STAPLES, Minn.– Staples-Motley football is back following a 12-win season and their first state tournament appearance in two decades resulting in a Prep Bowl appearance.
“I think about [making the prep bowl last season] every day,” said senior lineman Riley Reese.
Fourth year head coach Drew Potter’s team is locked in. Putting last season behind and focusing on finding their way back to the biggest stage in 2025.
“These kids, these seniors especially, want to carve out their own path. We still have something to prove,” said Potter.
The Cardinals return many of their electric skill position players. But the early weeks of camp have been focused on filling out other areas of the depth chart.
“We have our position players back for the most part. The problem is obviously filling in on that offensive line and defensive line. We’re feeling really good about where our offensive and defensive lines are,” said Potter.
One of those offensive lineman is senior center and right side linebacker Riley Reese. Who says the new look offensive line is coming together, starting with proper communication.
“It’s probably the most essential thing is to be a unit. You can have an undersized line and still move bigger guys if you’re working together,” said Reese. “You have to stay really low and take good angles. You have another big guy to move and you have to make room for your runners.”
The line will look to pave the way for senior running back Colbe Tappe. Using last season’s run as motivation, he knows the cardinals are no longer underdogs going into the 2025 campaign.
“That Barnesville game for sure was definitely a highlight but I think this year there will be more to come too,” said Tappe. “Especially after being looked down on last year and not being one of the top seeds in the state and coming off and getting second place. There is definitely a goal to get first this year and I think we can do it.”
Starting quarterback and senior Eli Rutten knows how far both he and the team have come throughout his varsity career.
“My confidence and decision making as a quarterback. Got to be a leader out there leading the offense and keeping my team together and that’s definitely been a big area from my freshman to senior years.”
Being a defending section champion and prep bowl participant means a tougher schedule. Including rematches with Pillager and Barnesville, along with several class three-a teams. The Cardinals know they belong but no week will be easy.
“Our motto this year is ‘respect all and fear none.’ and I think that’s great, we need to continue respecting everybody and not afraid to play anybody so that’s kind of our mantra this year and I think it will pay off,” said Potter.
Kickoff for 2025 starts at home against East Grand Forks and enthusiasm for cardinal football is at an all-time high. Coach Potter and company know that what once may have been a lofty goal is now an expectation for the 2025 season.
“That is the goal. I think a lot of guys have that. They want a state championship. They had a taste of the runner up. Now they want the whole thing,” said Potter.
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