Alex Eisen/MDN The Des Lacs-Burlington Lakers special teams unit prepares to take an onside kick during practice held earlier this week in Des Lacs.

Arguably, the most notable coaching change across Class A football this offseason happened at Des Lacs-Burlington, as former assistant Taylor Teske took over for long-time head coach James Johnson.

Teske served four years on the sidelines with the Lakers before receiving the reins this season. Getting settled into his new role has been a work in progress.

“It’s been a little bit overwhelming,” Teske said humbly. “There are a lot of things that go into being a head coach that you don’t necessarily think of, minor things, like monitoring if everything is in place. But, it has gone fairly well. I credit my assistant coaches for helping me out.”

The foundation for ongoing success has already been established for Teske. The Lakers have made the playoffs in the six of the last seven years, including winning seasons the past four.

However, the last two seasons have stalled out at six wins and a couple of lopsided first-round exits in the Class A playoffs.

“The past coaching regime had a lot of good things in place,” Teske said. “So, it’s not a total overhaul of everything. We had a good concrete base to start from, and the seniors have really pushed that forward.”

That said, the players have noticed some changes in fall camp.

“It’s different because I’ve been used to the last three years being the same process,” senior center Carter Vogel said. “We have the same sort of things, but some things are different and we have to get used to that.”

Vogel will be delivering snaps to senior Blake Wacha, who won the preseason quarterback battle to be named the starter for Week 1.

Wacha steps in as a first-year varsity starting quarterback but has earned the trust of those around him.

“We have been together since middle school, so I know how he likes the ball,” Vogel said. “There are some things we have to fix. But, we understand each other and do pretty well together, I’d say.”

Targets through the air for Wacha include senior Xavier Burleson, senior Ryan Albertson, senior Riley Eide, junior Gage Lesmann, junior Kiesyn Officer and sophomore Eli Hennessy.

Moreso, the Lakers have a workhorse running back in junior Caleb Rist as a reliable option in the backfield to pick up first downs and touchdowns, especially in the red zone.

“We got a really good running back this year,” senior lineman Tanner LaFountain said. “Our line is going to be pretty good as well. There are a couple of new guys in spots, but they’re getting better. We have to be more physical.”

Over the last decade, the Lakers’ defense has been relatively consistent. They haven’t allowed more than 190 points in a season since 2008. Last season, DLB gave up 16.5 points per game with two outlying blemishes: 39-14 loss at Bishop Ryan and 43-12 playoff defeat at Shiloh Christian.

“I think we can go pretty far if we have the heart,” LaFountain said. “But, we can only take it one game at a time, especially with COVID and everything.”

Having the opportunity to play football doesn’t go unnoticed.

“We need to cherish every day that we are out here,” Teske said. “Obviously, things could change on a dime, whether that is attending school or the football season. So, we are enjoying being out here and enjoying the process of getting better.”

Season Schedule

Aug. 21, 7 p.m. at Bottineau.

Aug. 28, 7 p.m. vs. Rugby.

Sept. 4, 7 p.m. vs. Tioga.

Sept. 11, 7 p.m. at Kenmare/B/BC.

Sept. 18, 7 p.m. vs. Nedrose.

Sept. 25, 7 p.m. at Velva.

Oct. 2, 7 p.m. vs. Garrison/Max.

Oct. 9, 7 p.m. vs. Bishop Ryan.

Oct. 14, 7 p.m. at South Prairie.

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