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New division, new coach for the Honkers

Garrick Hodge/MDN Kenmare quarterback Tevin Dix (83) steps back into the pocket in a scrimmage against Stanley last week in Minot.

KENMARE — A 46-12 loss to Rolla in the state quarterfinals last year marked the furthest the Kenmare/Bowbells/Burke Central Honkers had placed in the North Dakota playoffs since 2002.

That’s in the distant past now with the Honkers moving up from 9-Man to Class A, Region 3 this season. Making the significant transition was a topic of conversation that first-year head coach James “Jim” Carlisle wanted no part of.

“We don’t talk about it,” Carlisle said. “This is 11-man football. I don’t acknowledge the other football. This is all I have known for 30 years is 11-man football. I wouldn’t be able to coach 9-man.”

Carlisle takes control after two seasons with the Taylor Kennedy football program located near Detroit, Michigan. The Eagles, which haven’t posted a winning season since 2004, went 1-17 under his direction.

He replaces Matt Hove, who moved away to Connecticut and now coaches at Wolcott High School.

The Honkers will also need to find a replacement quarterback to fill the shoes of Hunter Rodin, who broke national 9-man single season records in passing touchdowns (43) and passing yards (3,456).

That responsibility will likely be given to junior Tevin Dix, who got minimal snaps last year, but went 9-for-21 for 131 yards and a touchdown.

The Honkers will also lean heavily on seniors Jay Baumann, Josh Baumann and Andres Santizo. Jay Baumann is an offensive threat, while Josh Baumann and Santizo will anchor the offensive and defensive lines.

Wide receivers from a season ago, now-seniors Jacob Rodin and Matthew Hinds, should also see some more action with the graduation of playmaker Kolton Jesz.

“Everybody is contributing,” Carlisle said. “We are one team. One heartbeat. One family.”

The biggest concern for Kenmare after participating in the scrimmage held last Thursday at Minot High was the tackling and not creating any turnovers.

“I think we have to get better in space with our tackling and our pass coverage was a little bit shaky for my liking,” Carlisle said. “If the ball is in the air for longer than three seconds, then I expect it to be intercepted.”

Carlisle certainly isn’t afraid to call it how he sees it.

“My younger guys are still a little timid, but my older guys tackle well,” he said. “With my younger guys, it was like a bad pillow fight. But, we are going to get better at that.”

The Honkers season-opener will be a nonconference road game against Killdeer on Friday. They open region play the following week against Bishop Ryan.

Alex Eisen covers Minot High School, Minot State athletics and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @AEisen13.

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