WILLOW RIVER, Minn. - Having been to the state tournament in each of the last three years, one sport usually comes to mind first when you mention Moose Lake-Willow River and that's football.
And this fall is no different.
So far this season, the Rebels have already knocked off a pair of the opponents with a 40-18 road victory over Pine City and a thrilling 24-22 come-from-behind home win over Rush City Friday night in Willow River.
With the Rebels currently sporting an undefeated 2-0 mark and being ranked fourth in the most recent Class AA state poll, head coach Dave Louzek is pleased overall with his group's fast start on the gridiron.
"I was surprised with our win at Pine City and we struggled with Rush City," said Louzek, who teaches at Willow River, is in his 15th year with the Rebel football program and 11th as head coach. "But with the great athletes we have, they found ways to win and we're really playing well right now."
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Their secret?
The offensive line.
"Despite our inexperience, our offensive line is looking good," said Louzek about his bunch that has paved the way for senior wingback Austin Jacobson to score five touchdowns so far this fall. "This is, hands down, the biggest offensive line I've ever had."
Despite the guys up front, clearly the holes lie in only having a pair of offensive starters in Jacobson and junior left guard Austin Lanoue. Their defense only returns four in Lanoue at nose guard, senior Shane Rehbein at middle linebacker, senior Michael Unzen at right cornerback and senior Lucas Probst at left defensive end.
"This team has come into this season with a lot of confidence and that's what is going to keep them in big games," said Louzek about his club that has amassed an amazing 34-4 record over the last three years. "These last few years have been a lot of fun around here. And that leadership has definitely worn off on this year's group, that's for sure."
With the history of football at ML-WR, the talent returning to the field and the strong start to the season, Rebel football is on the minds of many.
"Our ultimate goal is to get to the section final every season," said Louzek. "It's not what you do in the regular season, but what you do in the playoffs. And our boys know that. We're playing well but there are still a lot of things that this group needs to improve on this year."
The fourth-ranked Rebels will take on Duluth Marshall at home Sept. 17 and then host Greenway-Nashwauk-Keewatin Friday, Sept. 25. Both kickoffs are set for 7 p.m. at Willow River.
