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 welcomes “a true North Dakota hero,” says long-awaited recovery brings closure to decades-long question for service member killed in WWII

North Dakota driver clocked at 125 mph, NDHP says “see how fast this thing goes with the kids in the back” isn’t on the recommended itinerary after $295 citation and 15 points issued

Bismarck Fire Department welcomes new firefighters and recognizes officer promotions

Bismarck Police searching for missing 12-year-old girl last seen Sunday evening

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong unveils new fraud prevention plan targeting high-risk providers in Medicaid

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong praises Trump administration funding plan bringing millions to major North Dakota power project

Follow us on News Break

Categories

Minot High football embracing new chances

Related posts

Former North Dakota basketball state champion continues to play locally

WHS boys basketball loses to Minot

United Community Bank Athlete of the Week: Troy Martyniuk

College Football: Minot State adds 17 to their roster on National Signing Day

Throwing out the Record Books: West Fargo’s Akealy Moton dominating for Bison Track & Field

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

Follow us on Google News

Follow us on Flipboard

Gov. Armstrong welcomes “a true North Dakota hero,” says long-awaited recovery brings closure to decades-long question for service member killed in WWII

North Dakota driver clocked at 125 mph, NDHP says “see how fast this thing goes with the kids in the back” isn’t on the recommended itinerary after $295 citation and 15 points issued

Bismarck Fire Department welcomes new firefighters and recognizes officer promotions

Bismarck Police searching for missing 12-year-old girl last seen Sunday evening

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong unveils new fraud prevention plan targeting high-risk providers in Medicaid

North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong praises Trump administration funding plan bringing millions to major North Dakota power project