-year starters.
Senior Durant Lara is back at tight end after catching nine passes for 144 yards and a touchdown. He’s a big target at 6-2 and 190 pounds.
The other two-year starter is Noah Dietel. The junior offensive lineman stands at 6-7 and 300 pounds.
Ben Olson is back at wide receiver. He tallied nine catches for 143 yards and a touchdown last season.
Head coach Jim Jackman is back for his 12th season. He has a career 49-55 record. Assistant coaches are Adam Hayes, Grant Solem, Steve Solem, Wyatt Quiring, Tyler Storm, Alex Wannigman, Mike Wilson and Carter Wattenhofer.
Litchfield starts the season at home on Aug. 30 against Annandale. The Dragons have a section finals rematch against Dassel-Cokato on Week 5 in Cokato on Sept. 27.
They lost 27-20 in the Section 2AAA final to Dassel-Cokato.
Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Annandale
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. St. Cloud Apollo
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Foley
Friday, Sept. 20 at NLS
Friday, Sept. 27 at Dassel-Cokato
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Watertown-Mayer
Friday, Oct. 11 at Glencoe-Silver Lake
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Holy Family Catholic
The MACCRAY defense brings down a Yellow Medicine East ball carrier during a Week 8 game on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 at Granite Falls.
MACCRAY excited about its new field
BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune
CLARA CITY — A clean slate is on the horizon for the MACCRAY football team.
The Wolverines, who were 2-5 in the Southwest North Sub-District and 3-6 overall a season ago, have graduated 14 highly contributing seniors and have changed their place of play.
As the 2024 season gets underway, MACCRAY will no longer be playing in Maynard. Rather, the Wolverines are set to compete in Clara City, where its high school is located.
“We will be opening our new stadium this year,” said Cole Christopher, in his fourth year as MACCRAY’s head coach. “The support and excitement for football at MACCRAY is very high.”
Offensively, the Wolverines top graduates are quarterback Mike Thein, wide receiver Isaac Post and running back Sebastian Cisneros. On the defensive side, graduates include linebackers Brady Heiling and Sawyer Janssen and defensive lineman Jack Miller.
Blake Grimsley, who played wide receiver/cornerback last fall, takes over at quarterback. The junior is listed at 5-foot-10, 150 pounds. He returns as a starter both on offense and defense.
“Blake is an awesome athlete with the ball in his hands and has some of the best acceleration in the area,” Christopher said.
Also returning as starters offensively for the Wolverines are: Wyatt Swenson (Sr., WR, 5-10, 170), Grayson Ahrenholz (Sr., TE, 6-2, 200), who played center as a junior, and Talen Neimeyer (Sr., OG, 6-2, 270).
Defensive returners for MACCRAY are: Grimsley (DB), Eli Marlow (Jr., DT, 6-0, 195), Ethan Strommer (Sr., LB, 5-11, 180) and Swenson (DB).“Our team is very excited for the season that is ahead,” Christopher said. “Though we lost a lot of seniors, we bring back a healthy amount of kids who are going to be able to contribute and make a difference on the field.”
Christopher’s assistant coaches for the 2024 season are: Trent Carlson, Andrew Duhuox, Seth Falk, Brandon Grund, Braden Hoekstra, RJ Hoegrefe and Kelby Jaenisch.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Wabasso
Friday, Sept. 6 at BOLD
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Canby
Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Lakeview
Friday, Sept. 27 at Minneota
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. LQPV
Thursday, Oct. 10 at Dawson-Boyd
Wednesday, Oct. 16 vs. YME
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Andy Rennecke / St. Cloud LIVE Minnewaska Area junior running back Carter Meyer (3) tries to break away from Albany senior cornerback Jack Rieland (18) in the first half of their Mid Northwest-White Sub-District prep football game on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at O'Gara Field in Sauk Centre.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Morris/CA
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Sauk Centre
Friday, Sept. 13 at Pierz
Friday, Sept. 20 vs. HLWW
Friday, Sept. 27 at Rockford
Friday, Oct. 4 at Montevideo
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Albany
Wednesday, Oct. 16 vs. Melrose
Minnewaska looks to keep moving upward
Lakers return 16 starters after making progress in 2023
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
GLENWOOD — Minnewaska made steps in the right direction in 2023.
