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MONTEVIDEO — Needing to replace 12 seniors from a year ago, the Montevideo Thunder Hawks know they’ll be a young squad in 2022.
But in that youth, there is a squad eager for success after going 1-8 last season.
“There is no doubt that we are a young team with not a lot of experience,” said Montevideo head coach Dave Vik, who returns to the head role after a two-year hiatus. “However, these kids are hungry, willing to learn and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. We have exceptional leadership in the upper classes and excitement with the less experienced.”
There are three returning starters for the Thunder Hawks, led by junior running back/linebacker Francis O’Malley. In ‘21, O’Malley ran for 1,078 yards while also leading the team with 81 tackles.
Two seniors — Mason Jerve and Greyson Eisenlohr — return to the trenches. Jerve is on both the offensive and defensive lines while Eisenlohr is a defensive lineman. Jerve had 2-1/2 sacks and 9-1/2 tackles for loss last season.
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“He’s a fierce defensive end,” Vik said of Jerve.
A pair of seniors that Vik is hoping for an impact from are Fox Huber and Ethan Moravetz
“(Fox) spot played last season as a junior but has put the time and effort in the weight room to become an impact player,” Vik said. “(Ethan) started seeing more time at the end of last season. He has transformed into a hard-nosed athlete that will be a difference-maker on both sides of the ball.”
Junior Cooper Dack will take over at quarterback and is “very agile and has good vision down field” according to Vik. Another junior, wide receiver Devin Ashling, is expected to play a big role for Montevideo in his first varsity action. And after missing ‘21 with an injury, sophomore Landon Olson will see time at inside linebacker and at running back.
The Thunder Hawks head to Sauk Centre for the season opener on Friday, Sept. 2. The home opener is on Friday, Sept. 9 against Morris/Chokio-Alberta.
Montevideo Thunder Hawks
Sept. 2 at Sauk Centre, 7 p.m.
Sept. 9 vs. Morris/CA, 7 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Pierz, 7 p.m.
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Sept. 23 vs. Minnewaska, 7 p.m.
Sept. 30 vs. Melrose, 7 p.m.
Oct. 7 at Rockford, 7 p.m.
Oct. 14 vs. Holdingford, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 at Paynesville, 7 p.m.
