NEW YORK MILLS, Minn.– New York Mills football is entering a new era in 2025.

Head coach Matt Radniecki retired after three decades of leading the Eagles football program. Now, it’s time for first year head coach Zach Hocking to fly Eagles football into a new chapter.

“It’s a whole different feeling coming in this year. Matt has been here for a long time. Really, really appreciate what Matt’s done here and what he [did] to help me along the way and what I look forward to doing in the upcoming seasons,” said Hocking.

Hocking spent three seasons on the Eagles coaching staff. Working his way up to coaching the offensive and defensive lines the last two seasons.

Now he’s ready for the opportunity to be the program’s next head coach.

“First year, it’s a learning curve,” said Hocking.

It’s a smaller but dedicated group of eagle athletes preparing for the battle of the 2025 season. But no matter who is out on the field, coach Hocking is ready to continue the mainstays of New York Mills football’s ground and pound approach while adding his own identity.

“Our message was ‘Do the little things right.’ Right now, we have to focus on the little things. We have to focus on our fundamentals.”

“Don’t get me wrong, we are still going to be that power football team. We’re gonna run the ball. But look for us to put the ball in the air too,” said Hocking. “It’s a big part of our game. Football is changing and we have to change too.”

Gage Brasel is ready for the change of pace, citing his ability to consistently grab the football in the air as his calling card.

“I’ve worked on it, yeah but I feel like once my sophomore year came around it became more natural for me to catch the football. Ever since then, it’s been easy,” said Brasel.

Another senior ready to leave it all out on the field this fall is running back Finn Roder.

“Oh, I’m excited. I’m shaking right now,” said Roder. “I’m ready for it right now. I’m ready.”

With opponents like Wadena-Deer Creek, Menahga, and Parkers Prairie on the schedule in 2025, both Brasel and Roder know they need to be sharp. Not only with their play, but also as senior leaders.

“I feel like all seniors are going to have to step up and show the young guys because we have a lot of young guys and we have to show them how to play Eagles football. just to be there for them and teach them along the way,” Brasel.

“i think it’s important to just be the hardest working guy and lead by example. if the oldest guy is the hardest working guy, that means everyone is going to fall in place and they are going to work hard too,” said Roder.

Eagles coaches and players are entering a new chapter together. But one thing is always the same. The thrill of playing under the lights on Friday nights in front of their home fans.

“Friday night lights is something special and yeah it’s a big part of New York Mills and I hope it gets bigger. I hope people are just flooding the stands,” said Hocking.

Catch up with everything New York Mills sports by clicking here.