2025 Team Preview: Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks

In 2024, the Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks took a step back in the right direction following a disappointing 5-5 season the previous year. Led by an effective, well-balanced offense, the Blackjacks had the 9th highest scoring offense among Class 1A teams last season, ranking 4th in passing yards and 10th in rushing yards, and amassing 7 games with 30+ points scoring, the Blackjacks finished with a 7-3 record, ranking 3rd in the Southwest-White region. However, they ultimately lost in the Class 1A semifinal, being defeated in the postseason for a second straight year by the BOLD Warriors. With a rejuvenated lineup which includes veteran talent on the defense and a stellar signal caller under Center, the Blackjacks are poised to build off their 2024 campaign and take the next step toward being contenders in the Class 1A region.   We take a look today at 5 names that will lead the way for the Blackjacks in 2025!    Building off a strong sophomore campaign in 2023, [player_tooltip player_id='1602671' first='Gunner' last='Liebl'] has solidified his standing as a gunslinger for the Blackjacks' passing game. Liebl threw for 1944 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in his junior season. He also led the team in rushing for a second straight year, rushing for 598 yards and 11 touchdowns. Liebl certainly has a strong arm, and he was throwing deep bombs for much of last season, and while it had it's deficiencies in turnovers, Liebl often had more hits than misses on his targets. Liebl also was able to improve on his running ability, with stronger vision and awareness, he bumped up to 7.8 yards per carry in 2024 compared to 4.3 yards per carry the previous year. Liebl should be poised to finish as one of the top QBs in Class 1A MN in 2025.     [player_tooltip player_id='481531' first='Nathan' last='Hansen']'s athletic ability was on display in 2024, as he found success as a DB, WR, and HB. Hansen ran for 361 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 10.6 yards per carry, while also catching 24 passes for 215 yards and 3 touchdowns. In the secondary, Hansen recorded 21 tackles and an interception. Hansen's speed is nearly unrivaled on the field, with a 4.55 40 yard time, Hansen is able to turn on the jets and burst through open lanes in a flash, making him an ideal wide-back. Hansen boasts great range as a defender, with quick closedown speed and solid coverage skills, Hansen is a flexible DB that can play as a Deep Safety and as a slot CB. Hansen's flexibility has made him a X-factor for the Blackjacks' that should be vital toward their success in 2025.     [player_tooltip player_id='1430774' first='Mason' last='Bothun'] boasts the athleticism and skills to fit as a LB/DB hybrid defender. Bothun recorded 24 tackles (17 solo) to go with 4 TFLs and a team-high 3 interceptions in 2024. Bothun is a versatile defender that can line up as an Outside Linebacker, Inside Linebacker, and lined up man-to-man in the slot. Bothun's flexibility makes it difficult for opponents to guess where he will be lined up each play, combined with his quick speed, jarring hits, and great ball-skills in the secondary adds to his value on defense. Bothun is a promising small-school prospect that is worth getting familiar with going forward.     Mason's cousin Colten also made a solid impact for Dawson-Boyd's defense as a sophomore. While there isn't any film of Bothun currently, Bothun recorded 20 tackles (16 solo), 4 TFLs, and 2 sacks across 7 games, nearly matching his brother's stats despite playing 2 games less than Mason. Colten is poised to continue making a solid impact going forward that should help distinguish his performance from his brother's game.     A three-sport athlete for Dawson-Boyd, [player_tooltip player_id='1257253' first='Kameron' last='Sather'] has made his presence on the gridiron known as a DB. Sather recorded 15 tackles, 3 fumble recoveries, and a TFL last season for the Blackjacks. Sather has been a solid run-stopper with a knack for finding the ball on the ground and scooping it up to force a turnover. Sather has also prevailed off the field, with a 50-15 wrestling record, and excelling as a top outfielder/pitcher on the baseball team, Sather is a multi-dimensional athlete who's traits have translated well at all three sports he's played for. Perhaps his strength as a wrestler and his combination of speed and ball-skills in baseball could parlay toward further success as a senior as a DB.

In 2024, the Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks took a step back in the right direction following a disappointing 5-5 season the previous year. Led by an effective, well-balanced offense, the Blackjacks had the 9th highest scoring offense among Class 1A teams last season, ranking 4th in passing yards and 10th in rushing yards, and amassing 7 games with 30+ points scoring, the Blackjacks finished with a 7-3 record, ranking 3rd in the Southwest-White region. However, they ultimately lost in the Class 1A semifinal, being defeated in the postseason for a second straight year by the BOLD Warriors. With a rejuvenated lineup which includes veteran talent on the defense and a stellar signal caller under Center, the Blackjacks are poised to build off their 2024 campaign and take the next step toward being contenders in the Class 1A region.