Football: Fresh faces taking the reigns for the Demons in 2024

BISMARCK, N.D. — The start of a new season always brings challenges to teams. Some players have moved on with new athletes taking the reigns. After returning to the postseason a year ago, the Bismarck Demons are embracing competition with multiple key positions up for grabs.

One of those position battles is coming from under center. The Demons are in the midst of a quarterback battle between seniors Alex Szczur and Grady Swanson. This is familiar territory for the two quarterbacks, who have battled each other for years, and as Bismarck opens their season with a pair of non-conference games, both Szczur and Swanson will take the field looking to win the starting job.

“Me and him been battling for a while now,” Swanson says. “Ever since middle school, so it’s good to have someone to compete against every day in practice.”

“I think both quarterbacks see some time,” head coach Mark Gibson adds. “I think it’s a good, healthy competition. I think it’s something that I think it helps both kids. I’ve been very impressed by their attitudes as far as helping each other and being good teammates, and I think that goes along the lines of being a leader. I couldn’t ask more as far as what their attitudes have been so far.”

Quarterback isn’t the only position that will feature a fresh look. The Demons will use a running back by committee approach in attempt to replace Carter Henke, who graduated after last season. Despite having new faces across the field, Bismarck’s identity will remain the same.

“They all run hard in practice,” offensive lineman Jack Shaffer says. “They’re all my friends. I’m really excited that we’ve been running with them since middle school. I’ve been running with starter as of right now, Ayden Tincher, since fifth grade, so I’ve been with them for a long time. Logan Dockter, all of them run hard and I can’t say that enough. I think that’s going to be a great running back for all their from top to bottom.”

“When we’re successful, we can run the ball,” Gibson adds. “If we’re not going to be able run the football, then we’re not being successful, which has happened to us a few years ago. You know, we’re not very flashy. Our philosophy forever has been to control the clock and control the game offensively and limit their possessions offensively. I think that’s a mindset and that’s an attitude and that’s something we’re working on.”

Bismarck opens their season on the road against reigning Class AA state champion, Fargo North, on August 23rd.

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