Red Hawks Begin Defense Of State Championship

By Bill Vander Weele

A year after winning the state six-man football title, the Froid/Lake Red Hawks are looking to continue their winning ways this season.

The Red Hawks begin their season with 20 players.

“It’s more than I remember for a while,” Coach Michael Reiter said of the turnout. “It’s a big number for us.”

Leading the list of returning starters are All-State performers senior Ashdyn Hobbs, senior Brett Stentoft, junior Quinn Abar and sophomore Mason Dethman.

Also back with a good amount of varsity playing time are junior Caden Kelm, junior Austen Hobbs and senior Connor Huft.

Sophomores Landen Kelm, Cian Logan and Nate Stentoft also gained experience last season.

The Red Hawks receive a lift with the additions of upperclassmen Bode Miller, Javonne Nesbit, Max Engelke and Daniel Forizs to the team.

“I think all of them will help,” Reiter said. “We’re pretty deep.”

Depth is an improvement compared to last year’s team.

“We’re way deeper,” Reiter said. “Last year, we had 15 guys and had four or five injuries.”

The coach said teaching discipline to the younger players is one area that needs to be improved.

As far as the team’s offensive attack, Reiter said, “I don’t think it will be too much different. We will still try to run the ball a lot.”

He noted some of the seniors are stronger because they have been working a lot in the weight room.

Reiter expects Richey/ Lambert to be one of the contenders for the league title this year.

“I never want to leave out Wibaux, but you never know,” the coach said of the league race.

The Red Hawks open their season at home against Roy/ Winifred at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28. Roy/Winifred did defeat a playoff team last year.