WILLMAR – Willmar’s football team is ready for another baptism of fire this fall.
The Cardinals have four teams on their schedule that qualified for the Class AAAA state tournament last year, starting with a non-district game in Week 1 against Benilde-St. Margaret’s, then playing state runner-up Rocori at home in Week 5, at defending state champion Hutchinson in Week 6 and at home against Totino-Grace in Week 8.
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“The most important thing is preparation and we had a really good summer,” Willmar head coach Jon Konold said. “As a coaching staff, we really focused on the things we wanted to be successful with. The old saying is, ‘go slow to get fast,’ so we really want to make sure the kids have the fundamentals down so we can build on them and get faster from there.”
This begins with the return of eight experienced starters from last year’s 2-7 team.
Senior running back Conlan Carlson looks to be a force in the backfield after finishing second on the team in rushing in 2023. He will also be used on defense as a safety. “Conlan is a versatile running back who can both run and catch the ball out of the backfield,” Konold said. “His strengths are his ability to see the field and his agility.”
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Schedule 2024
Friday, August 30 against Benilde-St. Margaret’s
Friday, September 6 in Marshall
Friday, September 13th against Princeton
Friday, September 20th at Becker
Friday, September 27 against Rocori
Friday, October 4 in Hutchinson
Friday, October 11th in Chisago Lakes
Wednesday, October 16 against Totino-Grace
The defensive line is led by Finley Donelan. The 1.95 m tall and 100 kg Donelan has been a regular player for three years. He will be joined on the line by the also returning senior starter Gustavo Blue Arce (1.75 m, 101 kg). In addition to Donelan, the defensive line includes the returning senior Luke McCleary (1.83 m, 101 kg) and the junior Cameren Champagne (1.78 m, 86 kg).
“Finley will be one of the best linemen in the district,” Konold said. “For a big guy, he’s very fast and athletic.”
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Wideout Jackson Schnichels returns after leading the team in receiving in 2023. He will be joined on the outside positions by teammate Ethan Riemersma. And the ball will be thrown by junior Jordan Ellingson, who took over the quarterback position midway through last season.
“As the only returner in the receiver corps, Jackson appears to be the Cardinals’ top target,” Konold said. “He’s a good route runner and catches the ball really well.”
Braeden Fagerlie is back at linebacker. And after a knee injury ended his junior season prematurely, Ethan Swierenga hopes to become the anchor in the defensive backfield.
“He’s worked extremely hard to get back to 100 percent,” Konold said. “Ethan looks to be a shutdown corner for the Cardinals.”
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