Football

Eagles Preseason Preview

Coming off a semi final appearance last year the Eagles hope to build on that success this year. Despite the loss of a talented Senior class that included 5 starters, one honorable mention all-state selection, and two all-state selections, the Eagles players and coaches are extremely confident in their ability to compete at the highest level this year.

They return eleven Seniors, two honorable mention all-state selections, and one all state selection. The combination of leadership from their large Senior class and the bitter taste of last year’s semifinal loss should give the Eagles plenty of tenacity as they prepare for a season with self-imposed high expectations.

The offense, with an average weight of 235 lbs., will be led by their impressive offensive line made up of Seniors Trevor Schulz, Kyler Kjerstad, Brand Hilgenkamp, Riley Kerner, and sole returning team captain Younger Amiotte. Behind that massive line, dual threat Junior Quarterback Tanner Volmer will hope to find more of the explosive success he found last year in his first season as QB1 for the Wall Eagles. He will be supported by a very talented group of skill position players including Senior running back Jace Mohr, Senior wide receivers Dawson Handcock and Austan Kjerstad, Junior wide receiver Teelan Kjerstad, and Senior tight ends Trevor Schulz and Younger Amiotte. This combination of speed, power, and experience will create a very dynamic and explosive offense for opposing defenses to contend with.

Defensively the Eagles hope to be able to fill some holes that were left by graduating Seniors. They look to be strong on the defensive line as well as the offensive line with a lot of big bodies to rotate in and out to keep them fresh. Junior Ryon Bielmaier will be the lone returning starter on the defensive line from last season. Hoping to fill some of the graduation losses at line backer will be Younger Amiotte and Austan Kjerstad, along with several talented younger players that will create a competitive atmosphere for the Eagles as they move into the season. The Eagles are excited to have experience and depth in the defensive back field with returning letter winners Carter Sundall, Teelan Kjerstad, and Dawson Handcock.

A talented roster of young underclassmen should provide the weekly competition needed to sharpen this squad into one of the top teams in the state. The Eagles’ first game of the season will be August 22^nd at Philip, followed by their first JV game in Wall August 25^th against Spearfish.