Optimism reigns for Minnesota West Bluejays football

WORTHINGTON — The Minnesota West soccer Bluejays have large objectives for 2022.

Final yr the group posted a 4-6 document, however that document was misleading. After dropping three of their first 4 video games, the Jays redoubled their efforts and confirmed themselves that they have been a very good group in any case. When left for lifeless, they defeated nationally-ranked Rochester of their fifth common season recreation. After two extra losses, they went to the nicely another time and towards all odds made a monumental comeback to beat Rochester a second time. They misplaced within the playoffs 16-12 at Itasca however thought they need to have received it.

They’re decided this yr.

And never solely that, the Bluejays are closely invested of their returning sophomores. On a 54-man squad, 26 of their gamers are of their second yr.

“The sophomores sort of have a mission, and their mission is to get again to the place they have been final yr. They need to get again there to state and attempt to win it. And that’s rubbing off on the freshmen, they usually need them to know that and are available alongside for the experience,” stated veteran head coach Jeff Linder.

Minnesota West opens its common season Thursday on the highway towards Northwestern JV, and their subsequent two video games are additionally on the highway — at North Dakota State Faculty of Science on Sept 3 and at Mesabi Vary on Sept 10. If the Bluejays can maintain their heads above water at that time, they’ll have three of their final 4 common season video games at house (the Rochester recreation is at Rochester on Sept. 24).

“Speak is reasonable. You gotta have the ability to again it up, and you’ll solely try this with arduous work,” stated Linder.

He’s impressed, nonetheless, in seeing his sophomore class serving to the freshman know the way, not simply to need to win, however to really know find out how to win.

There are lots of necessary items returning to the Minnesota West offense. Each of final yr’s quarterbacks (each who began some video games) are again: Brock Starley (from Utah) and Willie Holm (Zumbrota). Each have had spectacular video games throwing the soccer.

The receiver group is each deep and proficient. Former space highschool gamers Ian Stamer (broad receiver, Adrian), Bailey Cowell (broad receiver, Luverne) and Tommy Lais (tight finish, Worthington) return after seasons the place all three caught not less than 33 passes for over 400 yards in convention play. Linder says he’s bought a pair extra tremendous receivers coming on this fall, together with Rochester switch Stephen Lewis, who gained greater than 700 yards receiving final yr.

Beginning working again Rashard Anderson (North Carolina) returns for a second season with the Jays. There are three returning offensive linemen: Devaughn Demus (guard, Chicago), Scot Edwards (guard, Adrian) and Billy Timber (heart, Prior Lake). The line of defense contains returnees Izaya Atkinson (finish, Minneapolis), Isaiah Trago (finish, New York), Ricky Jackson (sort out, Michigan) and Ethan Nenlich (sort out, Hartford, S.D.),

Returning defensive backs are Larry Williams (cornerback, Florida), Keuntay Felton (security, Florida), Duvaughn Williams (security, Illinois) and Tate Gaul (security, Worthington). Linebacking shall be completed with a brand new crew in 2022, however reliable kicker Mike Peralta (Wisconsin) is again in camp.

Linder wish to have extra depth, however regardless of that he’s bought a number of gamers who’re versatile.

“We’ve bought some freshman offensive linemen who can do the job. So Scot (Edwards) might be moved to protection (he performed some defensive sort out final yr),” stated the coach. “We’ve bought some interchangeable components with our offensive and defensive linemen, which I believe is vital. The road is essential. And if we now have a defensive sort out from final yr go down, we now have a starter on offense from final yr who can go in and play. Trago can go offensive line as a result of he’s an athlete. As a result of he’s so robust, he’s so bodily match. I believe he is usually a Division II (participant) for certain.”

West will run a selection offense designed to make use of the move to arrange the run. The protection, underneath coordinator Ben DeVries, shall be fast and aggressive and search to create turnovers.

“I believe we’re going to have the ability to put plenty of strain on with our protection,” Linder stated, “and we’re going to attempt to get the ball again to have the ability to rating.”