Even with 15 out of 22 starters being freshmen and sophomores, Josh Anderson, first-year Trojan football coach, feels confident about his team's readiness for Saturday's game against University of Minnesota-Morris (UMM).
"I know they're ready," said Anderson.
The Cougars, an NCAA Div. III team, and the Trojans will kick off at 7 p.m. on Madison's Trojan Field. This will be the Trojans' first game of the season. UMM beat Trinity Bible College 49-0 at Ellendale, N.D., last Saturday.
Anderson has named Paul Bagala, a freshman from Poulsbo, Wash., as his starting quarterback, beating out junior Ed O'Conner and freshman Cole Whisenhunt.
"Paul just did the right things for us. He didn't do anything flashy, but he didn't have to do anything flashy. He made the right checks, the right reads. He understands the routes, he knows the running plays and he understands the running plays. He just knows it all," said Anderson. "It was a tough choice, but we felt like it was the right choice for the football team."
The three-sport athlete from Kingston High School is looking forward to the opportunity to lead DSU at quarterback.
"When I heard I was given the opportunity to start, I got pretty excited, but then I started to think of my assignments," said Bagala, the first freshman that Anderson met on his first day as head coach. "The offense is pretty easy to learn, and there's a lot of passing plays, so I hope I get to throw some touchdowns on Saturday."
Listed as starting fullback is junior Joe Whealy from Chester. Junior Mike Trimble from Fullerton, Calif., is listed as the starting tailback. Both players sat out in last Saturday's scrimmage with minor injuries.
"They're both looking healthy and looking good, and will be ready to go come Saturday," said Anderson. "I expect great things from them."
At wide receiver, Bagala will have freshmen Stacey Berg and Drew Allen as targets, along with junior Kyle McIntire, who replaces Eric Farrer in the starting rotation. Farrer suffered an injury in Wednesday's practice.
"We can use Drew at many spots. He can play tailback and he'll return punts and kickoffs for us, so he's great to have on the field. We can put him wherever we need him on the field and he can handle it," said Anderson. "Once Stacey gets in the open field, I think he has the speed to go the distance. You can't go wrong with Kyle. He's a possession wide receiver and just makes plays, which is what you need."
Up front, DSU will have Matt Glick, Jacob Nikolaisen, Ryan Poss, Ray Schiefen and Marshall Doeden on the offensive line, with Luke Tinklenburg starting at tight end.
"I'm really excited about that front six, and I think we're going to be great because of them," said Anderson. "Luke is all athletic and is tremendous at the tight end spot."
DSU received the unfortunate news that secondary members Niko Fonoti and Griffin Sturm are ineligible to play this week due to academic issues.
"Two of our better defensive backs won't even be out there, but that's the way it goes," said Anderson.
At the two safety spots, Craig Hertz will play free safety and Josh Windsor will play the strong safety.
"Those guys can handle it and will do a good job as well. I'm not even worrying about those guys in there," said Anderson. "They can play."
Freshman John Niesen and sophomore Bryce Logan will roam the field at the corners.
"Excellent, excellent athletes," said Anderson.
Anderson said Logan worked hard over the summer to earn his starting spot on Saturday, "and I'm very proud of him. John Niesen is a grown man in a young guy's body."
DSU will send out three freshman linebackers against the Cougars: Eric Liles, Steel Armstrong and Garrett Worster.
"All three are freshmen, but all can hit hard and quick. I'm really excited to see what the core can do," said Anderson.
The defensive line unit is led by senior captain Chris Schiller, who will start at nose guard. Anderson said that Schiller is quite a load in the middle.
"If you don't block him with two guys, he's going to make plays. He is just that good," he said.
Wade Hoffman, Brandon Stahl and Dana Felderman round out the defensive line.
"These guys will have the opportunity to make some plays this year, and I have trust in all of the guys starting," said Anderson. "I want Dakota State to be known for tough defense."
Berg will handle the place-kicking duties and Austen Hanten will be the starter at punter.
With a load of youth on the team, Anderson sums up his team this way:
"We're young but we've got talent. The whole team is ready to get after it and I can't wait," he said.
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