32 | SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2026 ELK RIVER STAR NEWS
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Elk River, MN 55330.
Thunder football was on doorstep of state berth in 2025
Team begins era of rebuilding after tasting success in 2022 and last year
ERIK NELSON Sports Reporter
The Thunder came within one win of their first state tournament appearance since 2022 and second in program history last season, losing 28-0 to Orono in the Section 6-4A championship game Oct. 31, 2025. Zimmerman graduated several key players from that team and will need to find players to fill those roles this fall.
Head coach: Dan Hughes( second season)
2025 record: 7-3, 4-1 in the Skyway-Green District
Key returning players: Senior wide receiver Jameson Smuda, senior kicker Lane Johnson and junior halfback Eli
ERIK NELSON Sports Reporter
Fall Sports Preview 2026
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup bringing soccer into the spotlight this
Gostonczik are three key players returning this season.
Key departures: Quarterback Thomas McEachern and running back Mason Spence graduated. McEachern and Spence were Zimmerman’ s top two rushers in 2025, with each rushing for more than 1,000 yards. McEachern also threw six touchdown passes last season. Wide receiver Noah Schmit and defensive tackle Bryce Nordlund also graduated.
Important games: Zimmerman opens the 2026 season at home Thursday, Sept. 3, at 6 p. m. at Thunder Stadium.
In Week 2, the Thunder host Princeton Friday, Sept. 11, at 6 p. m. at Thunder Stadium in the sixth annual North Railroad Trophy game. A pregame moment of silence will recognize the 25th
summer, the Elks hope to carry that energy into a competitive season.
Head coach: Brian Steuter
2025 record: 6-10-1
FILE PHOTO
The Thunder( in navy) lost twice to Orono in 2025, first in the regular season and then in the Section 6-4A championship game. The two teams will meet again at Pesonen Stadium in Orono on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p. m.
anniversary of 9 / 11 and honor the thousands of people who lost their lives in the attacks.
Zimmerman visits Delano Friday, Sept. 18, at
( 3-6-0 in NWSC)
Key returning players: Freshman forward Olivia Modeen and junior forward Hannah King each scored four goals last year. Junior goalkeeper Ani Lynch finished 2025 with a 1.53 goals-against average. Junior midfielder Ava Osterman scored three goals last season.
Key departures: The Elks graduated eight seniors, including defender Lexi Dubovich. Dubovich scored four goals in 2025.
Important games: Monday, Aug. 31 vs. Totino-Grace; Wednesday, Sept. 2 @ Andover; Monday, Sept. 28 vs. Centennial; Saturday, Oct. 3 @ STMA; Thursday, Oct. 8 @ Rogers; Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Buffalo
7 p. m. at Delano High School. The Thunder hosts Fergus Falls Friday, Sept. 25, at 6 p. m. at Thunder Stadium.
Three of Zimmerman’ s next four games will be on the road, against Orono Friday, Oct. 2; Westonka Wednesday, Oct. 14; and Chisago Lakes Wednesday, Oct.
21. The Thunder’ s final home game of the regular season will be against Big Lake.
Elks girls soccer still has pieces to compete this fall
Fall Sports Preview 2026
FILE PHOTO
Elks forward Lauren Lipski posses the ball during the first half of Elk River’ s 2-0 loss to Brainerd on Sept. 2, 2025, at Jerry Schempf Field. Lipski is one of the five returning seniors on the 2026 Elks roster along with midfielders Hannah King, Makenna Mogren and Ava Osterman, and forward Abigail Tilly. The Elks begin the 2026 season with a home game against Totino-Grace.
FILE PHOTO
Elks’ midfielder Ava Osterman attempts a free kick during the first half of Elk River’ s 2-0 loss to Brainerd on Sept. 2, 2025, at Jerry Schempf Field.