Yet, it ended with a bitter taste. DLB reached the Class 11A state championship by defeating Bishop Ryan in the state semifinals, but fell to Ellendale-Edgeley-Kulm 42-20 in the big game.

“It was a great memory. Obviously everyone’s goal is to get back to the state championship and win it,” DLB senior running back Colton Bartuska said. “We just have to go day-by-day and game-by-game and try to get better.”

In 2017, the Lakers’ mission is clear: get back to the title game and finish the job.

“There’s a lot of kids that played in that game, and I’m sure it’s in the back of their mind,” DLB coach James Johnson said. “I’m sure they’re excited about the run we had. But it’s a brand new team and a brand new year, so we have to forget about that and create our own memories on this team.

Alex Eisen/MDN Des Lacs-Burlington senior running back Colton Bartuska (30) catches a wheel route and turns up field during a high school football scrimmage Thursday.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do. We have a lot of holes to fill from last year’s team. We’re still really early in the season and getting a lot of kids in to create depth on our team. I do like our 10 seniors, they’re providing a lot of leadership so far.”

The Lakers will be tasked with replacing some key players on offense from last year’s team. It’s likely sophomore Dante Gunville will take over at quarterback, and he will have a lot to live up to replacing a senior that helped DLB win key games down the stretch in Dylan Schestler.

“We just need to get him some game reps,” Johnson said. “Braden Bonn is competing for that spot too, but right now Dante is leading the way. We just need to get him some experience.”

Beyond quarterback, several offensive line positions are up for grabs.

“Offensively, we have holes on our line that we’re filling right now,” Johnson said. “It’s all going to come down to our offensive line. If we keep getting better each week, then the sky’s the limit. On offense, we’ll be led by our tailback, Colton Bartuska who has been starting since his sophomore year. He’s got to be a leader for us, along with Josh Knutson who had an all-state season last year.”

Alex Eisen/MDN Des Lacs-Burlington senior wide receiver Josh Knutson (21) catches a pass over the middle during a high school football scrimmage Thursday.

On defense, the Lakers return eight starters from a year ago.

“Defensively, we have a lot of kids returning from last year’s team,” Johnson said. “Our linebacking corps will be led by Colton Miller and Jacob Ruden. Nathan Melhof will play at nose tackle for us, he had a good sophomore year and I think he’ll take a big step this year. Our secondary is pretty athletic and we’re trying to create some depth there.”

DLB opens the season at 7 p.m. Friday on the road against Rugby.

“The kids are excited about the season and will give it everything they have,” Johnson said. “Right now we’re taking it one day at a time and want to get into the playoffs somehow. Then it’s a whole new season from there.”

Garrick Hodge covers Minot State athletics, the Minot Minotauros and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @Garrick_Hodge.