With senior starting tail back Mitch Kudrna back from injury this week, the Dickinson High football team will get a chance to show Minot its 1-2 punch at running back.
The Midgets (1-2) are fresh off a disappointing 13-7 loss at Jamestown last week. Dickinson will have a chance at redemption when the Magicians come to town for a West Region battle at 7 p.m. today at Whitney Stadium. Minot (2-1) is coming off a 26-8 win at home against Mandan.
"(Minot) is a very straight-forward type of team," Dickinson coach Dave Michaelson said. "They're doing things a little bit different than in the past."
Kudrna, an all-state running back from a year ago, was forced to sit out last week against Jamestown. The injury, though unfortunate, gave Michaelson a chance to see what junior Skyler Beaudoin could do. Beaudoin took advantage, reaching the century mark on the ground against the Blue Jays.
"Skyler Beaudoin proved himself as a very good running back against Jamestown," Michaelson said. "Skyler did a great job. We were not disappointed at all. We need to take a look at giving Skyler certain series and plays ... using him a lot more so we don't overuse Mitch."
ADVERTISEMENT
The 1-2 punch could be just what the doctor ordered. That and the combination of junior quarterback Ben Herauf could give opposing defenses plenty of trouble.
But the biggest factor in defeating Minot won't come from the Midgets' offense.
Dickinson's defense will have to stop strong-armed junior quarterback Zac Elgie, who was an all-state selection last year as a defensive back. Elgie, a multi-sport star, has all the tools and is known for his ability to make plays.
"They like to throw the ball and have a very talented quarterback," Michaelson said. "Offensively, they go as he goes."
Minot also has a speedy tail back in senior Tyson Schatz.
"He's extremely quick and very athletic," Michaelson said. "Those two are huge weapons on offense."
