Adam Papin/MDN Junior quarterback Jett Lundeen runs the ball during Bishop Ryan’s football camp.

The Bishop Ryan Lions are looking to bounce back after last year saw them post their first losing season since 2010. Despite going 4-6, the Lions still made the playoffs amid a gauntlet of a schedule.

Every team that defeated Bishop Ryan made the playoffs, including eventual state champion Velva, who only escaped with a two-point Penny Trophy win over the Lions.

As the team looks to regain its position as one of the top teams in Region 3, they will do so with a new coach at the helm. Eric Knutson will replace Roger Coleman as the Lions mentor.

While he is new to the football program, Knutson isn’t a stranger to Bishop Ryan athletics. He spent one season coaching the Lions’ track program while in college.

An all-state linebacker at Des-Lacs Burlington, Knutson played collegiate football at the University of Mary in Bismarck. After graduating, he spent time as the defensive coordinator at Surrey before serving as athletic director at Berthold for two years.

Knutson is excited to be back in Minot and at Bishop Ryan.

“We’ve got a lot of really good football players here, and coach Coleman set me up for success with this team we have here so it’s a great opportunity,” said Knutson.

One of those good football players returning is left tackle and NDSU recruit Coy Okenson. Along with his brother Cade, the left tackle will anchor the offensive line and protect the quarterback.

After signing with the Bison, Okeson told the Minot Daily News about the feeling of having his recruitment wrapped before his senior season. “It feels like a little weight has been lifted off my shoulders and it honestly feels right.”

Junior quarterback Jett Lundeen will call plays on offense for the Lions, while junior linebacker Teagan Coonrod will be the defensive play caller.

“We have a lot of guys who are going to do great things for us this year,” said Knutson.

The Lions open up the season against two of the top five teams in the state, according to the NDAPSAA 11A Preseason Poll, when they travel to Langdon (5th) in the season opener, before hosting Dickinson Trinity (4th) in week two.

In their penultimate game, Bishop Ryan hosts Velva, who was picked to defend last year’s state title. Perennial rival Des-Lacs-Burlington also received votes in the poll.

Knutson and the Lions aren’t about to back down from the competition though.

“I love it. It’s a great challenge for us,” said Knutson. “I love having the defending state champion in the region, 25 miles out. I don’t like easy games. I would rather have us go .500 playing really good teams than go 10-0 against so good teams.”

Bishop Ryan opened the season on the road when they traveled to Langdon last Friday, before welcoming Dickinson Trinity to Herb Parker Stadium on Friday, Aug. 25 with kickoff at 7 p.m.