The names change, but the expectation doesn’t.
Gone are quarterback Alex Schott, receiver Kale Smith and linemen Evan Senst, Mason Humphreys, Aidan Adamski and Andre Morton — a battle-hardened senior class that carried Hermantown to a 9-2 record last fall and a Section 7AAA championship.
In their place? A younger, hungry group that’s already taken snaps, absorbed hits and gotten up swinging.
“This group will want to prove themselves and achieve the lofty goals they have set for themselves,” said longtime Hermantown head coach Mike Zagelmeyer. “Last year was last year.”
The 2025 Hawks won’t be starting from scratch. They’ll be starting with 6-foot-4 junior quarterback Sawyer Senst — a linebacker-turned-signal-caller who looks like a tight end, runs like a halfback and hits like he’s got something to prove. Senst will be the engine for a new-look offense that’s less about finesse and more about punch.
In the backfield, Hermantown returns senior Jimmy Bartsch — a hard-charging 5-foot-8 fullback who makes his money between the tackles — and junior Martin Sleen, a speedster with top-tier instincts and arguably the best returning tailback in northeastern Minnesota. Juniors Corban Peterson, Sawyer Johnson and Owen Simonson provide added depth and versatility in space.
Out wide, receivers Bode Madill and Landon Burg return to stretch defenses. Junior tight end Grant Johnson, who also starts on defense, gives the Hawks another physical mismatch in the flats.
Up front, the offensive line could quietly be one of the best in the section — or even the state. Seniors Maximus Paczynski (6-3, 245), Jack McCaffrey (6-1, 281), Kordel Leyendecker, Kyle LaValley, Joseph Bergquist (6-1, 250) and Adan Sandoval-Luna return with size, toughness and varsity reps.
“We have a lot of experienced returners this year in a lot of skill positions and a line that wants to set the tone,” Zagelmeyer said. “I’m encouraged by the depth we have, and I think there are a number of players that are excited to get a chance and make an impression going into camp.”
The defense will feature Johnson and Senst flying around at key spots, with Fletcher Wrazidlo, Lane Holden and Zach Wunner returning after seeing significant varsity time. Sophomore linebacker Ethan McCubbin could emerge as one of the team’s leading tacklers before the leaves fall.
“Like every year, I wonder how the team will come together chemistry-wise,” Zagelmeyer said. “But our coaching staff has been pleased with what we’ve seen so far in offseason workouts and team camp.”
“As always, it will come down to our seniors and how much support we get from the underclassmen. But more than anything, each season’s success can be attributed to our seniors.”
The Northeast Red remains deep, with programs like Grand Rapids, Rock Ridge and North Branch looming. But Hermantown is still the team wearing the target.
“There are going to be a lot of good teams waiting to knock us off, and we need to rise to that challenge,” Zagelmeyer said.
2025 Hermantown football schedule and outlook
Friday, Aug. 29 — vs. Duluth Denfeld
2024: W 31-19 (regular season), W 41-21 (section semifinals)
Denfeld has playmakers but lacks depth up front. Hermantown controls both lines again.
Prediction: Hermantown 34, Denfeld 16
Friday, Sept. 5 — vs. Proctor
2024: W 72-0
Last year’s blowout won’t repeat at that scale — but the talent gap is still massive.
Prediction: Hermantown 45, Proctor 7
Friday, Sept. 12 — at Duluth East (6 p.m.)
2024: W 56-12
East didn’t win a conference game last year. The Hawks will roll again.
Prediction: Hermantown 38, East 10
Friday, Sept. 19 — at Cloquet
2024: W 35-6
Physical team, but thin. Hermantown’s depth wears them down again.
Prediction: Hermantown 31, Cloquet 13
Friday, Sept. 26 — vs. Grand Rapids
2024: W 49-22
Rapids brings back athletes but couldn’t match up in the trenches last fall.
Prediction: Hermantown 33, Grand Rapids 21
Friday, Oct. 3 — at Esko (5 p.m.)
2024: W 56-12
Esko has this game circled. Expect a fight. Still, line play gives Hermantown the edge.
Prediction: Hermantown 30, Esko 20
Friday, Oct. 10 — at Rock Ridge
2024: W 42-12
On the road, but the Hawks are too deep, too physical.
Prediction: Hermantown 35, Rock Ridge 13
Wednesday, Oct. 15 — vs. North Branch
2024: L 48-44 (regular season), W 35-28 (section final)
North Branch stunned the Hawks last fall, then Hermantown got revenge in the playoffs. Round 3 will be emotional and physical.
Prediction: Hermantown 31, North Branch 27
Postseason outlook
If Senst settles in at quarterback and Sleen stays healthy, Hermantown should again be the class of Section 7AAA. The schedule is built for confidence. A trip to U.S. Bank Stadium isn’t out of the question — if the pieces gel in time.
Final word
Call it what you want — a reload, a refresh, a retooled machine. Just don’t call it a rebuild.
This is Hermantown. They graduate stars and plug in hard-nosed kids who’ve been waiting their turn since third grade. Fast, physical and salty about last year’s finish, the Hawks are coming for more.
And if you’re in the way?
Bring a mouthguard.