Viking Linemen will lead Colfax football team in 2021 season
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COLFAX’S FOOTBALL fortunes will likely depend on the performance of its offensive and defensive lines this season. The Vikings have 30 players out for the 2021 gridiron season and look to improve after finishing 0-7 a year ago. Front row (L to R): Drew Buchner, Kade Anderson, Matt Dachel, John Riebe, Coltin Lemo, Eli Ralph, Theo Hovde, and Mihretu Emch. Middle row (L to R): Bryce Sikora, Colin Reinholt, Christian Ebert, Drake Knutson, Gavin Perrin, Brian Tuschl, Brison Tusch, Asher Pecha, and Aiden Mckee. Back row (L to R): Tristan lenz, Chance Smith, Josiah Harder, Caleb Arntson, Colin Bohl, Dylyn Hiitola, Ashton Greenwell, Mark Solberg, Colton Hoffman, Nick Jensen, and Austin Swanson. Missing are Camron Molina and Gavyn Evenson. —photo submitted
by Marlys Kruger
Sports Correspondent
COLFAX — There may be only 30 players on the gridiron for the Vikings this season but head coach Matt DeMoe saw plenty of them in the weight room over the summer and is hoping that time was well spent.
If it was, the team should improve on the 0-7 record from last year in a season that was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lost to graduation are all-conference players Austin Schindler and Hunter Rebak, along with starting quarterback Drew Gibson and other starters Julio Hernandez, Tanner Hoffman and Max Knudson.
13 players on the roster are expected to battle it out for a spot on the offensive and defensive line, which DeMoe expects to be a strength for the team this year. Those with some experience include Dylyn Hiitola, Ashton Greenwell, Colin Bohl, Mark Solberg, Nick Jensen and Camron Molina.
“We have a big, loud group of kids,” DeMoe, who begins year six leading the Vikings, said. “Their tenacity and grit will set the tone for each game,” he added.
The Vikings will have to replace several players in the skilled positions, starting with the quarterback. Senior Bryce Sikora and junior Brian Tuschl will play a tandem system and are capable of showing great confidence and leadership, according to DeMoe. Senior Aiden McKee and sophomore Asher Pecha have been making a big impact as running backs, displaying hard work, a great attitude and competitiveness.
“We have really focused on our fundamentals on both sides of the ball and really having each player understand their job at all times,” DeMoe said. “We preach to the kids if they all do that we will be successful. We look to compete in every game and put ourselves in position to win each one.”
DeMoe expects Spring Valley will be solid as always in the Dunn-St. Croix Conference this year.
The Vikings start the season with a non-conference game at Whitehall this Friday night at 7:00. Colfax will also be the road for another out-of-conference contest at Eleva-Strum before hosting Clear Lake for the D-SC and home opener on September 3.
2021 Roster
Seniors: Austin Swanson, Coltin Lemon, Aiden McKee, Colin Bohl, Josiah Harder, Bryce Sikora
Juniors: Brison Tuschl, Nick Jensen, Brian Tuschl, Mark Solberg, Ashton Greenwell, Dylyn Hiitola
Sophomores: Eli Ralph, Matt Dachel, Gavin Perrin, Colton Hoffman, Asher Pecha, Gavyn Evenson, Drake Knutson, Camron Molina, Christian Ebert, Chance Smith, Kade Anderson
Freshmen: Colin Reinholt, Caleb Arntson, John Riebe, Nate Edwards, Drew Buchner, Theo Hovde, Mirhetu Emch.