NEVIS, Minn.– Nevis Tigers football has spent the last eight months celebrating reaching the pinnacle of high school football; winning a state championship after defeating Kingsland 14-12 in the MSHSL 9-Man State Championship game.
“There’s definitely a target but I’m just out here to play football,” said senior linebacker and fullback Eli Klimek. “We’re here to win a state championship and that’s it.”
The hardest part of winning a state title can be defending that honor the next season. Head coach Shawn Klimek is entering his 19th season patrolling the Nevis sidelines. He says it’s time to put 2023 in the rearview and focus on 2024 and the future.
“It was really an awesome experience from the end of November to probably June 1,” said Shawn Klimek. “Then it kind of changed where we went from being able to do all of these fun things and everybody is looking at you as the state champs to now it’s got to get back to work.”
Senior starting quarterback Devan Lindow is ready to get back to US Bank Stadium.
“Of course. It’s always about winning and we’re trying to win again,” said Lindow.
He loves playing quarterback and the responsibilities that the position requires as leader of the offense.
“Knowing everything that goes on, on the field. Knowing every position, every player, what they’re doing,” said Lindow. “That’s what I bring to the team. know what they do and tell them if they don’t know.”
Bennett Mitchell is ready for the opportunity to be a senior leader this season. And he knows how important that role can be for the future of Tigers football.
“It’s an honor. Leading the young kids like when I looked up to [the older kids] to back in the day and all that stuff. it’s awesome,” said Mitchell. “I think it’s always felt the same to me. but I mean now I’m a leader and this is my last year so I got to take it all in. I used to take it all for granted but now I can’t.”
Eli Klimek is ready to pop the pads on defense.
“I like hitting people. It’s the best spot on the team. you can hit anyone, makes plays, make stops, keep ‘em off the scoreboard,” said Eli Klimek.
He knows a target will be on the back of the reigning state champs. But Klimek is ready for the fans to support them in their attempt to get back to the promised land.
“It’s going to be full of excitement and adrenaline and we’re going to go out there and show them what Nevis football is all about,” said Eli Klimek.
At the end of the day, Nevis players and coaching say they’re living the small-town football dream.
“Small school football is as best as it gets,” said Shawn Klimek. “The community loves you. You walk uptown and everyone wants to talk to you about things that you’re doing in the program. Everyone wants to know who the quarterback is every year and things like that. So, it’s fun and it’s fun for everybody to come and watch and it’s just a special night here on Friday nights.”