PARKERS PRAIRIE, Minn.– Parkers Prairie football reached the state tournament a season ago. Something the Panthers haven’t done in 20 years. Head coach Mike Johnson and his team are primed to avoid repeating that long drought with another strong team in 2024.
“Ultimately, it’s the goal to get back to the section finals and see where things fall,” said Johnson.
Over 50 kids are out for football in Parkers Prairie this year. Their large senior class is expected to lead the charge in the journey to get back to the Fargodome.
“We’ve got 17 seniors coming back who have all had some experience last year on the varsity level and so just their experience there, leadership. having a big senior class is a huge luxury for us,” said Johnson. “They want to get back there. They want to earn their spot. write their story.”
Coach Johnson knows they can’t rest on last year’s accomplishments. Adding that the team has spent the first few weeks of practice building up speed and physicality for the grind of a long season.
“We’ve got some guys with good size. We got some guys that are physical and tough and want to get after it. but we also have a lot of really good athletes,” said Johnson.
The start of the football season is a bittersweet feeling for senior wide receiver and defensive back Ben Wagner. But after all the great memories on the field, his favorite memories are spending time with his teammates.
“Last first game ever so it’s going to be tough,” said Wagner. “Honestly, the best memories come either long bus rides or locker room talks or just fun messing around with the boys.”
Fellow senior Mason Boesl is ready for one more run with teammates. Especially all his senior classmates as they hope to return to the section 6A championship game.
“Yeah we have a big group. We’re pretty close together on the field and off the field,” said Boesl. “It was a fun year and just like new stuff, playing in the Fargodome was awesome and hoping to do it again this year.”
The Panthers open the season at home Friday night against Lake Park-Audubon. Coach Johnson is ready to see the bleachers filled in maroon and gold again.
“It’s exciting. Everybody is pretty excited to get out there and get after it. Starting off with a home game makes it even more exciting,” said Johnson.