“We definitely look forward to a full season with a good number of players returning after a good off season in the weight room,” said Naatz.  “We have a large number of players returning with a lot of game experience.  We will be stronger up front defensively to begin the year with 7 returning starters in our defensive front 8.  With a little time and patience our offense will hopefully catch up to our defense and put us in much better situations to end up on the winning end.”

Naatz say Barnesville is the favorite in the Midwest District – White Division until “someone knocks them off.”

Seniors Sam Burkel (RB, K, P), Joey Aakre (TE/DE), Ethan Magnusson (TE/DE) and Wyatt Dunham (OL/DL) are the top players to watch in 2021.

“We have a situation where we have close to half of our starters returning for 2021 and hope to have multiple kids vying for starting spots and playing time,” noted Coach Naatz.  “Our biggest concern is finding a quarterback that will be durable and give us a chance at the end of the game to come up with wins.  I’m most excited to get back with the kids and see what kind of improvements we’ve made in the off-season.”

2015 Hawley graduate Ben Ellefson is in his second year as a tight end with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL.