Kindred has become well-acquainted with championship victories but the end of last season brought a new one to the school & community. Absent a few highlight-makers but with a risen star playing on the lines they will be as tough as ever in Region 1 and the A level!
Before talking about the present, winning the championship was surely a highlight for your team & town. What was that experience like for you & your team?
It was pretty special. There will only be one first time champion in a schools history. We had been close before but we finally made it over that hump and it was just terrific to share that with all the kids and coaches that put the time in.
How have your guys continued to build on last season's success as well as any team camps you may have participated in? Have any young players shown that they may be ready to contribute this Fall?
Summer camps were beneficial for us. They served as a springboard for us this season going into fall camp. One young player that has really stood out so far early in camp is Sophomore RB/WR Kylan Swenson. He has shown a lot of flashes in camp and will be someone that will certainly contribute this season.
Who are some of the players that you anticipate will step into the roles vacated by 2022 graduates?
Big roles that will need to be filled this year are starting cornerback spots, wide receiver spots, and inside linebacker positions. We have a number of guys that are competing for those roles and honestly we might go with a rotation of at least 3 guys at each of those positions until we find some that really stand out.
The other big role is quarterback. Jorgen Swenson was our primary backup last year and he is taking most of the reps so far in camp. He looks good. He has to make some strides, but he has the ability to be a really good high school quarterback.
Riley Sunram burst onto the scene with offers from NDSU & Minnesota. How would you describe his impact on and off the field? How might the attention he receives from opponents affect game plans?
Riley is a terrific player and a better person. He has had some unbelievable offers this summer and our whole program is happy for him. When he gets on the field he is a player that opposing coordinators need to know where he is lined up. I am not sure the extra attention will affect any game plans, if they didn't know he was a good player watching tape, they were not paying much attention.
Are there position groups that you already have identified as strengths of your roster?
Our line, both offensively and defensively, will be a strength. Jack Packer, Riley Sunram, Blake Houska, Mason Nipstad and Dilon Filler are all going to play significant roles in our success this year.
How have this year's player-leaders shown leadership in the past?
Lead by example, be the first ones in line for all our drills and help teach our Freshmen and underclassmen how to play the game. It is all about leaving a legacy. We have had some really good kids come through this program in the past and the way they have built that foundation has helped shape where we are today.
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