The Minot Magicians football team (1-4) had a tough time of it in their last ballgame against Bismarck High (5-0) in a 41-14 defeat on Saturday, Oct. 10. It marked the fifth time in as many games this year that Bismarck eclipsed the 40-point plateau, and the Demons’ average margin of victory in those wins stands at an impressive 32.6 points.

Meanwhile, the Minot Daily News reached out to first-year Magicians head coach Chauncy Hendershot for his thoughts on that game, as well as his keys to victory in Minot’s next contest against Bismarck Legacy on Thursday, Oct. 15. Here is what Hendershot had to say via email.

What were your expectations heading into your last game against Bismarck, and did your club meet those expectations?

Hendershot: Our players battled. Approaching the Bismarck game, we were facing an extremely physical, well coached football team that was going to pound the ball in the run game and make very few mistakes. Defensively, they are disciplined, physical, and swarm to the ball. Our kids fought hard. We were able to string some drives together. Chase Burke paced us with 104 yards on 24 carries. We had an opportunity to make it a one score game in the middle of the third quarter, but Bismarck broke the game wide open in the fourth quarter.

At 1-4, what do you feel needs to change as the year continues?

Hendershot: Our team has improved and we love the fight they have brought the last two games against Century and Bismarck. We played Century tough during a week full of off-field adversity, and had an opportunity in the third quarter against Bismarck to make it a one score game.

We can’t rest on moral victories and the reality is we are 1-4, which does not sit well with any player or coach, but we are seeing improvement. The message to the team is to keep grinding. Offensively, we are at our best when we are able to string first downs together behind improved offensive line play. In addition, we have to capitalize on the big play when it presents itself.

What will be some of the keys to victory against Legacy this Thursday?

Hendershot: We need to contain Legacy’s big play potential, win on first down, maintain drives and work the clock. Winning on special teams will also be big for us.

Defensively our kids fly around. We aren’t the biggest in the fight but our defense has shown the ability to trust others to do their job with consistent and unrelenting effort to the ball. The key will be putting it all together for four quarters against a very good Legacy team.

How has this new era of social distancing affected the fall sports season for your program?

Hendershot: It has been interesting and the pandemic hangs over everything. It is one day at time. We have certainly been affected by it, but it is the reality of the situation and erveryone is dealing with it. We control what we can control and are doing our best in the situation.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job as head coach of Minot football?

Hendershot: The most enjoyable aspect is interacting with our players and fellow coaches on a daily basis. It is a good group. We are working hard to finish this the right way and send our seniors out on a positive note and get some momentum into the offseason. We believe in what we are doing.