PARK RAPIDS, Minn.– Park Rapids Area Panther Football is ready for the fight of the 2025 season, especially as they move back up to Section 8 AAA.

“Oh, I love being out here. It’s my favorite time of the year,” said starting quarterback Carter Hirt.

Jeremy Nordick is entering his 8th season as head coach of Park Rapids Area Football.

“We got team guys here,” said coach Nordick. “We got 45 guys that are excited about being out here and playing Panther football.”

Before the bell rings at the start of the season, coach Nordick’s message to the team is simple: Stay in the fight.

“If we block well, if we tackle well, and we win the turnover battle, and then we bring it, that intensity level. If we are excited about playing football and we are excited about trying to get our school and our team, our community wins. then I think we will be in good shape,” said Nordick. “If we can stay in the fight. We’re competing against some pretty, pretty good teams there in Section 8 AAA. so we’re constantly in a battle to try and compete with those guys.”

The Panther head coach is excited about his mix of veteran and young players. Specifically, his returning upper classmen that gained valuable varsity experience in 2024.

“It’s huge. That experience is everything. We got plenty of experienced guys that have been there, have played in big moments, played in big games, played in overtime games, have done all those things,” said Nordick. “So pretty good experience there that we are definitely going to rely on and lean on throughout the season. We have a very, very tough schedule with some good teams out there but I like our chances.”

Senior quarterback Carter Hirt is one returning starter from last season who is confident in his ability to make a big leap in 2025.

“It will be a lot better because last year I was nervous the first few games. Didn’t really know, but now I know the feel and the vibe about it,” said Hirt.

Helping with the offensive attack is running back Jaydon Wald. An electric ball carried who wants to send his football career out on a high note.

“Just take the handoff, find a hole and just run as hard as I can,” said Wald. “Just going out there and making plays.”

Linebacker and pass catcher Parker Hunter has his sights locked in on the Panthers week one opponent. Re-igniting their rivalry with the Perham Yellowjackets in Park Rapids on August 29.

“Everybody on the team is really excited,” said Hunter. “Especially Perham, we definitely get up for those guys. We definitely owe them one.”

Hunter will continue his football career at Minnesota State University-Moorhead next fall. But he says he’s ready for one last fight alongside his teammates at Park Rapids Area.

“Definetly got to win some games,” said Hunter. “Got to have a very good attitude and a lot of very good effort and you got to surround yourself with good captains and you have to make sure that you’re going to do the right thing.”

Wins and a playoff run are always a goal for the Panthers. But to make 2025 a success, coach Nordick wants his team to work hard, get better each day, and stay in the fight.

“I think our coaches and our kids have put a lot of time in to get bigger, faster, stronger,” said Nordick. “Ultimately, that’s led to a few more wins over the past few years. Now, we’d like to take it to another level.”

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