{
  "id": 242500,
  "title": "Grand Forks high school football teams open practice following playoff seasons",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/grand-forks-high-school-football-teams-open-practice-following",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-07T00:32:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/grand-forks-high-school-football-003200946.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Grand Forks high school football season is set to commence as both the Red River and Central teams begin their preseason practices. The Knights and Roughriders, both of which reached the North Dakota Division AA playoffs in 2025, held their first full preseason practices on a sunny day in Grand Forks. Red River practiced next to Cushman Field, while Central worked out at the practice field adjacent to Purpur Arena.\n\nRed River head coach Vyrn Muir noted that the team has undergone significant changes over the offseason, with several key players graduating. The Riders, who lost in the quarterfinals last season, will rely on senior Reese Walters returning after recovering from an injury. Walters had been the starting quarterback during the previous season before his injury. Muir highlighted that the Riders have four quarterbacks vying for the starting position, with Reese as the clear favorite and sophomore Joe Motherwell stepping in as the backup.\n\nCentral head coach Jake Schauer also pointed out notable absences, including the loss of three All-Eastern Dakota Conference players to the offseason. The Knights, who advanced to the playoffs despite a 42-7 defeat to Devils Lake the previous season, will have to fill significant shoes, particularly in the skill positions. Schauer expressed optimism about the incoming talent, mentioning that Brody Leddige, the starting quarterback last season, will now have to compete with three other quality quarterbacks for the starting role.",
  "summary": "Aug. 6—GRAND FORKS — The start of high school football in North Dakota is approaching rapidly. Grand Forks Red River and Grand Forks Central both took the first major step toward Week 1 Thursday morning. The Knights and Roughriders each held their first full preseason practice on a breezy, sunny day in Grand Forks. Red River practiced next to Cushman Field, while Central worked through drills ...",
  "key_points": [
    "Grand Forks high school football teams resume preseason practices.",
    "Red River and Central teams reached 2025 North Dakota Division AA playoffs.",
    "Red River focuses on new quarterback competition, Central on skill position replacements."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Both Grand Forks high school football teams face challenges in replacing key players, setting up a competitive season with new leaders emerging on and off the field.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}