The Manitowoc Lutheran Lancer Football team is brimming with optimism as they are preparing to open the season next Friday night at Lancer Field against the rival Roncalli Jets.
Ryan Hulse begins his third year as the Lancers’ Head Coach, and he tells SeehaferNews.com, “Numbers are good with about 70 to 72 kids out playing football. Add to that the way we finished last season with a lot of starters returning, it brings a lot of excitement for the boys.”
The Lancers lost four of their first five games in 2024, but after a 21-0 loss to Horicon they got together as a team and admitted they were not happy the way the season was going and that something had to change immediately.
They proceeded to go on a five-game winning streak, defeating Reedsville in Level One of the Division Six playoffs, before falling to eventual state champion Lomira 35-21 in Level Two.
Senior Issac Wagner says it proved that they could play with anyone.
“We did use Derek (Laabs) as a wide receiver, but we have a lot of good players coming back, giving us the confidence that we can do better this season,” he explained.
Laabs, who graduated last year, caught 36 passes for 555 yards and 8 touchdowns during the 2024 season.
Kamden Baye, a two-way, four-year starter, has also graduated, but a solid core returns, led by senior center Collin Rounds.
Collin will also start for a fourth year and welcomes the role of being a leader.
“If they are unsure, they can always ask,” he explained. “I get it, to them I’m a big, scary senior. But don’t be afraid to ask. Teaching a young guy and someone at my position is enjoyable and truly a blessing.”
Also returning is senior lineman and linebacker Tristian Hulse.
Just two weeks into camp, he says these Lancers are a tight-knit group.
“We truly have that connection where you can be open and honest with each other, both on and off the field, and in the classroom, by showing respect to everyone,” he revealed. “That bond truly makes us all brothers, and we can talk to one another like we’re family. We’re blood brothers.”
Senior Wesley Hecker is also a four-year starter for the Lancers.
He says he’s learned a lot from his predecessors.
”I would say to just always trust the process,” he suggested. “Even when they were freshmen and things didn’t go their way, they never hung their heads. They just kept grinding, and eventually they achieved success.”
The season opener against Roncalli is just eight nights away, and senior Isiah Muschka says he can’t wait.
“We have some friends on that squad, but on game day it’s all business,” he said. “Lots of trash talk goes on, and if we win, we have bragging rights until next year.”
Cedar Grove-Belgium ran the table in the Big East a year ago, with the Lancers finishing in second place just two games off the pace.
Senior quarterback Jaymen Ott on just how good the 2025 Lancers can be.
“I think we have the experience, the talent, and the skill set to have a great year,” he predicted. “We have a group of high-character guys, and I feel that with those factors plus our collective knowledge and love for the game, we can make a deep run.”
The Lancers host St. Mary Catholic and Oconto in a scrimmage Friday at 9:30 a.m. before kicking off the season in the battle for the traveler’s trophy against Roncalli on August 22nd.
