Former NFL Head Coach Rex Ryan once said, “The best place to be is where expectations are high.”
If that adage holds true, then there many be no better place than Winner, South Dakota.
The Warriors have hung banners in 1981, 1987, 1989, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2020 and 2021.
And with the #1 ranking in both the Coaches & Media Poll, the expectations continue to be the top of the mountain.
“Expectations don’t really change in Winner. We want to be on the home field as much as we can get and we want to get to the Dome and win it,” said Head Coach Trent Olson.
“I don’t think our kids have anything else in their mind except to be successful. I quit asking the seniors for seasons goals because they were always the same. They (the expectations) are high. But what do you want to shoot for? I appreciate that the kids accept these goals and the hard work that they put in.”
Shawn Hammerback will lead the journey towards a 5th straight trip to the title game after a great sophomore campaign and a tremendous fall camp that look to be a preview of great things to come.
“Shawn has been destruction on one side of the ball. Last year he was a defensive weapon as sophomore and he absolutely destroys everything. He’s going be a guy.”
Aiden Barfuss also is set to be a key piece at linebacker on the defense, while continuing his offensive success. The senior finished with 38.5 tackles last season, and over 1,000 yards on the ground.
Joining Barfuss on defense will be junior Karson Keiser, who broke up 10 passes last season, along with classmate Jude Sargent (36.5 tackles).
All three return from a defensive unit that gave up just 7.8 points per game last fall and will headline a team that looks to fully embrace the challenges ahead, including a tough opening matchup against Tri-Valley.
“I think Tri-Valley is the most underrated teams in the state. They are a well coached team. They return all their skill, their speed and they are explosive. That’s going to be one of the best teams in the state.”
Tonight, the Warriors will look start this season’s journey in Winner.
And though they’ll look to spend as much time as they can at their home field, there’s only one place this team wants the year to end.
Vermillion.
You can check out the Warriors complete schedule below.
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