ROCORI Football Leaning On Talented Senior Class

(KNSI) – ROCORI football has gone from famine to feast, at least in terms of veteran leadership.

Head Coach James Herberg says last year was a historically small senior class, which allowed a talented core of young players to see the field in spades. The Spartans are now loaded with over two dozen upperclassmen and are hoping to be back in contention for a long postseason run following a 4-5 mark in 2021.

The schedule is an intriguing one. ROCORI is home almost exclusively in the season’s first half before ending with three straight on the road. Herberg says the quirk comes from opening the new stadium last year.

“Last year there was a little more pressure just because our stadium was getting done and that’s kind of why the schedule got finagled that way. So we wouldn’t have a whole lot of home games early in the hopes that the stadium would all be done and we’d get a lot of those home games later.”

This year’s slate is the mirror opposite. It starts with the Becker Bulldogs, perhaps the most intriguing matchup in all of Minnesota for Week Zero.

Herberg says with the new digs, the program is working on amplifying its gameday experience for the fans.

“Our booster club was able to purchase a tunnel and a smoke machine to use as they come out through the tunnel. They’re going to use that for all sports that want to set it up. It’s pretty cool. They can move it inside too when it becomes basketball season. And, so, our whole idea was let’s start a tradition where we get younger families and younger kids to have cool experiences when they’re at these football games. My goal ultimately is to make it a community event on Friday nights.”

The kids will line the tunnel to welcome the team onto the field.

Once the whistle blows, Herberg says he could point to all 11 players on both sides of the ball as players to watch. He highlights one from each level.

On defense, in the backfield, Herberg says safety Luke Van Erp is exciting. At linebacker, he mentions senior captain Blake Tylutki. Up front, Herberg describes Grady Minnerath as the real deal and points to his performance on the wrestling mat as well.

When trying to score a touchdown, Herberg says running back Mason Dahl came into his own in the back half of last season. Wide receiver Hunter Nistler is an explosive playmaker in space. Helping to create holes and protect quarterback Jack Spanier is the o-line, anchored by North Dakota commit Jacob Lopau. Herberg says left guard Luke Dockendorf has been exceptional during camp as well.

Herberg teases some new schemes offensively. ROCORI has brought in a new coordinator. Herberg says the differences won’t be stark, but they will be noticeable.

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