Three-year starter Jake Wagner is back after having led the Panthers in tackles as a middle linebacker last season.  He is also a strong offensive threat.  Cole Gesell has been a big part of the Panthers offense the past two years and gives them a chance to score every time he touches the ball.  Jesse LaManna has been a starter on defense since he was a freshman and provides strong experience as a defensive back and will be a versatile player on offense this fall.  Nick Jirik, a senior offensive and defensive lineman, will add size and strength on both sides of the ball.  Senior Carter Thoennes looks to fill some holes on offense and defense and can play multiple positions.  “Thoennes has had a great camp thus far and we are excited to see the spark he brings to our team,” noted Coach Johnson.  “We have many underclassmen who have had strong off-seasons and fall camps and these guys will be contributors to our varsity team.”

Blake Adickes, Derek Anderson, Bennet Arceneau, Ryder Ashbaugh, Tyler Carstensen, Caden DeBoer, Ben Harrington, Hunter Holte, Gus Johnson, RJ Reigstad, Jacob Swedal, Devin Eggert, Kayden Leininger, Zach Mrnak, and Cohen Noska are all expected to fill varsity roles.

“We are excited for this young group to compete throughout the season,” added Coach Johnson.  “We only have a few returning starters, but this is a great group of kids who have put in a ton of hard work in throughout the off-season.  We moved districts this season so we play a lot of teams we haven’t played in a long time, or ever.  We will get an opportunity to play some old rivals, some new teams, and get great competition against several strong programs.  Our team believes in one another and believe if we do our jobs and execute to the best of our abilities, we will have a fun year together.”