By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
Last year, for the first time in head football coach Marc Kruger's five years at NRHEG High School, his career record dropped below the .500 mark.
Can the Panthers swing it the other way this fall?
With a number of talented returning lettermen, including their starting quarterback, it does appear within the realm of possibility.
"Having our quarterback return will be huge," said Kruger.
That quarterback, Alden Dobberstein finished among the top 50 in the state in passing yards last season. And he's only a junior.
"We will look to him a lot," said Kruger.
Senior Jaylin Raab also figures to be a key contributor, starting at running back and playing with Dobberstein in the defensive backfield.
"Jaylin will step into the main running back role," said Kruger. "We will look to use his speed whenever we can."
Also back as letterwinners are seniors Sam Olson (WR/LB), Reese Routh (WR/LB), Zander Flatness (line), Garett Degen (line) and George Roesler (TE/DE), juniors Aiden Schlaak (WR/DB), Carter Martens (line) and Jace Ihrke (line), and sophomore Wyatt Larson (TE/DE).
As usual, the Panthers graduated a number of talented individuals off last year's team, including Andrew Phillips, Sawyer Prigge, Makota Misgen, Lucas Hanna, Nash Howe, Ethan Thompson and Brady Schlaak.
Kruger, 19-23 in five NRHEG seasons, definitely does not expect a cakewalk, but you get the feeling he hopes to improve on last year's record of 1-8. They were 9-3 in 2018, reaching the state quarterfinals after winning the school's first-ever section football championship.
"We will be young, but very athletic," said Kruger. "We have a tough schedule, but will always expect to win."
The key to success, according to Kruger, is for the Panthers to utilize their speed as much as possible and to overcome their lack of experience as soon as possible.
"We need to stay together," said Kruger. "We have a really tough start to the season with four games against really strong opponents."
After opening at Randolph, the Panthers host Norwood-Young America, Mayer Lutheran and St. Clair/Loyola. They have two Thursday games and two Saturday contests. Homecoming is Oct. 6 against WEM. The Panthers battle JWP Oct. 12 at Janesville for the Gold Brick Trophy.
Kruger is assisted by Neil Fuchs, Jeff Jimenez, Chad Sykes, Dan Bell, Brian Bellcourt and Aaron Gilliland.
Kruger looks for St. Clair/Mankato Loyola as the team to beat in both the conference and section.
How do the Panthers fit in? It should be fun to find out.
2023 NRHEG Football
Aug. 31 at Randolph, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 vs. Norwood-YA, 1 p.m.
Sept. 16 vs. Mayer Lutheran, 1 p.m.
Sept. 22 vs. St. Clair/Loyola, 7 p.m.
Sept. 29 at Medford, 7 p.m.
Oct. 6 vs. WEM (HC), 7 p.m.
Oct. 12 at JWP, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 vs. USC, 7 p.m.