2011 NWSC College Football Commitments!

Here is a list of Football players that have made their 2011 college football commitments…

Justin Emmerich, Andover:  University of Minnesota-Crookston

Ryan Emmerich, Andover:  University of Minnesota-Crookston

Dylan Garski, Coon Rapids:  Concordia University-St. Paul

Jameer Jackson, Osseo:  University of North Dakota

Ryan Kelley, Centennial:  University of Minnesota-Duluth

Eric Kline, Blaine:  South Dakota State University

Alex Meier, Anoka:  United States Military Academy at West Point (Army)

Ryan Peterson, Centennial:  University of Minnesota-Duluth

Logan Sargent, Coon Rapids:  Concordia University-St.Paul

Floken Sirleaf, Coon Rapids:  Valley City State University (North Dakota)

Joey Sonnenfeld, Osseo:  North Dakota State University

Chris Thomas, Blaine:  Winona State University

Gabe Wolfe, Andover:  Minnesota State University-Mankato

——————

Congratulations to all these young men and best of luck as they begin the next phase of their lives!

Now there’s the Big Three

From StarTribune.com…

After winning its third state title in six years, Wayzata deserves equal billing with Eden Prairie and Cretin.

By MICHAEL RAND, Star Tribune

Wayzata answered two questions emphatically in the Class 5A Prep Bowl. Were the Trojans the best team in the state in 2010? A 31-14 thrashing of previously undefeated Rosemount in Friday’s finale means yes is the only possible answer.

Have they cemented their place, big picture, in the state’s football hierarchy? Absolutely.

Eden Prairie and Cretin-Derham Hall might still be on the tips of tongues at the start of any debate over the state’s best-known and most successful big-school football programs. But it’s time to permanently put Wayzata into that mix — perhaps even at the top of the list. When it comes to Class 5A, there is a Big Three.

Three Wayzata state championships in six seasons provide the evidence. Without being cocky, the Trojans seem to know this one puts them in a different class.

“After this one people are going to look at us as one of the top two or the No. 1 program in the state of Minnesota,” senior quarterback Sasha Doran said. “They’ll know we’re a program that is always going to have a chance to win a championship.”

Of course, plenty of other Wayzata players were qualified to speak on that subject. Three different players are assigned jersey No. 1. Same goes with No. 2. The Trojans’ state tournament program requires squinting at all 122 players’ names.

This year’s Wayzata team possessed some intangible qualities that mark a program whose foundation is rock-solid. When I saw the Trojans for the first time this year, in the fifth game of the regular season, they eked out a 15-14 miracle victory in the final seconds over a good but not great Minnetonka squad. The Trojans team I saw Friday was completely different — still undersized, but a transformed juggernaut.

Special programs, too, have players who rise up when it matters most. Sophomore Mitchell Underhill, who had fewer than 800 yards rushing coming into Friday but galloped for 247 yards and four TDs on just 12 carries against the Irish, certainly is worthy of that distinction.

Overall, Wayzata’s style is sophisticated and relentless, but rarely flashy. They take their cue from head coach Brad Anderson — a low-key man off the field and a nice guy who finishes first. That’s a hard combination to pull off in a program where the stakes are so high, but Anderson never seems uncomfortable doing it — just as he never gets tired of winning.

Wayzata’s fans are also getting used to this. Many of them wore T-shirts with “Home away from home” written on them along with a picture of the Metrodome — a message that implies making it at least as far as the state semifinals and a trip inside the Teflon confines is now expected.

Lower down, the shirts say: “Champions wear gold.” That was the case in 2005, 2008 and Friday night. With the program Anderson has built, the next one could come at any time.

“When we won our first title, it let us join some rare company. Our second one proved it wasn’t a fluke,” Anderson said. “Now, having won our third, it means we belong with the better teams in the state.”

Dashes to dashes, it’s a Wayzata runaway in 5A

From StarTribune.com…

Mitchell Underhill hit the Irish with four big strikes on the ground, and the Trojans rolled to the 5A crown.

By DAVID La VAQUE, Star Tribune

Surrounded by reporters wanting to know everything about the young running back who enjoyed a championship performance for the ages, Wayzata’s Mitch Underhill got interrupted by teammate Scott Siegel.

“I just need the trophy,” Siegel said as he grabbed the Class 5A state tournament championship hardware. “You can keep talking.”

There was much to discuss. Underhill, a 15-year-old sophomore running back, led the top-ranked Trojans (11-0) to a 31-14 victory over No. 4 Rosemount (12-1) and their third state championship in the past six seasons. He carried 12 times for 247 yards and four touchdowns, on runs of 45, 66, 58 and 58 yards — the last three coming in the third quarter of Friday night’s game at the Metrodome. Underhill came into Friday’s game with a modest 747 yards and nine touchdowns

“When I see an open field, I’m going to run as fast as I can and go as hard as I can,” Underhill said. “I’m not going to let anyone touch me.”

