The first season of Otter Tail Central football’s 9-Man era was capped off at US Bank Stadium as the Bulldogs reached the MSHSL State Semi-Final game. The challenge now is finding their way back in year two.
“We got a bunch of new guys but still, the bar isn’t lowered,” said senior wide receiver and defensive back Teigan Bjerke.
Bulldogs head coach Eric Olson is entering his ninth season at the helm. Even with the deep playoff run a season ago, coach Olson says every year comes with high expectations for OTC football and it’s no different this time around. The first task will be replacing the contributions from last year’s nine seniors.
“Going to be a lot of new bodies to fill spots,” said Olson.
An impactful offense from OTC this season, like always, will mean a whole lot of rushing yards. Coming from a combination of talented backs and well, Bulldog lineman.
“We’re going to have to run the ball to be successful,” said Olson. “You look at most high schools, we’re not going to be able to throw the ball around. and then up in Minnesota, you get into that weather come late October, November you have to be able to run the ball because you don’t know what conditions you’re playing in.”
The grind of the early season can wear down a team. Coach Olson says health and durability are two of the most important parts of the early season grind.
“Stay the course. conditioning, conditioning, conditioning. but then also taking care of bodies as well. we won’t do a whole lot of contact. maybe a couple of hits per day going forward but then we have a scrimmage on Saturday where we’ll pound a little bit,” said Olson. “After pushing and shoving for one week already there’s a bit of irritation there so I can’t imagine what it will be like after a full week of practice here.”
Senior wide receiver and defensive back Teigan Bjerke wants to get back where they were a season ago. He says he feels the urgency to win coming into his senior season.
“It will really just make sure I can give it everything I got and not be so concerned like I have in previous years. some games I can just know it’s my last go around so just give it everything I got while I can.”
But he also knows his biggest impact can come as a leader to the underclassmen.
“I like just running through plays and teaching the younger guys and just seeing the improvement that they make. every practice just watching the younger guys improve,” said Bjerke.
Another senior ready to make his mark on the 2024 team is Maddox Mekalson. he takes pride in unleashing the bulldog defense and making a play any time he can.
“Definitely defense. I like hitting people,” said Mekalson.
A target is typically on the back of the defending section champions. And Mekalson is ready for everyone’s best shot.
“Definitely motivates us cause I think every team is thinking that we’re not going to be as good cause we lost nine seniors last year. but I think that we can surprise them again and go even further,” said Mekalson.
But no matter what happens in 2024, OTC players and coaches know the fans will be behind them no matter what.
“It’s always an unreal feeling,” said Bjerke. “The fans that come out no matter what the weather is really. They are always here and just suiting up and getting ready for the game is always a good feeling. It’s nothing like it, the adrenaline”
“I’m feeling very excited,” said Mekalson. “We pump up the music and we get out there and the crowd’s got really good vibes. I love to perform for them.”
Whether it’s their scrimmage Saturday in Battle Lake or their first game Thursday on the road against Goodridge/Grygla-Gatzke or any contest, coach Olson wants his players to do it the right way.
“We tell the kids before every game to have pride and act with class,” said Olson. “We want to be a classy organization. I think we try to display good sportsmanship. put everything out there on the field and be very competitive.”