South's run of two consecutive state championships was snapped by Bismarck in the 3A title game.
However, many thought the Bruins might not even make it that far after a demoralizing season-opening 40-6 loss at Edina.
South rebounded nicely by finishing undefeated in the Eastern Dakota Conference. The Bruins picked up an extra win during the offseason when Edina was forced to forfeit its win due to the use of an ineligible player.
"I think the way that season went, as far as us losing that first game and rebounding to win 10 in a row, we were pleased with where we were at," South coach Kevin Feeney.
Sure, it was a good year. But it wasn't a championship, something Bruin fans have come to expect during Feeney's time as head coach.
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South can get revenge for its only losses last year in back-to-back weeks early in the season. The Bruins host Edina on Sept. 4 at the Fargodome, and travel to Bismarck on Sept. 11.
"Our slogan for this year is start fast, finish strong," Feeney said. "Our goal all year is to be playing our best football in November. But we feel like the teams we face in Weeks 1 through 3 are going to be as good as we face all season."
Outlook
All eyes have been fixed on the Bruins backfield for years.
And with good reason.
Running backs Catlyn Solum, Josh Horner and Brandon Jemison - the featured backs in each of the past four years - flashed past defenders and piled up yardage by the truckload.
Jemison, now a freshman at North Dakota State, was last year's standout. He will be very hard to replace.
"I think we have the potential to be (just as explosive)," Feeney said. "But I think there is an unknown about who will emerge."
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It will help that South returns three big, solid linemen to open up holes in seniors Gerad Fugleberg, Pat Crowe and Alex Messmer.
The backs in line to replace Jemison are Adam Boe, Sam Callahan Matt Achter and Julius Midell.
"We feel like we've got the bodies that are capable of being very good football players," Feeney said.
