Change of sub-districts for Lakers

By John Fragodt, Sports Reporter

The Minnewaska Area football team is set to open up the 2023 season at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 31 at home against the visiting Morris Area-CA Tigers.

The Lakers not only have a slight change to their section alignment this fall, but they also have a change in their sub-district.

Minnewaska Area played in the same sub-district as Pierz, Rockford, Morris Area-CA, Melrose Area and Montevideo last year, forming a very strong 6-team sub-district.  This year, Morris Area-CA has left the sub-district, but Sauk Centre, Albany and Howard Lake-WW have joined to form an 8-team sub-district that is even stronger.

In Section 6AAA, Morris Area-CA and Pierz have moved out, while Sauk Centre has moved in to form a 6-team section, which also includes Albany, Melrose Area, Montevideo and NLS.  

Although there are only six teams in the section, several of the teams have consistently fielded very strong football teams.  “Our section is still loaded with very good teams and it should be fun to compete in,” said second year Minnewaska head football coach Jared Lyle.  

NLS won last year’s section title with a victory over Albany before going on to earn the Class AAA state title by one point during Prep Bowl.

The home game with the Tigers is one of four home games for the Lakers this year.  The other home games are set for Sept. 15 (Pierz), Sept. 29 (Rockford for Homecoming) and Oct. 6 (Montevideo).

•  Speaking of great days to watch the Lakers in action this fall, Tuesday, Sept. 5 should be one of the best chances.  On that day, there are four home varsity contests scheduled for Minnewaska Area.  The Minnewaska soccer team is set to host a very strong St. Cloud Cathedral program at 5 p.m. (JV start), while the Laker volleyball team is set to host Montevideo later that evening.

In addition, the girls tennis team is also set to host Montevideo in an important WCC clash, while the Gators’ swimming and diving team is also set to compete at home, hosting Albany at 6 p.m.

The cross-country teams are also set to race that day, but Minnewaska Area is set to compete at the WDC Invitational where the Lakers will face WDC for the first time after WDC edged the Laker girls for the final state berth last season.

Yes, it’s always exciting to begin a new sports season, but you don’t get many opportunities to see four of the varsity teams in action the same day at home.