2025 Preseason Preview –  Mankato West High School

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a 5-4 finish and a section semifinal appearance, the Mankato West Scarlets enter 2025 with a deep roster and the potential to make another postseason push. Last year's squad battled through one of the toughest sections in Minnesota. This fall, the Scarlets expect to be nearly full-platoon on both sides of the ball, a key ingredient in their previous championship runs. With added size and athleticism in the trenches, more playmakers across the field, and a clear identity on both sides of the ball, Mankato West looks ready to compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mankato West employs a hybrid offensive system, prioritizing the run game and integrating play-action concepts to complement its ground attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offensive line boasts stability with the return of both starting guards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1473366' first='Elijah' last='Ahmann']</strong> enters his second year as a starter. He had an impressive offseason dedicated to weight training and wrestling. Now more athletic and powerful, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to move defenders during camp. <strong>Charlie Berhow</strong>, the other returning guard, also made big gains in strength and technique and will provide steady leadership, particularly important with a likely sophomore starter at center. Both will be key in bringing along two new tackles and solidifying the run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the backfield, the offense features a proven workhorse in <strong>Trevor Sheldrop</strong>, a 1,000-yard rusher in 2024. Physical and durable, Sheldrop will again be the focal point of the ground attack. Last year's starting quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1615388' first='Charlie' last='Bobholz']</strong> is back. Junior quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1217899' first='Osborne' last='Lorenz']</strong> is also a playermaker to watch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The passing game will revolve around <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1567052' first='Ayden' last='Betts']</strong>, the team's second-leading receiver last season and now the clear No. 1. At 6'1", 200 pounds with track speed and a wide catch radius, Betts is dangerous in the slot for RPO slants and can win vertically when moved outside. The receiving corps is deeper overall, with juniors and a sophomore stepping into key roles,&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively up front, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='924235' first='Laren' last='Kelly']</strong> isa  versatile and athletic lineman committed to Southwest Minnesota State. A starter on offense last year who also logged heavy defensive snaps, Kelly's added size and strength make him a true anchor at defensive end. He can take on base blocks, win gaps, and disrupt run lanes. The rest of the defensive front will feature new starters looking to establish themselves early in the season.In the secondary, both starting safeties return. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ben O'Neill</strong> is a three-year starter and the team's top cover defender, often tasked with locking onto the opponent's best slot receiver. His track record includes shutting down some of the state's most dangerous pass catchers in man coverage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='743294' first='Stihl' last='Koberoski'] </strong>provides the physical complement, playing primarily in the box as an alley runner. Initially an inside linebacker, his transition to safety has allowed the defense to keep an athletic, downhill tackler over the ball, fitting perfectly into their run-first mindset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->