sailor. mnsun. com Fall Football Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2026 Page 21
BENILDE ST. MARGARET’ S RED KNIGHTS
New coach brings optimism into the new season
JASON OLSON jason. olson @ apgecm. com
Coming off a second state tournament appearance since 2023, Benilde-St. Margaret’ s will look to continue its momentum built from an 8-4 record last season, with new head coach Shannon Currier calling the shots this season.
Currier brings in a wealth of knowledge and experience as a head coach for 14 seasons at Concordia-St. Paul across two stints( 2000-03, 2016-25) winning 56 games.
Mix in five seasons at Truman State( 2004-08) where he won 20 games. Through his first offseason guiding the Red Knights, Currier is trying to create a college-like program to better prepare those students who aim to play college football. Currier was the quarterback at Hamline University from 1989-92.
“ We will always compete to win. We will prepare to win every game we play and want to compete for championships,” Currier explained, with success measured by more than wins and losses.“ Our goal is to become one of the most improved football teams in Minnesota. We want to be significantly better at the end of the season than when we walked onto the field for our first practice.”
Transfers choosing BSM give the roster a boost, including senior quarterback Brandon Nyakundi, who moves over from Hopkins and is competing for the starting role.
Sophomore lineman Savy Truzy comes over from
( SUN PHOTO BY JASON OLSON)
Instead of designated captains, Benilde-St. Margaret’ s turned to a select group of Commanders to organize team activities throughout the winter, spring and summer program. The Commanders are pictured left to right, front row: Ray Yerhot, Charlie Jaeger and Brandon Nyakundi. Back row: Arbor Sterk, Joey Rochowiak, Bredan Remjeske, McEwen Lenzemeier, Copeland Wagner.
Bloomington Jefferson and offers ideal size to play on both sides of the line, along with freshman Charlie Brandstedt, who transferred from Delano. Junior receiver / defensive back CJ Gillman bolsters both groups in his move from SMB. The mix of legacy and new families in the program creates some unique dynamics in the program.
“ Some players have deep BSM connections, some have been in the program for years, some are freshmen beginning their journey and some transferred to BSM because they want a different opportunity. A bunch of seniors decided to play football and leave their high school careers / time playing high school football enjoying Friday Night Lights, some of the best moments of their high school experience.”
The mantra for the season is“ Building on the Rock,” referring to Matthew 7:24-25.“ Building on the rock means creating a foundation strong enough to withstand whatever comes our way,” Currier said. The Red Knights have a number of siblings on the roster, including Macallister Lang and Finn Lang as receivers and defensive backs.“ They will be players we will find a way to get the ball to,” Currier said.
Expect the defense to play a fast, physical, relentless and aggressive style, relying on simple systems to allow the players to“ trust their eyes, know the assignments and play fast without hesitation,” Currier said.
As for the offensive approach, look for the Red Knights to play a smart, physical, fundamentally sound and explosive style.
“ We will establish the run, secure the football and create explosive plays,” Currier explained.“ We will be an efficient offense that stays ahead of the chains by consistently creating positive plays and eliminating the mistakes that beat ourselves.”
Among the six coaches back, assistants Mike Swann( special teams / receivers / football operations) and Mal Edwards( inside linebackers) join seven new members of the staff, including Defensive Coordinator Derek Wilson. Four offensive assistant coaches include Tim Crouch( line), Jac Carver( tight ends), Julius Montgomery( running backs) and Cade Dodd( quarterbacks), along with defensive assistants Devin Ulmen( cornerbacks) and Bruno Giordano( defensive pass game coordinator).
QUICK HITS
Head Coach
Shannon Currier First Year
Last Year’ s Record: 8-4
Key Returning Players
Senior linemen Arbor Sterk and Connor Pischer; senior linebacker McEwen Lenzmeier; junior linebacker Ray Yerhot; receiver / running backs Macallister Lang and Finn Lang; senior running back Joseph Rochowiak.
Schedule
Sept. 4: At Stewartville Sept. 11: AHA Sept. 18: At DeLaSalle, 6 p. m. Sept. 25: SMB Oct. 3: At Richfield, noon Oct. 9: Columbia Heights Oct. 14: At Bloomington Jefferson,
6:30 p. m. Oct. 21: Marshall
Game times 7 p. m. unless otherwise noted