Raptors on the prowl

It's history in Carlton and Wrenshall this fall as the two schools pair up for football and 11-man competition. The combined program now features a healthy number of players and added depth that neither school has seen on its own in quite some time. here, Raptors players Mason Perry and Aaron Schilla work on a blocking drill with coach Nick Moran during practice in Wrenshall. Together they are stronger.

After years of struggling to consistently put teams onto the field, the Carlton and Wrenshall football programs have merged. The newly formed cooperative Raptors football team will have co-head coaches in Jeremy Zywicki from Wrenshall and Jason Crane of Carlton, as well as a merged roster that appears to be loaded with talent.

Wrenshall student Ben Nyberg is happy the two teams have joined forces.

"I like to get to know more people and I think all the guys are getting along," said Nyberg on his second day of practice. "Plus, in a few years our teams would have ended up dying anyway."

A year ago Wrenshall went 2-7 during the regular season, but then were hit with the injury bug and could not play their final game of the regular season of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs went 5-3 during the regular season and won their first playoff game against Hill City before losing to Cromwell in the second round of the section 9-man playoffs. Within the past 10 years both schools had to cancel full or part of some seasons due to lack of numbers.

The combined program now features a healthy number of players and added depth that neither school has seen on their own in quite some time.

"We are right around 28-30 players right now," said Zywicki. "It's going to be a big adjustment with the two programs combining for the first year, but we are expecting to be very competitive this year."

Among the key returning players will be Matt Santkuyl - who will see time at running back and wide receiver - Isaiah Johnson at fullback and defensive end, Sawyer Thorman at center and linebacker, Kaden Crane as an offensive end and linebacker, and Ryan Gray at quarterback and safety.

New players who are expected to contribute include Joey Soloman as a running back and safety, Aaron Schilla at guard and defensive end, and Kristian Herman at guard and defensive tackle.

"Practice has been going great," Zywicki said. "The kids are working very well together, and are supporting each other through each practice. I'm seeing really good leadership from the seniors too."

Although the collaborative program numbers pushed the team into the 11-man Class A competitive bracket, the team will play a nine-man schedule because the schedules were already set when the two school boards voted in favor of a cooperative program.

The Raptors will play Class A 11-man football in Section 7 during playoffs.

Per Minnesota State High School League rules, the cooperative is for a minimum of two years. The football program spans junior high (grades 7-8), junior varsity and varsity.

Raptor fans are also excited about the opportunity to watch the new team this season. The team will play all home varsity games at the Carlton football field at South Terrace.

Pine Knot News editor Jana Peterson contributed to this story.