STAPLES, Minn.– Staples-Motley Cardinals football has their sights set on another strong season in 2026.

“Feeling pretty good, you know, the boys are all getting dialed, all kind of learning our roles here,” said junior Beau Carlson.

The Cardinals have won 28 games in the last three seasons, including a trip to the Prep Bowl in 2024.

“I think it’s just a couple years ago we got a state run. It was just so much fun being able to see my brother succeed in a lot of that,” said senior Evan Schultz.

After an 8-2 record in 2025, 5th year head coach Drew Potter is turning it over to a young flock in 2026. Only two returning starters are back for Staples-Motley. Five sophomores will be making their first career starts on Thursday night in East Grand Forks.

“That’s one of the funnest parts of coaching is kind of putting those pieces together and trying to get a team together that really fits and can all run the plays and execute,” said Potter.

One returning starter is junior running back and safety Beau Carlson.

“I got captain, first year this year. So I’m trying to be a good leader, you know, help the younger kids out,” said Carlson.

Running the football with ferocity is Carlson’s specialty. He’s ready to tote the rock and carry the Cardinal offense all season long.

“I’d say I got pretty good vision, you know, once I see a hole I can hit it pretty hard and then I get pretty good breakout speed,” said Carlson. “I mean, I’m not really thinking that much when i’m getting it, it just all comes natural. But you know, I try to just follow my blockers, see the field.”

Staples-Motley will aim for a balanced offensive attack this fall. Senior wide receiver Evan Schultz is transitioning to the position from tight end. Now, he hopes to use his route running and timing skills to move the ball downfield for the Cardinals.

“I think those shorter routes like the slant or a hitch is fun because then you get to make contact with the defensive back as well as trying to break free,” said Schultz. “Being able to make plays with the ball. Catching passes is the best feeling, I think, in football. Being able to block a corner is really rewarding.”

Another tough schedule awaits the Cardinals. Class AA and Class AAA opponents are on the docket. Including a rivalry matchup in Pillager against the Huskies in week 7.

“Oh yeah, Pillager,” said Carlson. “We need to go there this year. They got us last year. It’s always a fun game to play. excited for that one.”

“Just going through and competing in each and every single [game],” said Potter. “Under the lights each and every single time is what I want them to do is just compete with great attitude and great effort.”

But no matter who is on the schedule, coach Potter and crew are ready to bring cardinal football back to the community for another fall.

“We’ve got great support. I think that we’ll travel well even to those far away games. I think at home we’ll have great crowds like we did the last few years,” said Potter.

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