JAMESTOWN, ND. (NewsDakota.com) – Climbing to the top of the mountain in 11A last season for the Jamestown High School football team could’ve led to a laid-back approach in 2022 for the Blue Jays during the offseason, but it’s been the opposite of that for this senior group.

Seniors Payton Hochhalter, Aden Braun, and Preston Gall still have a lot of hunger as the Jays get ready to kick off the year next Friday, August 26th against Grand Forks Red River. The hunger, along with the excitement of last season, has helped Jamestown focus on the 2022 season.

Trying to repeat as state champions is obviously not an easy task for a group that replaces a strong senior class from last season. For Braun and Gall though, that irreplaceable feeling of being the state champions is something they don’t want to let go of easily.

The Blue Jays will have some new faces at receiver, offensive line, and running back this year, but Hochhalter will once again be the signal caller in 2022. The senior is preparing for the season opener and hoping the confidence built last year and during the offseason translates to the field.

This Jamestown team is well aware that week one at home against the Roughriders isn’t the end all be all, but being ready to play at 100% during the first week of the season and being a positive leader is something Hochhatler is ready for.

Our Jamestown 107.1 Fall Sports Preview concludes tomorrow with Blue Jay football head coach Bill Nelson.

FULL INTERVIEW: