As the high school football season kicks off, the Willmar Cardinals are set to face the Fergus Falls Otters in their 2026 opener, a matchup that brings both excitement and a sense of urgency. The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Hodapp Field next to Kennedy Elementary School, marks a critical moment for both teams as they look to establish their identities early in the season.
Last year, the Cardinals faced a challenging start against the Otters, struggling to adapt to the unexpected athleticism of Fergus Falls quarterback Eston Bethel. Defensive end Jackson Carlson reflected on that game, noting, "We didn’t really scout their quarterback like we should have. We were expecting a slower guy and not as athletic. And then Bethel came in there and he’s a pretty quick, agile guy." This oversight proved costly, as Bethel delivered a standout performance, completing 20 of 25 passes for 153 yards and rushing for 63 yards on 14 carries, leading Fergus Falls to a 21-13 victory.
Bethel's impressive skills not only helped secure the win but also propelled the Otters to the Section 8AAAA championship and a second consecutive state tournament appearance. Carlson acknowledged Bethel's impact, stating, "To me, he was probably the best running quarterback we saw. If he saw a little gap and he wasn’t making a throw right away, he was definitely gonna pull it down." This season, the Cardinals are determined to contain Bethel's dual-threat capabilities and ensure they are not caught off-guard again.
Head coach Jon Konold emphasized the importance of preparation, saying, "A guy like that is a game changer. He is someone that can make you right a lot of times and make the defense look wrong, even if you’re in a good position. We have to have a good, solid plan to make sure we’re taking away some of the things that he does well and making sure we contain him." The Cardinals are aware that limiting Bethel's effectiveness will be crucial for their success in the game.
Both teams finished the previous season with respectable records, with Fergus Falls at 8-3 and Willmar at 6-4. The Cardinals are particularly eager to improve upon their previous match-up, which ended with a critical error—a botched snap that allowed Fergus Falls to run out the clock. Konold noted, "It comes down to execution in critical moments and experience helps that. We were a little bit of deer-in-the-headlights last year. But this year, those guys should have that experience now and they are ready for those types of moments."
In preparation for the game, the Cardinals anticipate a similar offensive approach from the Otters, who are expected to run a spread offense. On defense, Fergus Falls employs an odd-man front, which presents its own challenges. Konold remarked on the Otters' defensive capabilities, stating, "Defensively, they’re always pretty athletic and they always play hard. They look like they got some bigger kids up front."
Willmar's roster features established playmakers, including running backs Hudson Sjoberg and Isaac Cayler, along with wide receivers Aidan Paulson and Cooper Schnichels, who will support new starting quarterback Alex Hoppe. The Cardinals are optimistic about their chances, with Carlson expressing confidence: "We’re pretty confident. It’s gonna be a good game. I think everywhere, Fergus Falls is ranked pretty high along with every other team we start off with. I think it’ll be a good test right away. We have to make sure we start hot and we stay hot the rest of the year."
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