The Pequot Lakes Patriots football team enjoyed a memorable season last fall as they finished 10-2 overall and captured their first Section 8AAA title and first trip to the state tournament in program history.
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Patriots' assisant football coach Pat Ebnet, a Pequot Lakes graduate, worked with a group of players before a scrimmage last week.
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But now they start all over at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, when they host a talented Staples-Motley squad in the regular season opener.
"The first game is always tough," Pequot Lakes coach Chip Lohmiller said, "but we have a big test with Staples-Motley. They didn't lose many players, and they were one of the top teams in the section last year."
The Cardinals, who are coached by former S-M athlete Ryan Beachy, finished 9-1 overall last season. Their only loss was a close 16-14 against Perham in the section semifinals. The Yellowjackets were then defeated by Pequot Lakes 48-16 in the section final.
The Patriots and Cardinals did not play each other during the regular season as Pequot Lakes played in the Northern Division of the Heart 'O Lakes Conference and S-M was in the Classic Division. Both teams were 6-0 in their respective divisions.
The Patriots feature a solid defense and explosive offense.
"One of our strengths will be our offensive backfield," Lohmiller said. "They were great last year, but this group is just as powerful."
The running game will be led by junior Logan Lange, who ran well last season coming off the bench. Junior Nevin Greer will start at quarterback, and has a talented group of receivers.
The Cardinals return their quarterback in senior Alex Jannson, who passed for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns during the regular season last fall.
