New faces at pivotal spots as Lakers chase another playoff run
The Des Lacs–Burlington Lakers, a small-school programme that has become synonymous with consistent success in North Dakota Class A football, begin their 2026 preparations facing important personnel challenges — most notably at the quarterback position.
Head coach Taylor Teske, entering his seventh season at the helm, described the transition as significant but manageable, noting that the team did not lose as many players to graduation as in previous years. Still, the reshuffle at several key roles means the Lakers must rediscover continuity on offence.
“We’ve got a long ways to go, but I’ve seen some good things. We replaced our quarterback, so that’s a big question mark,” Teske said. “I think most of the continuity in the run game should start off probably a little bit ahead of some of the continuity in the pass game.”
The Lakers have a recent history of sustained success: they have reached the Class A playoffs five years in a row and nine times in the past ten seasons. That record underlines the expectations on the coaching staff and returning players to adapt quickly.
- Coach: Taylor Teske (seventh season)
- Recent form: Playoff appearances in five straight seasons
- 2025 record: 7-3 overall; 4-1 in one-score games
- Season opener: Home game vs. Turtle Mountain on Aug. 21
Senior leader Will Marquart, who plays wide receiver and linebacker, stressed the team’s focus on fundamentals during fall camp. He outlined a daily approach that prioritises conditioning and repetition — a traditional method for programmes aiming to blend returning talent with newcomers.
“We’ll keep running, getting conditioned, and keep studying the plays. Go through them, repeat them at practice, and get ready to go,” Marquart said.
Teske emphasised that the coaching staff must balance the need for early-season readiness with the time required to install and reinforce foundational skills. That balancing act is especially acute when key positions feature less experience.
Regional rivalries and small margins have marked the Lakers’ recent campaigns: last season’s 7-3 mark included a 4-1 ledger in one-score contests, highlighting both the team’s resilience in tight games and the potential volatility that comes with turnover.
| Aspect | 2025 result / 2026 outlook |
|---|---|
| Overall record (2025) | 7-3 |
| One-score games (2025) | 4-1 |
| Playoff consistency | Class A playoffs — five consecutive seasons |
| Season opener | Hosting Turtle Mountain — Aug. 21 |
For communities that straddle the urban–rural divide, the Lakers model is instructive: programme continuity and a culture of preparation can sustain competitive results even as rosters turn over. That is the task facing Teske and his staff — to lay groundwork during camp, then fine‑tune execution once games begin.
As the calendar moves towards the late‑August opener, attention will centre on who emerges at quarterback and how quickly the receiving corps and passing game cohere around the new starter. The run game, where much of the returning continuity resides, is likely to carry much of the early offensive load.
Local fans and alumni will be watching the team’s progress through preseason practices and scrimmages. If the Lakers can convert early conditioning and repetition into consistent in‑game execution, they should be positioned to extend their streak of playoff appearances. If not, the degree to which the programme’s depth fills the gaps will determine whether the season meets the benchmarks set over the last decade.
