The Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central Bucks enter the season with unity, leadership, and high expectations. Head Coach Michael Schmitz says this group stands out for its togetherness.
“They stick together and rally behind each other. I have been a part of many teams, and the teams that do well stick together,” Schmitz said.
The Bucks hit their bye week last week, giving the team time to reset and focus. “We focus on how we can get better as a team before we move to our next opponent,” Schmitz explained. He believes the Bucks “have a ton of potential” and a chance to do “some special things later in the season.”
The team’s captains share that confidence.
Quarterback Luke Larson steps into the spotlight following the graduation of all-state QB Holden Havlik.
“Even though I don’t have as big of an arm as him, I feel like I can play smart enough to get the job done,” Larson said. Adjusting to a new offense has been a challenge, but he believes the team is settling in.
Hunter Fenske, a transfer from Huron, said the move to 11B football has been energizing. “It’s been going great. The environment here at an 11B school is way more enjoyable and energetic.”
Colby Flowers, a threeyear starter, credits past seniors and his coaches with shaping his intensity. He said bringing aggressiveness every day in practice is what drives his leadership role this season.
Despite different paths to leadership, the captains share one goal: pushing deep into the playoffs. Larson, Fenske, and Flowers all pointed to a run at the DakotaDome as the ultimate prize.
With grit, leadership, and unity, the Bucks are determined to turn potential into results and keep their season alive under the bright lights of Vermillion.