DGF and Barnesville Clash in Marquee Week 1 MSHSL Football Battle

TWO TEAMS THAT HAVE REACHED THE STATE TOURNAMENT LAST SEASON MEET ON THE GRIDIRON IN WEEK 1

GLYNDON/BARNESVILLE, Minn. (KVRR)–This year’s Senior class for the Barnesville Trojans football team has only known success. Each year they have reached the state tournament. In 2022, they hoisted the trophy as champions, but this past season, they fell just a game short as runner-ups. This senior class believes they have what it takes to go out on top.

“I think it’s all been about consistency all summer,” said senior linebacker and offensive lineman Nick Robideau. “Even in the spring last year, we’ve been working really hard in the weight room, and we all really want to, so I think we’ll get back there.”

This year the Trojans have a new starting quarterback after losing last year’s Senior. Gannon Bolgrean says he is ready to take over.

“It’s not going to be a whole lot different,” said Bolgrean. “I’ve picked up on what Zach kind of brought to the table the last few years, so I’m going to try to implement that into my game and kind of just try to be a good leader like he was.”

Their week one opponent will be 20 miles north in Glyndon. The DGF football team plays a class above Barnesville in 3A and they too have shown great success in the past few years.

For the almost 20 seniors on this year’s team, they were runner-ups in the state tournament their sophomore year and fell in the state semifinals last year. They believe this season is their year.

“I would say championship bust,” said senior linebacker and running back Casey Macziewski. “I believe we can get there. I believe the talent and that if we work together we will be able to do it.”

Senior quarterback Caleb Johnson shared the same sentiment.

“Because of those losses, we know what it feels like, so we’ve been working hard to not have that feeling ever again,” said Johnson. “We’ve been in the weight room the last couple years, big time, just getting stronger and faster.”

In a marquee match up week one, one of the top teams in 3A meets one of the top teams in 2A, and both coaches respect each other and are ready for Friday night.

“Barnesville is a very well coached team,” said DGF head coach Anthony Soderberg. “It’s going to be a heck of a football game, probably the best one in the area for the whole year. I’d say we got to be ready to play, and we will.”

“They are a very talented group,” said Barnesville head coach Bryan Strand. “Very well coached, good speed, good size. I mean, it’s going to be a competitive game. It’s always nice to get those later on in the season and trying to get the kids ready for week one is tough. But I think our kids will get there. I think they’re ready for the game. I think that they compete very well. I think it would be two, very well coached, very tough teams in week one.”

Barnesville vs. DGF will be Friday August 30 at DGF High School. Kick off set for 7 p.m.

Highlights to come on KVRR Sports Extra Friday night, August 30.