The loss of graduating seniors Justin Wang, Preston Johnson (now at UND), Ben Ellenbaum and Brandon Watt will certainly have an impact on the team, but their loss will be offset by a number of experienced varsity players returning.

“Our 2021 squad returns some very athletic starters on both sides of the ball,” said Soderberg.  “We will be young up front on the offensive line, but we have some kids that have put in a lot of effort to be ready to step up and play.  The strength of this team will be on defense, especially at the linebacker level.  If we stay healthy and come together as a team, I expect the Rebels to have a great season!”

Returning starters include seniors Logan Johnson (OL/LB), Logan Bitker (TE/DL), McKale Pierson (RB/DL) and Donavan Verdi (RB), and juniors Owen Leach (QB/FS), Victor Sosa (OL/DL) and Jordan Summers (RB/LB).  Johnson, Bitker, Pierson and Verdi will serve as team captains.

Players expected to step into contributing varsity roles are seniors Braedon Stebleton (OL/DL) and Kaden Altobelli (WR/DB), juniors Max Baumgartner (OL/DL) and Bryce Fischer (OL/DL) and sophomore Aiden Edeen (OL/DL).

Soderberg says Detroit Lakes and Perham will be the main challengers to the Rebels in 2021.