Six Seniors to Kick Off MHS Football Season

The Bulldogs turn up the lights for the first game of their 2023 football season this Friday night, August 25. Milbank hosts Beresford and hopes to avenge the loss they suffered last year at the hands of the Watchdogs. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at  A. B. Campbell Stadium.

The Bulldogs have six seniors on their roster–Jayden Johnson, Garrett Mertens, Yohana Ajwanga, Landon Novy, Raul Berrones, and Jairek Frazee–and Coach Brian Allmendinger says one of the biggest positives for the team this year is strength. “We have good size on both our offensive and defensive lines.” Power and varsity experience could prove to be a winning combination. Allmendinger also expects to rely on the leadership skills of seniors Mertens, Berrones, and Johnson.

Allmendinger views Dell Rapids, West Central, Dakota Valley, and Madison as Milbank’s toughest competitors. To take them out, he plans to keep the Bulldogs focused on perfecting their tackling, executing schemes, and securing the ball. 

He also sees the Bulldog fans as an important piece of his game-winning strategy. “In my time here, I have been extremely impressed with the fans and the support they have shown for our players – win or lose.”

The Bulldog Booster Club has also played a major role in the team’s success. “The Booster club has been tremendously supportive,” Allmendinger says. They approved significant funds for the weight room improvements, game field improvements, Riggs football camp, and game pants for our first annual Pink Night to be held on October 6.”  He thanked the Booster Club for their contributions and said, ” Overall, I couldn’t be happier. The Booster Club has not turned me down on anything I’ve asked for, which Mr. Scoular will tell you is a lot.” He lists his goals for the season as having fun, making the playoffs, and taking it from there.

2023 Bulldogs team members:
Seniors – Jayden Johnson, Garrett Mertens, Yohana Ajwanga, Landon Novy, Raul Berrones, and Jairek Frazee.
Complete roster  – 
Sam Rick
Joe French
Braylen Bowsher
Tate Schlueter
Ethan Owen
Oliver Erickson
Jaxson Wiese
James Nelson
Rashawn Gertsema
Esteban Abrego
Hunter Hawley
Lance Engebretson
Micah Tostenson
Mason Allen
Liam Street
Jeter Scoular
Ethan Seyer
Owen Tesch
Evan Henderson
Chaxton Goldammer
Mack Koplin
Jesse Schneck
Layton Osowski
Aiden Kelly
Lucas Johnson
Keegin Carlin
Samuel Shelstad
Hiram Bryant
Hunter Reede
Devon Mueller
Cam’ron Graham
Ethan Adolph
Jacob Erickson
Bergen Nolting
Oliver Korth
Carter Gloe 
Moises Sanchez
Cody Wiik
Jack Street
Harley Zemlicka
Emmett Hanson

Photo: Seniors: Jairek Frazee, Landon Novy, Yohana Ajwanga, Jayden Johnson, Garrett Mertens. Not pictured Raul Berrones.