The Annandale Cardinals football team finished undefeated in 2020’s COVID shortened season with a 6-0 regular season record, and 1-0 in the playoffs – winning their third consecutive section championship with a convincing 34-0 victory over Milaca.
Annandale was also voted and named the Class AAA Champion by the Associated Press as there was no State Tournaments for any of the fall sports.
Annandale graduated a lot of talent last year – especially on the lines. Gone are OT/DE Logan Purcell (U of M), OG/DE Isaac Hagstrom (BSU), OG/DT Drew Conte (USF), and OT/DT Kessler Kenning (who also finished 2nd in the State Wrestling Tournament). These four have either played or started since their sophomore years, and led a very strong core for Annandale.
Despite the losses, Annandale returns a very talented roster, a roster in my opinion, that should contend for a 4th consecutive trip to the State Tournament.
Back is Senior QB/WR/S Carson Gagnon. Gagnon split time with Landon Jones over the past 2 seasons, and primarily ran the running offense. It will be interesting to see if Coach Walter stays with Gagnon full time – who is always a threat with the ball in his hands – or if he will split time with fellow Senior Tristan Schoberg who is a capable passer as well.
Many skill position players are also back. 6’6″ senior WR Brady Spaulding has started since he was a Sophomore, he’ll be flanked by Sr WR Hawkin Miller who played extensively last season, and 6’5″ Sr WR Robert Olson who also saw some action last season.
Senior RB Rogan Kuser split time the last two seasons and looks to be the feature back, along with Sr RB/WR Bryce Fobbe – who is great on the edges.
Annandale brings back some experience on the line as well with Sr C Evan Olson and DE/OT Zach Neutz returning. Look for Sr Elliot Peterson and Sr Alex Klatt to also fill spots on both lines.
Annandale, who plays in the East Central South District, looks to have a solid schedule this season, filled with some 4A teams and some traditional Wright County Conference opponents.
The Cardinals open the season at home with a big test as 4A Zimmerman comes to town. The Thunder had a surprisingly down season last year finishing just 2-5, they’ll look to start their rebound at Cardinal Stadium.
Next up is another home match with Glencoe-Silver Lake who also had an uncharacteristic down year, finishing just 3-4, losing to Annandale 48-0 in the regular season.
Annandale’s first road game comes in week 3 travelling to their biggest rival, Dassel-Cokato. The Chargers finished 5-3 last season, and look to remain strong with the return of phenom Eli Gillman. Last season Annandale was able to contain Gillman and avenged their loss in the 2019 State Semifinals with a 19-7 victory.
Week 4 Annandale stays on the road as they travel to New London-Spicer. The Wildcats finished 4-4 last season and did not play Annandale in the COVID shortened season.
It’s homecoming for Annandale in week 5 as they play host to the building Watertown-Mayer Royals. The Royals finished 2-6, but showed signs that they’re a team on the rise.
Annandale heads back on the road in week 6, heading down to Victoria to take on Holy Family. The Fire finished just 1-6 last season, but always play their best game when the Cardinals come to town.
Week 7 brings perhaps Annandale’s toughest game as they stay on the road and travel to Princeton. The Tigers finished 6-1 last season. Their lone loss came in week 1 to Annandale 21-12. Princeton, who also is a 4A school, returns some talent and some size – they should prove to be a big test and great competition with the playoffs right around the corner.
The week 8 short week brings Annandale back home for the “Battle of the Paddle” travelling trophy game against the Litchfield Dragons. With the COVID shortened season, Annandale did not face Litchfield last season as the Dragons went 6-1 winning their section championship. Their only loss came to Albany, who finished ranked #2 overall to Annandale.
You can follow along with the Annandale Cardinals all season long with our Cardinal Cut In’s program, hosted by our ‘Voice of the Cardinals’ Jeremy Wheeler. Each week Jeremy sits down with Annandale Head Coach Matt Walter to get a first hand look at the Cardinals last game and their upcoming game. He’ll also have interviews the offensive and defensive players of the week each week, and in game updates ‘cut in’ to our live coverage of the Buffalo Bison each Friday.
Cardinal Cut In’s is starting it’s 4th year, and is now accepting sponsors – if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Jeremy at [email protected] for more information.
Go Cards!
