A familiar face will be taking charge of the Laurel-Concord-Coleridge football program.
After being on staff working with the receivers and defensive backs as well as defense for JV last year, Izac Reifenrath will enter his fourth year coaching overall and first as the head coach for LCC.
Reifenrath will be joined by returning assistant Nate Sims as co-offensive coordinators. Pat Harrington will be the defensive coordinator while other assistants include Dustin Thompson and Carter Siem.
"It means a lot," said Reifenrath. "I wasn't really expecting to get the head coach job this year, but I'm really excited for the new adventure."
The 28-member team will be led by the five seniors of Tyler Boysen, Jaylen Carpenter, Kolten Settje, Dillon Munter and Noah Larson.
There are also seven juniors, 11 sophomores and five freshmen.
"Are big class is the sophomore class," Reifenrath added. "Athletic class, got some kids that will really help us out and some that really work hard that may not help us out this year but in the year's to come. Seeing that pay off will be nice for them."
The Bears did a lot of lifting and installed some new plays while attending a passing league in Plainview for two weeks.
LCC will be looking to do the little things right during the first week of practices.
"Little things build up to big things and that's where we want to get to. They all know at the end of the season last year, we were not happy with where we were. So, trying to change those little things and getting better mentally and physically."
The lone win last season for the Bears (1-7) was 32-14 at Lutheran High Northeast (Norfolk) on September 20.
Positions lost were quarterback, running back and linebackers as the Bears will bring back quite a bit up front with good rotation.
On the offensive side of the ball, Cade Johnson will be solid at center Drey Puppe will be an X-factor all over the field, Kolten Settje is a hybrid guy, along with talent coming from Tanner Thompson and Tyler Boysen.
Defensively sophomore Dayton Korth has a nose for the ball and be the starting Mike linebacker. Cade Johnson and Kyle Rasmussen can rotate around and similar guys from the offense will play both ways.
Some improvements the coaching staff would like to see is working harder, come together more as a team and doing the little things.
LCC had a scrimmage on August 14 after school with a practice open to the public before going to Cruise Night in Laurel.
Senior Kolten Settje will be on the line as a tight end and in the backfield as a running back while also on the d-line and linebacker for the Bear defense.
He's been working on strength training and agility work with his teammates which will pay off for the season.
"Win games and work as a team more," said Settje. "I think this year we have a good team and I think we'll all work well together."
Junior Cade Johnson will start at center and defensive end.
"Working on getting stronger as we graduated a big group," said Johnson. "Getting everyone worked into it and feeling comfortable while being as good as possible this year."
A goal is to turn the 1-7 record around and try and get back into the playoff like they have done in past years and compete (last qualifying in 2022).
Both added that the youth will be the future of the program.
"It's going to be tough, but as the years go on you're going to find it's going to be so much easier as you grow up," Settje added. "Keep on pushing, keep on going."
"They just have to work their butts off," said Johnson. "Keep working and start to be leaders because they're going to have to step up soon."
The LCC football season will get underway hosting GACC (West Point) on Friday, August 29 at 7 p.m. The coaching staff will look for the team to clean up the playbook and know their roles more on the defensive side of the ball before game one.
"I think it will be an exciting year," said Reifenrath. "Hope to see you guys (fans) out at the first home game and hopefully fans travel well from there."
The Bears will be in search of snapping a four-game losing streak and a three-game home losing streak dating back to September 15, 2023 (won 68-15 over Homer).
"Thank you (to fans and family) for just coming out," Settje mentioned. "It's not a football game unless you guys are out there. We really appreciate you guys being out there and cheering us on win or lose."
"It's awesome to look up into the stands whether we are home or away and just see everyone packing in there," said Johnson. "It gives us more energy, helps us play better. Just makes it more fun for us to be out there overall."
