2021 Panther Football Team: Seniors: Bo Budach, Porter Peterson, Tyrone Wilson, Jack Olson, Gavin Harris, Nikolas Petsinger, Clay Stenzel, Matthew Olson, Ben Schoenrock, Ralph Roesler, Walker Thompson, Maverick Knutson, Alex Dobberstein; Juniors: Charlie Nissen, Sawyer Prigge, Nash Howe, Andrew Phillips, Ethan Thompson, Braydan Howe, Evan Beckman, Makota Misgen, Lucas Hanna, Treyvin Johannsen, Wyatt Groskreutz, Brady Schlaak; Sophomores: Jaylin Raab, Sam Olson, Payden Loverink, Jackson Chrz, Reese Routh, Devin Morkid, Zander Flatness, Garett Degen, Kaeden Neitzel, George Roesler; Freshmen: Aiden Schlaak, Cortez Garcia, Alden Dobberstein, Aeden Hanna, Harbor Cromwell, Greyson Schaefer, Jase Knudson, Lukas Loverink, Cohen Riewer, Seth Staloch, Mayson Patten, Owen Bartlett, Ben Hagen, Carter Martens, Logan Schiell, Jayden Flemmig, Cole Hutchens, Jace Ihrke, Carmine Raab; Coaches: Head coach Marc Kruger; Assistant coaches: Duey Ferber, Nic Sieler, Neil Fuchs, Jeff Jimenez, Shawn Larson; Stats: Tom Peterson, Dan Budach, Aaron Gilliland; Manager Calvin Nissen. Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak
By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
After an abbreviated 2020 football season, the Panthers look to fare much better in a new district under fourth year head coach Marc Kruegar, assisted by coaches, Duey Ferber, Nic Sieler, Neil Fuchs, and Jeff Jimenez.
‘21 season = high expectations
The Panthers will be competing in the section 2AA Mid-South East White district and, according to Kruger, they are among conference favorites.
“We are setting our goals very high,” Coach Kruger says. “We can compete with everyone on our schedule and in our section.”
It will be difficult replacing three year starter and multiple time district quarterback Kordell Schlaak, but 18 returning letter winners should help.
“We have a solid team that returns a lot of experience,” Coach Kruger remarks. “We have a very large senior class, many of which are now three year starters.”
Key returning athletes
Coach Kruger highlights the returning letter winners, alongside these four athletes key returning athletes:
Bo Budach - Senior wide receiver and defensive back. Voted Sub District WR last season.
Jack Olson - Senior wide receiver and defensive end. His height and physical stature will help him have a great year, per coach Kruger.
Andrew Phillips - Junior running back and defensive end. PrepRedzone AA All state 2nd team.
Wyatt Groskreutz - Junior offensive and defensive lineman. Team voted lineman of the year, two years in a row.
The 18 returning letter winners for the Panthers include: Seniors - Bo Budach, Jack Olson, Porter Peterson, Nikolas Petsinger, Clay Stenzel, Matthew Olson, Ben Schoenrock, Ralph Roesler, Walker Thompson, Maverick Knutson, and Alex Dobberstein; Juniors - Charlie Nissen, Sawyer Prigge, Nash Howe, Andrew Phillips, Ethan Thompson, Makota Misgen, and Wyatt Groskreutz.
2018, 2020 Panther Football
Last year the Panthers only played four games, and finished the Covid shortened year 2-2, with an early first round playoff exit, most notably impacted by the lack of practices because of the pandemic. Kruger’s career coaching record now sits at 14-10, highlighted by the 2018 season, which included a Section Championship and state tournament berth.
With this many returning athletes, the Panthers hope to continue on the successes of the past three years.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Experience, team speed, and both offensive and defensive line play are all Panther strengths entering the 2021 season. According to Kruger, the keys to success include, “Being able to get a quick start in games, setting the tone early, and establishing our run offense.”
To do this consistently, Kruger highlights what he feels is his team's biggest weakness, “The younger players will need to step up to add depth.”
Favorites
Kruger says the conference favorites are Blooming Prairie and NRHEG. As for the section or district favorites, the field is a little more open, including: Maple River, Blooming Prairie, Blue Earth, and NRHEG.
The Panthers’ slogan is the same as last year, “Count on Me,” and “Win the Moment.”
“That means winning at everything you do,” said Kruger. “Our experienced players will continue to set the example.”