Football team looking to take another big step
Coming off their first winning season in five years, including a playoff win, the Staples-Motley football team is looking to take another step forward with the ultimate goal of making it to state.
“Our goal is to win our home games. That will help us win the district and will give us a good shot at winning the section,” said captain Hunter Berggren. “We are taking it one step at a time.”
Coach Travis VanOverbeke said in his third year of the program, “guys know the system, we are just making small adjustments and making sure guys understand where they are supposed to be. We have an excellent crew.”
Captain Matt Miller said the early season practices have been intense. “Guys are stepping up and fighting for positions. They have a lot of energy.”
The Cardinals are expected to play the same style of football, pounding it behind their line and taking a few deep shots on offense. “We will rely on our offensive line to push some people around,” said VanOverbeke. They weighed the line and found it to be over 1,300 pounds.
Miller said “We have put in a lot of time, we just have to make sure everyone knows what to do every play.”
Berggren added “we also need to maintain our high level of energy all season.”
VanOverbeke said most of the teams on the schedule will either improve or reload for this year. “Everyone will be gunning for us,” he said.
Upcoming action
The Cardinals have a scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 27 at Sauk Centre, against Sauk, Foley and Montevideo.
The Card’s first home game is Thursday, Sept. 1, against Pequot Lakes at 7 p.m.