The Laker football team ended a 13-game losing streak with a Week 4 win against Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted. They followed that with a Week 8 victory over Melrose. Minnewaska finished the season 2-7 after going winless in ‘22.
With 16 returning starters, the Lakers look to keep moving upward.
Senior Levi Johnson is back at quarterback and defensive back. He completed 60 of 128 passes for 840 yards, 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season. Johnson also had a pair of rushing touchdowns.
Carter Meyer and Owen Meulebroeck will be a pair of seniors playing at
both running back and linebacker. They’re joined by returning juniors Asante Adams and Kearri Dickens. Junior Riley Dell will fill in at fullback and linebacker. Senior Zach Gugisberg is back at wide receiver and defensive back.
Three senior linemen return in Lucas Tauber, Evan Friese and Drew Winter. Kaiden Harvey resumes his role at tight end/defensive line. He’ll be joined by senior Noah Jensen, who looks to bounce back after missing his junior season.
“Noah was out due to ACL surgery in the summer and wasn’t able to play last year,” said jared Lyle, in his third year as Minnewaska head coach. “He is likely to contribute significantly on offense and defense this year.”
Also returning from the Lakers’ junior class: wide receiver/defensive back Luke Danielson; wide receiver/defensive
back Tristan O’Neil; and running back/ defensive back Braylen Scharmer.
Assistant coaches for Minnewaska are Jeremy Christensen, Zach Traphagen, Jason Weber, Brian Gruber, Connor
Stein, Randy Elenberger, Nathan Snider, Nathan Lund and Hunter Infanger.
Minnewaska opens on the road on Aug. 29 against Morris/Chokio-Alber.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Montevideo sophomore Nolan Kwilinski, 68, blocks Melrose's Zachary Rieland during a Section 6AAA quarterfinal game on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023 at Montevideo.
SCHEDULE
Friday, Aug. 30 at Paynesville
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. HLWW
Friday, Sept. 13 at Melrose
Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Rockford
Friday, Sept. 27 at Sauk Centre
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Minnewaska
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Pierz
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Albany
Montevideo hopes to fill some major holes
Thunder Hawks return a good nucleus despite the loss of Francis
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
MONTEVIDEO — The Montevideo football team will have to adjust to life without a Mr. Football nominee.
Last season, the Thunder Hawks went 6-4 a year after going 1-8. At the heart of Montevideo’s squad was Francis O’Malley, who ran for a school record 1,930 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. A four-year starter and three-time team MVP, O’Malley is one of nine key graduates from last year’s squad along with Carson Boike, Brady Rhode, Cooper Dack, Devin Ashling, Brady Johnson, Gavin Arends, Zach DeBeer and Jake Ochsendorf.
But, the cupboard isn’t bare for the Thunder Hawks.
Seniors Landon Olson and Jaxon Wagner look to anchor the backfield. Olson, a running back/linebacker, was an AllDistrict selection last season. Wagner is a fullback/linebacker.
“Landon was a very physical wingback and linebacker for us last fall,” said Montevideo head coach David Vik. “Look for him to get more touches this season and anchor the middle of our defense.”
On Wagner, Vik added, “Jaxon is a very physical kid and a hard runner. Last season, he played behind Francis O’Malley so he didn’t get a lot of time offensively. He rushed for over 100 yards
in our first playoff game while O’Malley was sidelined with an injury. He is excited to get his chance.”
The Thunder Hawks also have experience back in the trenches with seniors Carter Malstrom and Nery Guerra along with junior Nolan Kwilinski. Malstrom was an all-district honorable mention in 2023. And Kwilinski is a player Vik can see dominate both the offensive and defensive lines.
“Nolan is a big, physical kid that started on the O-line and played a lot on the D-line as a sophomore,” Vik said. “As the season went on, Nolan’s confidence grew and he became more dominant. We look for him to start where he left off and get after it.”
