Eight letter winners return for NYM football team
News | Published on September 2, 2026 at 9:14pm GMT+0000 | Author: Chad Koenen
0Eagles to host Jaguars Thursday night
By Chad Koenen
Publisher
Eight letter winners will lead the New York Mills Eagles into action this fall as they look to improve on last year’s 2-7 record.
Of the seven losses last season, four games were decided by one score or less, meaning a few bounces one way or another could have made a big difference for NY Mills on the scoreboard. Second year head coach Zach Hocking is hoping that a few more of those close games will go the Eagles way this season as they look to finish at .500 or above and win a playoff game this season.
In addition to Hocking, the Eagles will be coached by Peder Butenhoff, Craig Orlando, Noah Pesola and Jackson Veazie.
Among the returning letter winners will be Everett Ruther, Carlyle Tumberg, Ryder Davis, Creed Mursu, Tony Nichols, Jeremy Kopveiler, Brock Ruther and Blake Hiltner.
While the team will be returning eight letter winners they will need to fill the holes left by a number of key members from last year’s team, including Finn Roder, Gage Brasel, Grady Roberts, Eli Vaughan, Colson Keskitalo and Henry Oakes.
Hocking said Jacoby Wilhelmi, Grayson Meyer and Brayden Peery will likely make an impact on the varsity level this season, but also stressed the need for the entire team to step up and be ready to contribute when their name is called this fall.
“Everyone has to step and fill a role that is needed. Whether that is on the scout team in practice of playing JV or on Varsity,” he said.
In order to be successful this season, Hocking said the Eagles will need to get solid play from their offensive line, which will help the Eagles get the run and passing games going.
As always the offensive line will play a big part in what we do, that goes for every team,” said Hocking. “We will need guys that have had playing experience to really step up and show the younger guys what it takes to play varsity football.”
Hocking said the favorites in the section and conference will likely be Breckenridge and Parkers Prairie.
The eagles are scheduled to get their season underway on Thursday night when they host Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa. The opening kick is scheduled for 7 p.m.