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

North Dakota Highway Patrol arrests Bismarck man after stolen Mercury Grand Marquis rolls in I-94 crash, 49-year-old driver faces felony DUI and additional charges

Washington Street to close for week as crews replace underground water lines

Bismarck police celebrate young cancer survivor after final spinal appointment following 800+ days of chemotherapy

Gov. Armstrong and Agriculture Commissioner Goehring announce additional $2 million for North Dakota drought relief program after demand surges

North Dakota man arrested for DUI after rear-ending SUV at stop sign, vehicle bursts into flames and preliminary breath test shows a breath alcohol concentration of .174

Farm equipment becomes stuck under I-94 overpass, forcing eastbound closure and causing traffic delays before lanes reopen

Follow us on News Break

Categories

Minot High football embracing new chances

Related posts

Change in state’s risk level means more fans at Minot Public Schools games, among other changes

Minot Public Schools updates protocols for activity admissions

New-look Jack Hoeven Wee Links course nearing completion

Majettes outlast Mandan 3-1

Nedrose Activities Director assesses 2020-21 sports seasons amid pandemic

WDA Basketball: Minot remains undefeated, Legacy defeats Watford City

Follow us on Google News

Follow us on Flipboard

North Dakota Highway Patrol arrests Bismarck man after stolen Mercury Grand Marquis rolls in I-94 crash, 49-year-old driver faces felony DUI and additional charges

Washington Street to close for week as crews replace underground water lines

Bismarck police celebrate young cancer survivor after final spinal appointment following 800+ days of chemotherapy

Gov. Armstrong and Agriculture Commissioner Goehring announce additional $2 million for North Dakota drought relief program after demand surges

North Dakota man arrested for DUI after rear-ending SUV at stop sign, vehicle bursts into flames and preliminary breath test shows a breath alcohol concentration of .174

Farm equipment becomes stuck under I-94 overpass, forcing eastbound closure and causing traffic delays before lanes reopen