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MURDOCK — Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg will look to bounce back after a lackluster 2-6 record in Mid State Blue Sub-District play in ‘21.
The Fighting Saints return 10 starters to their lineup between offense and defense, including all-district and all-section senior tight end/linebacker Isaac Rudningen.
Rudningen led KMS’ defense with 113 tackles and three interceptions, adding one sack and a forced fumble. He also led the Fighting Saints in receptions (48) and yards (753), tying running back Hunter Kallstrom for a team-high six receiving touchdowns.
Kallstrom led the team with 10 sacks and two forced fumbles, tallying 70 tackles on defense.
Two players to watch that were not in the Fighting Saints’ lineup in ‘21 are senior Chase Magaard, who makes his return from injury, and senior Jaiden Henjum, who did not play football last season
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“Chase has gotten taller, faster and stronger. He is a great athlete and a great tackler,” KMS fourth-year head coach Jason Fernholz said. ”Jaiden is a piece we have been missing, especially in the secondary. He is explosive with good hands and will make an impact on offense.”
A key loss in their lineup in ‘22 is Alex Call. He was the Fighting Saints’ starting quarterback and had 18 tackles and one fumble recovery in ‘21.
Junior Jared Cortez will be the Fighting Saints’ quarterback in ‘22. He threw for 840 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions on 63 completions. He also recorded 303 receiving yards on 25 catches and ran for two touchdowns on 25 carries.
“I feel like we will be unpredictable and teams will have difficulty matching up with our speed and athleticism,” Fernholz said. “Our run defense and run offense need to improve significantly heading into this year.”
The Fighting Saints host the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars at 7 p.m. Sept. 2.
KMS Fighting Saints
Sept. 2 vs. BBE, 7 p.m.
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Sept. 9 at Browerville/EV, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 vs. Upsala/Swanville, 7 p.m.
Sept. 23 at BOLD, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Benson, 7 p.m.
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Oct. 7 vs. Kimball, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 at ACGC, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 vs. LPGE, 7 p.m.
