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Size and experience favor Knights on gridiron in ‘09
By Kris Beuckens, Sports reporter - Hoffman Tribune
The West Central Area Football Knights spent two weeks, beginning on August 17, in two-a-day practices to get themselves prepared for another grueling season in the Heart O’Lakes Classic Conference.
Twenty-eight returning letter winners, ten of whom were starters last season, will work to improve greatly on last year’s 2-7 mark (1-6 HOL Classic). In fact, the Knights look forward to shaking up the HOL and have a run at a conference title in mind. They’ll try to set a positive tone for their season this Friday, September 4, at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa.
Second year Head Coach Tim Pattrin is, so far, excited about what he sees from his team. He knows that line play is crucial for any team hoping to be successful and believes his linemen on both sides of the ball can be difference-makers for the Knights in 2009. “Our offensive and defensive lines will be very big, strong, and experienced,” he said.
Linemen expected to make a huge impact for the Knights include five seniors. Center Brian Oachs (6’1”, 240), nose guard Jordan Haarstad (6’5”, 280), offensive guard Bryan Barrera (6’4”, 270), defensive tackle Max Sheldon (5’10”, 260), and offensive and defensive lineman Sam Richards (6’5”, 220) will lead the way.
Pattrin continued by saying, “Our backs, both offensive and defensive, have plenty of varsity experience to offer as well. Our big question mark will be our linebackers who are quite inexperience at this level.”
Junior Colton Blascyk will lead the offense from his quarterback position. He’s a third-year starter who can get the ball to an open receiver and has the ability to unleash a deep bomb when the situation calls for it. He’s also not afraid to tuck the ball away and pick up some yards with his feet. Jake Long, Tucker Belgum and Bryce Olson should each get plenty of catches this season.
“Colton brings experience and a strong and accurate arm to the table,” noted Pattrin. “As for our receivers, Jake is strong and fast and is a great tackler on defense, Tucker is smart, experience and is a great leader, and Bryce has great hands and great speed.
Cole Amundson will be called upon to carry the ball for the Knights. He, and other backs, will be looking to re-establish the Knights’ ground game. Cody Blehr will also factor in the Knights’ backfield as the season progresses.
A couple of other players expected to contribute are Brandon Quick (WR/DB) and Jake Boeddeker (WR/DE). “Brandon is a hard hitting safety, a hard worker and is extremely dedicated to the weight room, while Jake is a great up and coming leader and a very dedicated kid,” noted Pattrin.
Pattrin is looking for Breckenridge, Warroad and DGF to all be tough in the Heart O’Lakes Classic Conference.
Pattrin is assisted this year by Kraig Hunter, Luke Erickson and Jeff Holsen.
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