Lakeville South’s football team had state championship aspirations heading into the 2024 season that never came to fruition.

The Cougars lost four games, the last of which came to Anoka in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. The disappointment led to reflection for players, particularly those from the current senior class.

What went wrong, and how could they fix it for their final season?

“We realized last year’s team was not as connected,” senior offensive lineman Oscar Anaya. “It felt kind of forced at times.”

That showed itself throughout the season, as fingers were occasionally pointed between the offense and defense.

“We learned that we can’t do that. We have to be together,” senior defensive lineman Carter Mayer said. “We can’t be making fun of each other, pushing each ot

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