By Kelley Kossan, Staples World reporter

SMHS football team seniors Seniors on this year’s Staples Motley High School football team are, front left to right: Jared Cleveland, Tanner Roberts, Ryan Jares, Derek Deyonge, Jordan Warner, Jordan Miles, Alex Jansson. Back: Dylan Hales, Devin Redemske, Cody Hoemberg, Seth Haaland, Jake Seely, Logan Swendsrud, Erik Nelson. The Cardinals’ first game is Thursday, Sept. 2, at Pequot Lakes. The first home game is Friday, Sept. 17 vs Warroad. (Staples World photo by Kelley Kossan) The Cardinal football season is underway and the players are practicing hard. This Saturday they will see the start of action with a scrimmage in Melrose against teams from Melrose, Minnewaska, Holdingford and Mound West Tonka.

Head Coach Ryan Beachy said they are very excited about the season.

“We have about 19 kids back from last year that saw a significant playing time. Thirty-nine players have been practicing twice a day for over a week, including 14 seniors,15 juniors and nine underclassmen.”

“Our first week has gone well,” said Beachy, “and the kids are excited about the new wrinkle that we’ve put in our offense. I am hoping it brings something more to the plate for us.”

On Sept. 2, the boys will open the regular season, at Pequot Lakes, last year’s section champions. The Patriots lost a lot of players to graduation, but Beachy said it will still be a very competitive game.