DAWSON – The Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks finished last season with an impressive 6-2 record. Unfortunately for the Blackjacks they had a quick exit in the section tournament, as they fell to the Canby Lancers, 21-7 in the first round.

The Blackjacks will return their starting quarterback, Alex Swenson and leading rusher, Bentley Boike as they look to wash the sour taste out of their mouth.

Swenson threw for 1,028 yards and 11 touchdowns last year as a junior.

Boike rushed for 912 yards and scored 10 touchdowns as a sophomore to lead the Blackjacks ground game.

The Blackjacks will have to replace Eli Weber, who led the team with 44 receptions for 609 yards and eight touchdowns. Weber also led the team in tackles.

The Blackjacks will kickoff the 2017 season with a showdown against the Adrian Dragons in Adrian on Aug. 31. The Blackjacks steamrolled the Dragons last year, 41-13.

The schedule doesn’t get any easier the next week when the Blackjacks travel to take on the Minneota Vikings. The Blackjacks lost a close one to the Vikings last year, 34-28.

The Blackjacks will play their home opener against the Lakeview Lakers on Sept. 15. The Lakers edged the Blackjacks last year, 19-13.

The Blackjacks will then hit the road to take on Lac qui Parle Valley. LQPV proved to be no match for the Blackjacks last year, as Dawson-Boyd defeated them 45-7.

Dawson-Boyd will return home on Sept. 29, for a showdown with the Murray County Central Rebels. The Rebels reached the state tournament last year.

The Blackjacks will be out for revenge for last year’s playoff loss on Oct. 6, when they welcome the Canby Lancers to town. Dawson-Boyd defeated Canby in the regular season last year, 14-7.

Dawson-Boyd will play their final road game of the year on Oct. 13, against Yellow Medicine East.

The Blackjacks will wrap up the regular season at home against Ortonville on Oct. 18. The Blackjacks ran around the Trojans last year, 62-14.