ADAMS — A couple of days ago Southland’s Jackson Koenigs was steer wrestling. On Monday he was wrestling down running backs in football practice.

Koenigs wouldn’t have it any other way.

The senior has been a starter for the Rebels football team since he was an eighth grader and he’s expected to be a big contributor at middle linebacker and on the offensive line for Southland, which opens its season against Saint Clair in Adams 7 p.m Saturday.

Koenigs said it’s much tougher to tackle a steer than it is to tackle a running back, but he embraces both tasks.

“Chasing down a steer is kind of similar to chasing a running back. I like that kind of stuff,” Koenigs said.

Koenigs suffered an injury early last season, but he was able to bounce back over the last six games of the season for the Rebels. He racked up 65 tackles, six sacks and 10 tackles for a loss.

Southland head coach Shawn Kennedy compared Koenigs’ presence to that of former Rebel Mike Goergen. Koenigs is a player who simply makes the Rebels better on both sides of the ball and Kennedy said his absence would be a big blow to the squad.

“He’s a beast. He’s got tremendous work ethic,” Kennedy said. “He milks cows at five in the morning and he never misses a workout. He’s a great team leader and he’s got a great personality. How he is is how this team goes.”

Koenigs picked up his work ethic and drive on the football field from playing with his older brothers, Adam and Jake. Adam graduated last year and Jake was a senior when Koenigs was an eighth grader. Koenigs was a starting offensive lineman with Jake on the Rebel team that played in the Section 1A title game his eighth grade year.

“At a young age [my brothers] were both pretty good and I just wanted to be like them and fill their shoes,” Koenigs said. “I wanted to be just as good as they were. I feel like I’ve got to kind of lead the team this year and play for my family.”

Kennedy said that Koenigs has gained quickness since last year and Koenigs now has the ability to cover sideline to sideline as he patrols at middle linebacker.

“My biggest concern is he’ll try to do too much,” Kennedy said.

Besides being a force on the field, Koenigs has also taken on the role of being a leader to Southland’s younger players this season. The Rebels have brought up a few underclassmen this season and Koenigs has been there to provide hints and guidance when those players get a little overwhelmed.

Southland’s roster is a little undersized this season, but it’s not something that has the team overwhelmed as it prepares for the season.

“We’re still a small team, but we’re kind of crazy too,” Koenigs said. “I’m really excited. I’ve never felt this way going into any other year. I’m hungry and we’re ready to roll.”

Koenigs is hoping to play college football and he has his sights set on the Division II level. He said he gets goose bumps when he’s watches Southland grad Alan May play wide receiver at Winona State University and he’d love to play at that level too. Kennedy also thinks Koenigs has the ability to play football at the next level in college.

For now, Koenigs is going to relish his senior season with the Rebels.

“I get to hang out every day with my best friends and have a blast no matter what,” Koenigs said. “I hope we can continue on what we did last year and show the younger guys a good work ethic so we can keep building the program the way it’s been going the last eight or ten years.”