Coming off of back to back league titles the Carlson Marauders are looking to make it three in a row. Under second year head coach Jason Gendron he heads up a team led by four returners on offense and four on defense.
Of the returners they bring back Senior Jackson Zachary, and Junior Joe Krolak who are in the middle of a Quarterback battle to see who will be the starter. While both are competing for the Quarterback job, they will both play a key role for the Marauders as Krolak is the starting Punter and Zachary will return to his Receiver role. However, that isn’t the only battle in camp as Coach Gendron said there will be battles everywhere as the graduation of seniors opened up many opportunities in every phase of the game. Also returning for the Marauders is standout Sophomore Izaiah Wright who was the backup Running Back for the Marauders as he ran for close to 600 yards and had eight touchdowns as a freshman.
Leading up the defense will be Senior Linebacker Antonio Burrell who is a vocal leader on the team. He is a physical player who Gendron said will be counted on to make big plays for the Marauders.
As for players to watch this season Gendron pointed out Junior Tight End Drew Sikora who was the starter for the JV team in that position and got practice reps behind starter Ben Przytula last year. He also said to watch out for Sophomore Avery Ortiz who will look to get reps at both Running Back and Linebacker. For Ortiz Gendron said “He is small in stature, but plays very tough.”
The Marauders will open the season on Thursday August 24 when they host Carleton Airport. They will then open up league play the following week as they travel to Dearborn Edsel Ford.