PARK RAPIDS, Minn.– Coming off a 6-4 season and their first home playoff victory in years, the anticipation for the latest season of Park Rapids Area Panther football is palpable.
“I look for a great, great atmosphere here, especially after least year,” said head coach Jeremy Nordick.
The season opener at home Friday night against Fergus Falls is getting closer by the day. Head Coach Jeremy Nordick is in his 7th season at Park Rapids Area. He and the coaching staff are hopeful a playoff run is in play for the panthers in 2024.
“We know we have to outwork everyone else in our section to have an opportunity to win. and our kids are fully bought in on that,” said Nordick.
Nordick believes the Panthers will have a well-balanced offense in 2024. But he says the strength of Park Rapids Area, comes in the experience of his defense. The unit is returning 9 of 11 starters on that side of the football.
“All those guys got bigger in the weight room. They’re more physical, more confident. They’re more mature,” said Nordick. “So, seeing them fly around and making plays this first week and a half gives me a lot of confidence as their coach that we should be able to stop some of these teams that have some pretty good athletes.”
One of those defenders is Kaleb Weaver, who is trying to work his way into a starting spot at nose guard coming into his senior season.
“Being loud, being a leader, and just bringing as much intensity as possible,” said Weaver. “There’s been a lot of intensity with this team. I feel like we can go a very long way if we stay together and stay positive.”
Weaver says he and his teammates have been waiting since last season ended for another crack at reaching the section championship game.
“Fargodome baby,” said weaver. “That’s all we want.”
Fellow senior Landon Strasburg isn’t happy that it’s his final season in the Panther orange and black.
“Yeah, I hate it,” said Strausburg. I hate it that it’s my senior year.”
But he’s soaking in every moment of his senior season and wants to go out on a high note.
“It’s so awesome. i love it and it’s just my favorite thing in the whole entire world,” said Strausburg. “Just being out here with the boys. getting to hitting. hearing the pads pop just gets me ready for Friday nights.”
No matter what happens this season, both the coaches and players know the Park Rapids Area fans will be right behind them throughout the fall.
“Oh, it’s amazing. Just having that many people coming out and watching a winning football team again,” said weaver. “It has just such a good feeling. it makes you just want to really play and give it your all.”