Lumberjacks prepare for football season; game vs. SL slated
Dan McClelland
Pictured is action from Tupper Lake’s victory last season over Pulaski - a gang tackle by Lowden Pratt (64), Beckett Savage (5) and Grant Godin (7) as the trio makes a fourth down stop. (Tupper is in black uniforms)
By Rich Rosentreter
The Tupper Lake Lumberjacks varsity football team is set to begin their 98th season as the team is scheduled to hold its first practice this week in preparation, according to Head Coach Dennis Klossner.
Coach Klossner told the Free Press that the squad is set for action.
“Monday we issued equipment to the varsity players and on Tuesday we had a meeting with all the players,” he said, adding that there may be some players missing the first practice session since other sports are currently under way. “Thursday will be our first practice for anyone that is not participating in basketball or hockey. Those players will join us when they finish their winter season sport.”
According to Coach Klossner, the team, league and school districts are still working on the schedule, but at this point the ‘Jacks are slated to play the Saranac Lake Red Storm on April 24.
The Lumberjacks are set to begin its 98th season of Tupper Lake varsity football. Pictured is action from last season’s triumph over Altmar-Parrish-Williamstown. Offensive linemen (Tupper in white uniforms) Owen Whitman (55), Jay Gagnon (53), and Nolan Savage (73) open up a big hole for Noah Varden (3) to score a touchdown. Also pictured is quarterback Jayden Farnsworth (12). (Photos provided)
“The time and place for the game has not been decided yet. Field conditions will be a deciding factor,” he said, adding that Athletic Director Dan Brown is working the rest of the schedule. “We are going to have varsity football only for travel (road games).”
The varsity program isn’t the only one slated to see action in the near future, according to the coach.
Later in the month we will offer an intramural football program for our modified level kids,” he said.
Coach Klossner said that he, the players and the rest of those associated with Lumberjacks football are just happy to have some game action.
“Everyone is very excited about getting started and the excitement to play Saranac Lake again is unbelievable,” he said.
Look for a more detailed preview of the upcoming football season in an upcoming issue of the Free Press.