Experience can do a lot of good for any football team. Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton head coach Tony Soderberg is hoping that it can pay off for his team this season.
The Rebels have five returning starters on offense and six on defense.
"Our seniors have been heavily invested in this program since they were in ninth grade," Soderberg said. "Now they have a chance to show off the hard work they've put in."
Since Soderberg took over the program four years ago, the Rebels have enjoyed success. They've won 23 games the last three years and have remained in the top half of the Minnesota Class 2A, Section 8 standings.
Last year, it showed on defense. The Rebels gave up 16.6 points per game and opened the playoffs with two shutouts.
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But if Soderberg had to point to a sour spot, it was definitely a 17-14 playoff loss to Pelican Rapids.
"They got 14 points off of turnovers and they didn't turn the ball over once," Soderberg said. "It was a lesson to be learned that anything can happen, but we have to work on protecting the football."
Outlook
With all the starters Soderberg has returning, he pointed to his quarterback.
Tanner Dufault was a first-year starter last year who directed the Rebels' run-heavy offense.
"He did a good job for us, but to get that varsity experience, that's something that will help both of us," Soderberg said. "We are going to keep him at quarterback and we're going to put him backfield to see him run the ball a little bit."
As for the defense, there are a few areas of concern.
Though most of his front four remains intact, the Rebels will be looking for three linebackers heading into the season.
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"We return our starting corners and one of them saw time at safety so he can play a little there too," Soderberg said. "We're going to be hurting at linebacker. But we have some kids that can step in and do a decent job."
