PINE RIVER, Minn.– Pine River-Backus Tiger Football is back on the field with something to prove this fall. The team is motivated to win their first game since the 2023 season.
“I think it has been a really good first two weeks of practice,” said 4th year head coach Nate Fischer. “It helps that we are a little bit of an older team this year with 10 seniors.”
36 athletes are out for Tiger football, the most Fischer has had as he enters his fourth season leading the Pine River-Backus sideline. coach fischer and his staff knew a shakeup was in order to jump start the program. Overhauling their offense and defense.
“Our guys have really bought into the new systems,” said Fischer. “We went up to the Bemidji State Team Camp to get some reps in July and so that was really good for us and it’s really accelerated how fast we’re picking up the new offense and the new defense and it’s been really good. We made a promise to the guys that we’re not going to be complacent with an 0-9 season and keep doing the same thing.”
The changes may not stick out to fans in the bleachers but coach Fischer and staff simplified their approach. However, the main tenants of Pine River-Backus football remain the same.
Running the football effectively at a high rate.
“We have a great running back in Sean Reyes. We got a big offensive line up front. Hopefully we can move some bodies with those guys. That’s what I hope our offense looks like,” said Fischer. “Last year, we played at our best when we were playing with some tempo. and so hopefully we can incorporate that a little bit more this year.”
Owen Dabill is the starting wide receiver and cornerback, ready to make the most of his senior season. Especially playing alongside his younger brother, sophomore Dawson Dabill.
“I’m very excited. One last time, I’m a senior,” said Dabill.
Senior Andrew Volk is ready to lead the tiger offense in his second season as the starting quarterback and defensive end. Throwing a 67-yard touchdown pass to Owen Dabill last season his top football moment. Now he’s ready to make more memories in his final go-around with Pine River-Backus.
“Putting that in the rear view mirror and moving on,” said Volk. “We’re a new team. We’re going to hopefully show everyone that’s not the kind of team that we are.”
Being the starting signal caller can be daunting, but volk is using his year of experience to help guide him on both sides of the football in 2025.
“Defensive end, you’re just taking on bigger tackles and bigger offensive lineman that you don’t expect to take off. Quarterback is just able to be responsible for everyone else on the field, knowing what to do and making the right plays every single time,” said Volk.
The Tigers prepare for their season opener August 28 when they host Red Lake County. Local rivals are lined up all through the schedule, like matchups against Walker-Hackensack-Akeley and Nevis.
“Nevis and [Walker-Hackensack-Akeley]. Walker always has been our rival. Nevis, for baseball at least, has always been our rival and I’m excited to play those two,” said Dabill.
Every week will present its own challenges. But coach Fischer and company believe they have the leadership and the knowledge to make 2025 a fun season.
“The support they have for these kids is awesome,” said Fischer. “Obviously, 0-9 last year left a bad taste in our mouth and you got to sit with that for 9 months and so it was really exciting to get back out here day one. We just have a great support here in Pine River-Backus and really looking forward to putting a good product on the field this year.”