Large size will favor Wrenshall football team

With a glut of big, strong linemen, the Wrenshall Wrens could prove to be a big threat this season in nine-man football circles.

"We are fortunate to have a lot of depth and solid players coming back on the line," said Wrens coach Tyler Homstad. "In addition to big linemen, we have some backs with size who will run the ball hard."

Opponents can pretty much read between the lines that the Wrens will probably try and play some smash mouth football against other nine-man teams.

"We'll do what we have to do to win games," explained Homstad. "The big thing is we have some talent and depth on the line and not all small schools can say that."

Here are some staggering statistics for the behemoth linemen of the Wrens: Scott Cagle is 6 feet, 5 inches and 360 pounds, Phil Oland is 5'10" and 230 pounds, John Bartczak is 6'3" and 215 pounds, and Joe Laubach is 6'2" and 220 pounds. Additionally, last year's starting center Brian Gustafson goes 200 pounds.

"This is the group of linemen we've been waiting for a long time," commented Homstad. "Across the board they are big and strong and we've been waiting for them to become seniors and now here they are."

Unfortunately, one place the Wrens will have to find a player is quarterback after last year's starter Evan Swanson broke a bone this summer and is out for the season.

"It is tough when you lose a kid like Evan who works so hard and is such a key to the team," mentioned Homstad. "We are lucky enough to have a great athlete in John Moder who should be able to step in and play at a high level right away."

Moder was the Polar League high jump champion this past spring and his athleticism will be a big key to the Wrens success.

"He really is a great athlete and he is fearless," stated Homstad. "He's too good an athlete not to have in the lineup and he is very mobile."

A pair of juniors will contribute in the end positions with Dave Connolly and Jordan Berglund becoming key targets for Moder.

"Berglund played linebacker last year and will also play offensive end this season," said Homstad. "Connolly is running cross country and playing football and he looks very good so far. The thing about Connolly is he knows football and he is a great athlete and you can run him all day long and he doesn't get tired."

"I definitely think we can be a contender with this team," explained Homstad. "With our size, skill and experience we should contend for the conference and in the playoffs. I'm not saying we are going to win anything, but we at least should be in contention."

The Wrens, who went 6-4 last year, will open Aug. 31 against Kelliher on the road before returning home to play Hill City the following week on Sept. 7.