O'Malley
Senior Sam Knoop will also be a big factor in the Thunder Hawks’ success. He’ll play defensive back on defense. While playing receiver in ‘23, Knoop’s athleticism gives Montevideo some options.
“Sam has dedicated the offseason to becoming more explosive,” Vik said. “He may end up being our QB once the season begins. He’s becoming one of the team leaders and he can’t wait to get his senior year started.”
Three other starters return. There’s senior kicker Hensel Andino. Along with Kwilinski, two juniors return as starters in running back/defensive back Tosten Christenson and wide receiver/defensive back Ty Norby.
Paynesville hopes for better things in 2024
Bulldogs look to rebound from a 1-8 2023 season
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
PAYNESVILLE — With seven starters back, the Paynesville football team looks to trend upward after a rough 2023 season.
The Bulldogs are coming off a 1-8 season, including a 1-6 mark in the Mid NorthwestThree Rivers Blue District.
“This team is a hard-working one and very cohesive,” said Paynesville head coach Tim Pattrin, who is assisted by Bryce Savage, Grant Fuchs, Garrett Leusink and Chad Campbell.
Pattrin added, “Numbers are a bit low, so staying healthy is important. We will need to build depth through our younger grades.”
After injuries limited him to three games in ‘23, Peyton Hemmesch looks to make a big impact this fall. The 6-foot, 215-pound senior fullback/linebacker ran for 219 yards, an average of 73 yards per game, and three touchdowns in limited action last season. He’ll replace Brandon Carlson, who ran for 460 yards and two touchdowns in ‘23.
“Peyton’s a hard runner and has a great nose for the football,” Pattrin said.
Paynesville has plenty of experience back in the trenches. Seniors Zach Weis, Emmerson Stern and Carter Fuchs return to both the offensive and defensive lines. Sam Brick, a 6-4, 235-pound junior, is also back at offensive tackle and defensive end.
Hoping to help carry the load at running back is 5-10, 165-pound senior Grant Wendlandt. He’ll also play at linebacker, where he led the Bulldogs last season with 76 tackles.
At receiver and in the defensive backfield, the Bulldogs will lean on returning junior Reed Johnson. He is a 5-10, 160-pound junior.
Sophomore Mason Hansen takes over at quarterback, according to Pattrin.
The Bulldogs kick off the season at Aug. 30 at home against Montevideo.
Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Montevideo
Friday, Sept. 6 at Maple Lake
Friday, Sept. 13 vs. Kimball
Friday, Sept. 20 at Eden Valley-Watkins
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. St. Cloud Cathedral
Friday, Oct. 4 vs. Osakis
Friday, Oct. 11 at Holdingford
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Royalton
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Paynesville junior Peyton Hemmesch fights for extra yards against a swarm of Montevideo defenders during a Week 1 game on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023 at Montevideo.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Red Rock Central
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Hills-Beaver Creek
Friday, Sept. 13 at Cedar Mountain
Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Nicollet Friday, Sept. 27 at GHEC/T/ML Friday, Oct. 4 vs. BLHS Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Madelia Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Mountain Lake
RCW plans on taking a quick step forward in '24
Jaguars have good team speed, some
BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune
DANUBE — After going a combined 34-6 from 2019-22, the Renville County West football team took a step back in 2023.
After going 2-8 last season, the Jaguars hope to reaffirm their recent success when the season gets underway on Aug. 29 in Lamberton against Red Rock Central.
“We look forward to the opportunity to bounce back after having a tough season last year,” said RCW head coach Ryan Hebrink. He has a 63-71 record across 15 years.
Hebrink added, “We won’t often have the biggest team on the field although we are excited with the team speed we’ll have. We have a number of guys who can run and catch, which could make for some big-play moments.”
experience after a 2-8 '23 season
The Jaguars bring back six starters from ‘23, including five seniors.
At the top of that list is senior quarterback/linebacker Austin Rice. At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, Rice completed 41.7 percent of his passes for 768 yards, six touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He’s also the team’s top returning rusher with 103 carries for 683 yards and four touchdowns.
