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DAWSON -- The Dawson-Boyd football team enters the 2026 season with a strong foundation after another successful year on the turf in 2025.
The Blackjacks finished last season with an 8-3 record and advanced to the section championship game, putting themselves one win away from a trip to the state tournament. Their season ended against Minneota, which went on to advance to state, but the experience has given Dawson-Boyd a high standard to chase heading into the new season.
Head coach Cory Larson returns to lead the Blackjacks and believes the team has plenty of experience to build around.
"We return a great group of seniors with 14 starters that come out of that group," Larson said. "Like anybody, there are some question marks. Experience helps, and this group has a lot of experience at the varsity level."
That returning experience could be one of Dawson-Boyd’s biggest strengths. With 14 starters coming back, the Blackjacks will have players who understand what it takes to compete in important games and have already experienced the pressure of a deep postseason run.
One of the players Larson is particularly excited to see back on the field is Mason Bothun. Bothun suffered an injury early in Dawson-Boyd’s opening game last season, forcing him to miss the remainder of the year.
"Mason Bothun went down early in the opening game last season," Larson said. "He has fully recovered and had a great offseason, and I’m looking forward to seeing him on the field."
Having Bothun back gives the Blackjacks another experienced player to add to a veteran-heavy roster. After spending last season recovering, he will look to make an immediate impact as Dawson-Boyd attempts to build on its successful 2025 campaign.
While the Blackjacks return plenty of starters, there will still be some important positions to fill. The biggest question mark will come at quarterback following the departure of last year’s starter.
Larson believes Carson Stratmoen is ready for the opportunity.
"We have to replace our quarterback from last year, so I’m thinking Carson will take the reins," Larson said. "He was a great player as a defensive back last year, but has taken limited snaps, but I believe he’ll do great."
Stratmoen’s experience on defense gives him a strong understanding of the game, but taking over at quarterback will provide a new challenge. Larson is confident that Stratmoen can make the transition and help lead an experienced group.
With a large senior class, 14 returning starters and key players such as Bothun and Stratmoen stepping into important roles, Dawson-Boyd enters the season with plenty of reasons for optimism.
The Blackjacks came one game short of the state tournament last year. This season, they will look to use that experience as motivation while attempting to take the final step and earn a trip to state.