2025 Preseason Preview –  Elk River High School

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a 2024 State Championship victory, Elk River, the reigning 5A state champions, enters the 2025 season with significant momentum. The Elks are focused on another deep playoff run, aiming to build on last year's success and maintain their status as one of the state's premier programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As one of the top rushing teams in the nation, Elk River's offense controls the ball and dominates the line of scrimmage. A number of key returners are back to lead the charge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923833' first='Levi' last='Harris']</strong>, a third-year starting quarterback, is a dynamic athlete and one of the fastest players in the state. His speed and playmaking ability make him a constant threat on the ground and through the air.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leading the Elks' versatile backfield is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1120521' first='Carsyn' last='Kleffman']</strong>, a third-year starting running back who brings both explosive speed and powerful physicality to their rushing attack. Alongside him, <strong>Jackson Freeman</strong> is another speedster with a physical edge, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924343' first='Austin' last='Anderson']</strong> provides a powerful running style and excellent blocking in space. <strong>Braedon Becker</strong> and <strong>Dylan Ramert</strong> round out the backfield, both bringing dynamic playmaking to the rushing game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elk River is deep at running back, possibly the deepest they have ever been at the position. Their depth will provide flexibility and allow the team to keep fresh legs on the field throughout games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Up front, the offensive line is led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924236' first='Simon' last='Bicek']</strong>, a third-year starter and the team's best blocker, as well as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1648543' first='Alex' last='Jensen']</strong>, a reliable center who anchors the line. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='591739' first='Brockton' last='Graber']</strong> and <strong>Hoyt Fladung</strong> will also play significant roles on the offensive line. Fladung is described as one of the team's strongest players. At tight end, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924225' first='Adam' last='Rudnitski']</strong> brings size, speed, and physicality. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924345' first='Jackson' last='Boll']</strong> and <strong>Dominic Webster</strong> are expected to contribute with their relentless effort and notable athleticism in the trenches. This deep unit is poised to continue its tradition of dominating the line of scrimmage and controlling the tempo of games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Elk River's identity is built on a strong, physical 3-4 scheme. The defense is aggressive, fast, and focused on creating turnovers and being tough at the point of attack. Players like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='923833' first='Levi' last='Harris']</strong>, who is just as dangerous on defense as he is on offense, bring physicality and a hard-hitting mentality to the secondary. <strong>Kleffman</strong> also enters his third year starting at outside linebacker. He has been the team's leading tackler since his freshman season. He's joined by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924343' first='Austin' last='Anderson']</strong>, who will take on the leadership role this season and is expected to be a force in the middle of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edge rushers <strong>Jackson Freeman</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924225' first='Adam' last='Rudnitski']</strong> provide speed and explosiveness. The defensive line is anchored by <strong>Conner Newhouse</strong>, one of the team's strongest players, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924236' first='Simon' last='Bicek']</strong>, who offers relentless energy and a high motor. On the opposite side, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924345' first='Jackson' last='Boll']</strong> is equally relentless, bringing a no-holds-barred mentality to the defensive line. In the secondary, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1612778' first='Brody' last='Thompson']</strong> provides a big, physical presence. <strong>Tabio Badio</strong> is a dependable and experienced cover corner with speed and great hips. <strong>David Balisidya</strong> is smooth and fluid, excelling in coverage, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1248637' first='Jagger' last='Sasse']</strong> is a long and physical force on the outside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense has depth at nearly every position, providing the flexibility and depth to compete for another title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->