“We are hoping to have several players with less experience step up to the challenge and made the most of their opportunities,” said Head Coach Peder Naatz.  “With so few starters returning there are numerous positions that are free for the taking.”

2018 quarterback Jake Vetter is playing college football at Northern State in Aberdeen, joining Hawley alumni Ben Ellefson (TE, NDSU) and Logan Alm (FB/HB, UND) as players competing at the next level.  Key contributors Noah Glad (TE), Gunnar Lawson (LB/RB), Chase Libak (WR) and Traton Cossette (RB) were also lost to graduation.

Returning starters include seniors Derian Gerdes (LB), Justin Bentley (OL/DL), Matt Thompson (OL/DL), and Marcus Rosing (OL), and sophomore Wyatt Dunham who is moving from the line to fullback on offense and linebacker on defense this season.  Bentley and Gerdes will serve as team captains.

“Our strength lies in our big fellas,” said Naatz.  “We have great size and numbers in our offensive and defensive line area, with those same kids having the bulk of our returning experience.  The main weakness at this point is experience at our skill positions and overall team speed.  We will have to be able to control the ball and time of possession to be competitive.  Our hope is to continually improve throughout the season and challenge for post-season play.”

Naatz will be assisted by Brett Schmidt, Tim Pederson, Jon Hinrichs, Nick Birchem, Aaron Haugen and David Ames.

According to Coach Naatz, Barnesville and Pillager are the favorites in Section 8AA.