With a season of magic behind them, the Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels football team hope to recapture that feeling this season. Last year, the Rebels made it to the Metrodome and the semifinals of the state tournament before bowing out of the playoffs.
"The offense and the defense will both have many first-time starters," explained coach Dave Louzek. "The team works very hard and should be competitive this season."
Back will be Nate Zuk, who had 40 carries and 325 yards at running back while also making 132 tackles to lead the team from his linebacker position. Ethan Skog is also back after rushing for 590 yards on 11 carries to go along with 75 tackles and three interceptions.
Chris Wasche and Brad Anderson, at right guard and right tackle, are also back to help anchor the offensive line. Both were starters on a line that blocked for over 4,000 yards of total offense last season.
The cupboard isn't bare on defense, either, as Brian Bothwell is back at linebacker after a season of 59 tackles and two interceptions. Also back is nose tackle Cody Disterhaupt, who had 44 tackles and two quarterback sacks.
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"Our team expectations are always to win," said Louzek. "We lost a lot of skilled athletes to graduation, but we have athletes ready to take over and show they are good players also."
