Logan Rist (2) taking a handoff from Paxton Ystaas (7) during a game at Des Lacs-Burlington High School against the Ray/Powers Lake Outlaws last season. Sean Williams

A 6-3 record in 2022 put the Des Lacs-Burlington Lakers in the playoffs, where they fell to Shiloh Christian in the first round. Having made the playoffs in consecutive years, head coach Taylor Teske and the Lakers will look to continue building off their recent success in 2023.

“We hope to build off some of the successes that we had last year. We look to continue to improve into a well-rounded football team that can be competitive in a tough region and class,” Teske said.

Making the playoffs in consecutive years is a wonderful accomplishment and it also allows the Lakers to learn a lot about themselves and what it takes to be consistently good in the prep football scene.

“I think the team learned what it takes each day at practice to become a good consistent football team. I am hopeful we can have a great fall camp to prepare ourselves for the initial part of the season in which we will play some very good football teams.”

While Teske and the Lakers get ready for the regular season schedule to come, one of their main goals involves making improvements as a team every week and hoping to have the ability to make an impact in multiple aspects of the game.

“As always, a major goal is that we come together as a team and continue to improve each week. We want to develop into a good well-rounded football team that is competing both for a playoff spot and well into the playoffs as well,” Teske said.

In hopes of being a well-rounded team, the Lakers will rely on their athletes with experience and key contributors from previous years. Paxton Ystaas, Logan Rist, Jacob Schaefer, Kashdyn Officer, Logan Rynestad, Ty Hughes, Kole Knecht and Braylon Fisher are the few among many that will contribute heavily for the Lakers in 2023

Having those players back for the Lakers should help them find success again in 2023. One other thing Teske wants to see the team carryover from last year is the mental toughness they developed as a team.

Once the Lakers are ready for regular season games, there isn’t one game in particular that they are looking forward to. They are excited for every week and the learning experiences that come with them.

“We are looking forward to every game that we have on the schedule. Each week and new opponent present itself with new challenges that we must overcome. The football season is short so we will enjoy each game that we get to go out and compete.”

On Friday, Aug. 18, the Lakers began their regular season campaign at Dickinson Trinity. Their next game on the schedule is a big one as well when they host Velva/Garrison/Drake-Anamoose on Sept. 1 for the Lakers home opener.