Section 5A 9-Man Football Preview

August 18th, 2014

Tyler Peterson-NSO

With football right around the corner, a lot of local teams are looking to improve off of last season’s performances and advance to the State Tournament.

The Floodwood Polar Bears will look to defend their Section 5A title and return to the State Tournament after going 11-1 last season with their only loss coming in the State Tournament. Returning 15 players from last season roster, the Polar Bears hope for another successful season. The Polar Bears kick their season off on the road against Onamia on August 29th. They will have their first home game on September 5th against Hill City.

The Section 5A runners-up, the South Ridge Panthers, will look to make it back to the State Tournament as they did in 2012. Graduating 17 players from last years roster, the team will look to rely on the experience the younger players got from last season as they look to match or improve on their 9-2 record from last season. They will play Littlefork-Big Falls in their home and season opener on August 29th.

A notorious 9-man powerhouse, the Cromwell Cardinals will look to improve on their 3-6 record from last season. The Cardinals graduated just 3 players from last years roster. They open their season up on August 29th on the road against Hill City. They host their first home game on September 5th against Kelliher/Northome on September 5th.

The Wrenshall Wrens are coming off of a 5-5 season and will look to better that record this season. They will rely on their 9 seniors to lead the way this season. The Wrens start their season on the road against Northland on August 29th and will play at home on September 5th against Lake of the Woods.

The McGregor Mercs, another team that went 5-5, hopes to continue their solid play this season. Graduating a large group, the Mercs will kick off their season against Nevis on the road on August 29th. They play Northland at home on September 5th.

Lastly, the Carlton Bulldogs, a team who was youthful last season, not graduating a single player, will look to improve on the 0-8 record. Led by a group of 7 seniors, the Bulldogs will be tough with a year of experience under their belts. They open the season against Kelliher/Northome on the road on August 29th. They have their home opener on September 5th when they take on Onamia.

Tyler Peterson can be contacted at tpeterson@northlandsportsonline.com