Adam Papin/MDN Minot works on installing its offense for the upcoming season at its camp earlier this month.

A year ago, a physical, disciplined Minot High School football team posted the best record in the Western Dakota Association. If they hope to repeat, new players will need to step up to replace key elements lost to graduation.

Gone is quarterback Jayden Speraw, who now plays across town at Minot State. The Magicians are also replacing offensive guards Andrew Winczewski and Kaydn Turbow, who committed to Northern State. The Magi also are replacing their tight end group and receivers Ty Kichen and Hunter Horner.

“We have a number of young players vying for those positions,” said Minot head coach Chauncey Hendershot. “Fall competition consists of competition across all position groups.”

At quarterback, seniors Lucas Beeter, Cash Danielson and junior Kellan Burke are all competing for the starting job, with each one bringing something unique to the position that has the staff excited.

The Magi do have five All-WDA players from last year returning, three of whom garnered All-NDHSAA selections.

Logan Conklin is back at wide receiver, where he caught 25 passes for 795 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, his 37 tackles and three interceptions saw him named first-team All-NDHSAA at defensive back.

Tyson Ruzicka and Michael George were both named to the All-NDHSAA second team in 2022. Ruzicka led Minot’s backfield with 848 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, while on defense he had 25 tackles and one interception. George, a linebacker, forced four fumbles, had three sacks to go along with 33 tackles on the year.

Linebacker Brady Larson had four sacks and 30 tackles, while defensive lineman DeJarius Jones had 13 tackles, nine of which were for a loss.

“After coming off a 6-4 season that saw us eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the eventual state champs [Shanley] for the second straight year, we return a number of players with varsity experience,” said Hendershot.

He added, “Our defense returns many starters on a stingy, athletic and physical group that is coached up by defensive coordinator Rick Philion. Many players on the defense are entering their second or third year of varsity contribution, making this one of our many strengths.”

Minot’s path to the Dakota Bowl will not be easy. When the AAA preseason poll came out earlier this month four of the five ranked teams are on the Magi’s schedule: No. 2 West Fargo Sheyenne, No. T3 Mandan and Century and No. 5 Dargo Davies. Opponents Legacy and West Fargo also received votes.

Nonetheless, the Magi know what needs to be done.

“Our schedule is a gauntlet,” said Hendershot. “We take it one week at a time, and not game stands out. We’ve moved the dial and are working to continue taking steps as a program. It is a great core group of athletes that work hard and are great teammates.”