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LAMBERTON -- After putting together a 10-1 season and advancing to the Class 9-player quarterfinals at Southwest Minnesota State University, the Red Rock Central football team enters the 2026 season with plenty of confidence.
Head coach Isaac Jenniges and the Falcons return a talented group and will look to use last year’s success as a foundation for another strong season.
One of the biggest strengths for Red Rock Central could be its play in the trenches. Jenniges believes both the offensive and defensive lines have the potential to be among the team’s best position groups.
"Strength-wise, the offensive and defensive lines should be great," Jenniges said. "They should be two of our strongest groups of players."
The Falcons also have several players with varsity experience who can contribute in multiple roles. Jenniges said having five or six players capable of playing significant snaps will give Red Rock Central valuable depth and allow the coaching staff to keep players fresh.
"Using these key returning guys will be key to make sure we are fresh on both sides of the ball," he said. "Especially early in the season, swapping your offensive line through your defensive line can be big."
That versatility could become particularly important as the season progresses. With players seeing time on both sides of the ball, the Falcons will need to manage their rotations while maintaining their level of play.
Red Rock Central will also return its No. 1 receiving target from last season in Jordan Therkilsen. Jenniges believes Therkilsen can be a difference-maker through the air while also becoming more involved in the Falcons’ running game.
The Falcons hope to utilize Therkilsen in their motion offense, creating additional opportunities to get the ball in his hands and put pressure on opposing defenses.
While the Falcons have plenty of talent to work with, Jenniges knows a successful season is about more than what happens early in the year. The program’s goal is to continue improving throughout the season and reach its peak when the postseason arrives.
"Things are going to happen throughout the season that are learning curves for the guys, but when it comes to getting ready for playoffs in October, that is when we hope to be playing our best ball," Jenniges said.
That approach also carries over to how the Falcons handle adversity during games. Jenniges emphasized the importance of moving on from mistakes and immediately focusing on the next opportunity.
"We take the next play mentality to games," he said. "There are often 80 to 100 plays in a game, and you’re not going to win every game. We just try to keep that approach every week as we prepare for the game at hand."
After reaching the playoffs quarterfinals last season, Red Rock Central knows what it takes to compete in the postseason. With strong offensive and defensive lines, experienced players capable of contributing on both sides of the ball and a proven target in Therkilsen, the Falcons will look to build throughout the fall and peak when the stakes are highest in October.