“With his experience, he comes in with a nice understanding of the playbook and can be a ‘coach’ on the field for us,” Hebrink said of Rice.
Joe Valdovinos is the top returning receiver. The 6-foot, 160-pound senior had 10 catches for 119 yards and a touchdown. He’ll also play defensive back.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune Renville County West junior quarterback Austin Rice looks for an open receiver against Cedar Mountain on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at Danube.
Other seniors back in the starting lineup are guard/tight end/fullback/linebacker Wayne Fuentez, tight end/defensive end Jeremy Walton and guard/defensive tackle Brody Block.
Junior Jacob Savig will take on lead back duties along with playing linebacker. He’ll try to replace Jasen Jansen, who ran for 1,228 yards and 12 touchdowns along with 25 catches for 256 yards and three touchdowns. The Jaguars will also try to
replace Jack Wertish, who was third on the team in rushing with 161 yards and a TD.
“All of our returning starters will have a big impact on our team’s success,” Hebrink said.
Other players that Hebrink expects big things from include: senior tight end/ defensive end Braylon Hinderks; senior running back/defensive back Tucker Fredeen; senior receiver/defensive back Griffin Howard; junior receiver/defensive back AJ Reyes; and junior guard/defensive end Cole Gullickson.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Renville County West junior defensive tackle Brody Block (center, 98) and junior defensive end Jeremy Walton (left, 7) chase down Cedar Mountain's Cooper Freitag on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at Danube.
Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune
Being chased by Cedar Mountain defenders, Renville County West junior wide receiver Joe Valdovinos finds himself in open space on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, at Danube.
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Aug. 29 at Sleepy Eye
Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Minneota
Friday, Sept. 13 at LQPV
Friday, Sept. 20 vs. Dawson-Boyd
Friday, Sept. 27 vs. Lakeview
Saturday, Oct. 5 at BOLD
Friday, Oct. 11 vs. Canby
Wednesday, Oct. 16 at MACCRAY
YME hopes to build off last season
The Sting will be led by running back Brady Dahlager and an experienced offensive line
BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune
GRANITE FALLS — The Yellow Medicine East Sting return their top offensive player, a couple of top defensive players and some decent linemen in 2024.
It gives YME hope that it can improve on last season’s 2-7 record.
The Sting do have to replace starting quarterback Andrew Flaten, tight end/ linebacker Connor Fagen and fullback/ linebacker Owen Cherveny. All were key
contributors to YME’s successes, which included victories over Lac qui Parle Valley (24-13) and Lakeview (43-16).
But, YME’s optimism starts with the return of running back/linebacker Brady Dahlager. Dahlager (6-foot, 185 pounds, Jr.) led the Sting with 705 yards rushing on 134 carries, good for a 5.3 yards-per-carry average and six touchdowns. Dahlager also had five receptions for 106 yards and two TDs, good for a 21.2 yards-per-catch average.
Head coach Lucas Damm and his staff anticipate Jacob Peterson being the
quarterback. The senior played a bit behind Flaten and is one of the Sting’s top defensive players. He had 36 total tackles, including 20 solo tackles and a tackle for loss as well as an interception he returned 91 yards for a touchdown.
The other key defensive player back is Cooper McCosh. The junior linebacker, listed at 6-2 and 220, had 44 solo tackles, including 28 solo. He also had two tackles for loss. He was YME’s second-leading tackler behind Cherveny.
McCosh is also one of four offensive linemen returning. Also back is sophomore Easton
Jaenisch (5-7, 200) and seniors Eric Jimenez (5-9, 220) and Jacob Ulrich (6-2, 200).
It’s easy to see why YME should have a strong ground game with Dahlager and company.
Damm is in his third season as head coach. He has a 7-8 record and is assisted by Andrew Baumgartner, Logan Debleick, Josh Guertin and Dylan Lindstrom.
The Sting open the season at 7 p.m. Thursday at Sleepy Eye. It’ll be a good test for the
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
YME sophomore Brady Dahlager goes for the stiff arm on a MACCRAY defender during a Week 8 game on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 at Granite Falls.
