Minot High football embracing new chances

MINOT, N.D. – “Given the unprecedented spring and summer, it had a special feel in the summer when we were able to get together for some of our camps,” Hendershot said. “They were able to start working out. There’s just an energy with being able to be out, active and together. In this crew, you have a bunch of guys who are maybe unheralded. We don’t necessarily have ‘the dude’ or a star. A lot of people will have to do their jobs and some little things right.”

A plethora of seasoned returners will take the field for the Magi. Hendershot acknowledged senior wide receivers Teagan Kinchen and Talon Hebert as two experienced options for junior Trevor Emke and senior Caleb Reing. Both quarterbacks could take snaps under center this season.

Senior running back/linebacker Chase Burke adds a two-way threat to the mix. As he prepared for his final season in a Minot uniform, Burke acclimated himself to Hendershot’s up-tempo approach.

“He’s really full of energy,” he said. “He always gets us on our toes. He’s always helping us with plays. It all flows with him.”

The program’s posterity plays an important role. As the younger Magi yearn for guidance, senior linebacker Ashton Hillman extends a helping hand.

“I want my guys to come to practice and be like, ‘Hey, I can’t wait for practice,’ (and) not to dread it,” Hillman said. “I want them to be able to come talk to me and not be afraid of me because I’m a senior. I want us all to be on the same plate and same platter, ready to work.”

Earlier this summer, all East-West crossover football games were canceled in order to reduce health risks associated with the pandemic. Minot’s 2020 regular-season schedule is limited to WDA-affiliated opponents and only seven games.

“The WDA is an extremely tough division,” Hendershot said. “We respect every opponent we’re going to see. That certainly will be a grind. For us, it’s just about getting better at what we do in our scheme, in our approach to practice and our approach to the rep. The rest of it will take care of itself. Especially in this season, the next rep isn’t guaranteed. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. We’ve just got to be focused on being good when the opportunity presents itself.”

Indeed, uncertainty surrounds the truncated schedule. However, the Magi have consistently expressed ample amounts of gratitude.

“I don’t think I would like to be anywhere else but here,” senior offensive/defensive lineman Zach Melaas said. “Good energy all the time, great coaches. The players are amazing.”

Melaas and his fellow Magi put their pride on display during a scrimmage against Bishop Ryan at Duane Carlson Stadium earlier this month. The Lions came out roaring, but the Magi refocused and proved their mettle as the scrimmage concluded.

“We found a little energy in the scrimmage two weeks ago,” he said. “Hopefully, we have taken the proper steps and have come a long way. What we were looking for that day was just a little bit of physicality. Given our opponent on Friday, we’re playing an extremely tough Mandan team that really is a program that believes. They’re very tough and physical. We’re going to have to match that physical style of play.”

The Magi will face the Braves at 7 p.m. Friday evening at the Starion Sports Complex in Mandan.

“We’re just thrilled to be able to play football on a Friday night,” Hendershot said. “Not many teams in the nation get to do that. It’s pretty special. We want to make the most of that opportunity.”

Minot High football embracing new chances

Follow us on Google News

Follow us on Flipboard

Trending Slider

Gov. Armstrong signs executive order to maintain high readiness levels ensuring personnel and resources are ready for deployment for America 250 events and library opening

Gov. Armstrong presents executive budget guidelines calling on agencies to hold spending or reduce budgets by up to 10% as state works to close nearly $800 million gap by 2032

Bismarck shares proposed zoning map as part of land development code overhaul

Bismarck will host community conversation forum on homelessness on April 21

North Dakota man accused of fatally shooting man after hugging him and claiming he stoIe something inside home

36-year-old man claims self-defense after stabbing someone he knew to death

Follow us on News Break

Categories

Minot High football embracing new chances

Related posts

Sortland authors Seniors Night shutout in 9-0 Magicians win over Beulah-Hazen

Hockey: Bottineau-Rugby boys beat Mandan, Minot girls fall at home

Magicians targeting postseason success

Minot High celebrates 2020 graduation at State Fair grandstand

Baseball: Velva and Rolla set to battle it out for a spot at the state tournament

United Community Bank Athlete of the Week: Troy Martyniuk

Follow us on Google News

Follow us on Flipboard

Gov. Armstrong signs executive order to maintain high readiness levels ensuring personnel and resources are ready for deployment for America 250 events and library opening

Gov. Armstrong presents executive budget guidelines calling on agencies to hold spending or reduce budgets by up to 10% as state works to close nearly $800 million gap by 2032

Bismarck shares proposed zoning map as part of land development code overhaul

Bismarck will host community conversation forum on homelessness on April 21

North Dakota man accused of fatally shooting man after hugging him and claiming he stoIe something inside home

36-year-old man claims self-defense after stabbing someone he knew to death