PERHAM, Minn.– It’s a high bar of athletic excellence at Perham. and for Yellowjackets football. Perham alumni, and second year head coach Jesse Hein knows all about that.  

“It’s fun. It’s familiar. It’s great to have guys on staff that coached me and just to give back to the community who did a lot for me,” said Hein. 

As a Perham graduate in 2012, he earned all-state honorable mention his senior year and helped the Yellowjackets reach the state tournament in 2011. Now instead of leading from the trenches, he’s leading from the sidelines. 

“You learn to surround yourself with good people. That’s what we’re about here in Perham,” said Hein. “And you just got to be around good people, help create good people out of these student athletes and just continue to try and give these student athletes and these guys an avenue to be successful in life.” 

Every year brings a new look to the Perham team. And in 2024, the Yellowjackets will need this year’s seniors to replace last year’s experienced senior class. 

 “I think we’ve figured out that we’ve played around 30 guys last year throughout the season on the varsity field,” said Hein. “So the kids have experience and it’s just going to be fun when they’re the guy and they’re the guy getting to be under the lights on Fridays. 

Senior lineman Cash Burke is ready for his opportunity. Specifically, as a bulldozer on the offensive line.  

“I get to trap people and pancake them. That’s about the best thing you can do,” said Burke. “My brain shuts off, it’s all football. I just go and if I don’t pancake him, he’s at least up the sideline.” 

The 2024 Perham squad starts their season in Hawley on August 30th. Then they play their first home game of the campaign on September 6 against regional foe Detroit Lakes.  

“It’s always fun. Any time you can play at home and get on your home grass in a rivalry game,” said Hein. 

“Oh man, it’s going to be great. I mean it just gives me the shivers right now,” said Burke. 

Section 8AAA will be tough as always. But coach Hein and his team say they’ll be ready for any challenge that comes their way. 

 “You just got to go week to week and compete and see how things go and how they shake out and see how it goes,” said Burke. 

“Everything has been great man. It’s almost nostalgic just being like, ‘Hey it’s our last year doing it,’ so just make it the best of what you can do with all of it.”