Underhill’s first touchdown, a 45-yard sprint, gave Wayzata a 7-0 lead on its second play from scrimmage 51 seconds into the game. He struck again later at a key moment of the third quarter.

Rosemount tied the score on a short drive created when the Trojans’ Aaron Roth fumbled a punt return at the Wayzata 17-yard line. Irish quarterback Kevin Larson won a sprint to the goal line on a game-tying 3-yard touchdown run.

A 24-yard Ruan Albuquerque field goal, set up by a Rosemount fumble, gave Wayzata a 10-7 edge at halftime.

Downing a punt inside the Wayzata 1 and forcing a punt put Rosemount 39 yards away from taking a third-quarter lead. But the Trojans defense dug deep.

“We wanted to show we are as dominant of a defense that’s ever gone through Wayzata,” said Siegel, a starting defensive end. “We really wanted to make a point that no matter what, we were going to stop them.”

After allowing a first down, the defense forced the Irish to turn the ball over on downs. Cornerback Alex Carlson knocked away a potential touchdown pass in the end zone.

The turning point was at hand. Wayzata’s offensive line and Underhill took control by turning a third-and-1 run into a 66-yard touchdown and a 17-7 lead.

In the process, Underhill turned teammates into fans.

“His first touchdown was phenomenal,” Siegel said. “His second one gave me goose bumps. And after the next two, I was literally in awe and could not speak for a minute. I don’t know if I should say it because he’s only a sophomore, but he’s as good of a back as I’ve seen at Wayzata.”

No big names, one big letter: D

From StarTribune.com…

Wayzata will count on a fairly anonymous but wildly successful group of defenders when it takes on Rosemount for the Class 5A championship Friday.

By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune

Now in his seventh season directing Wayzata’s often-smothering defense, assistant coach Matt Lombardi is scheming a plan to beat Rosemount in Friday’s Class 5A Prep Bowl showdown.

The top-ranked Trojans (10-0) rode their defense through the past month. The 16 points scored by Mounds View in the fourth quarter of last week’s semifinal game ended a 15-quarter shutout streak. The other downside to the Trojans’ 21-16 victory: Mounds View succeeded at running right at their lighter defenders — a game plan No. 4 Rosemount (12-0) and its option offense is sure to follow.

“They have some massive people inside,” Lombardi said. “We’ll have to play low and fast.”

Low and fast, the way warplanes elude detection by radar, might be the secret to the Trojans’ success this season. Four Division I recruits gave Wayzata’s 2009 defense some name recognition. The current defense, despite its performances, remains a mostly anonymous unit.

“They know they are a faceless defense,” Lombardi said. “Earlier this season some of the seniors wanted to get those same accolades. But they’ve realized our success will come from playing well as a group, and they’ve taken a lot of pride in that.”

Lombardi sets the tone for cumulative success by mixing and matching players to best fit his schemes. His father, Robert Lombardi, a member of the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, uses the same philosophy on offense. For Matt, being a coach’s son paid dividends.

“I learned more at the dinner table than anywhere,” Matt said.

When Lombardi arrived at Wayzata, he brought a complex system based on simple terms. His defenders don’t even have a playbook.

“There are probably 4,000 different calls, but there are about three words that tell me where to go,” defensive end Scott Siegel said.

Siegel knows his playing time depends on what opposing offenses like to do. While the faster Tucker Kline, a 5-10, 195-pound defensive tackle, made 10 tackles and two sacks in the quarterfinals against Blaine’s spread offense, Siegel spent more time on the sideline.

One week later, the 6-1, 229-pound Siegel tormented Mounds View’s run-heavy attack with eight tackles, six for loss.

“I like to do the muckier stuff inside,” Siegel said. “I’m a bigger person, so it’s kind of hard to move me.”

Siegel said he is “not sure if I’ll leave the field much” against run-first Rosemount. Trojans safety David Boegel knows the feeling. Boegel is a rare three-year starter. Not even linebacker James Laurinaitis, a three-time All-America at Ohio State and current member of the St. Louis Rams, matched that feat.

Lombardi said the 5-10, 175-pound Boegel is the Trojans’ version of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu — a player with the speed and smarts to make plays in all situations. Boegel, who leads the team in tackles, recorded a sack against Mounds View and also knocked down the Mustangs’ final pass attempt.

“I know Lombo is counting on me to do everything right,” Boegel said. “He puts me in a position to make plays so I want to be the guy who goes out and sacrifices my body to make the team better.”

Lombardi said the defense improved throughout the season, culminating in a “staggering” run to the state championship game.

“I give the kids all the credit,” Lombardi said. “We’re little, but we’ve learned there is an expectation on the defense to be pretty good. And these kids believe they’ll stop you.”

Breakaway run boosts Wayzata in nick of time (Video)

From StarTribune.com…

Surging Mounds View was a TD away from the lead when the Trojans’ backup QB tucked the ball away on a deflating 62-yard scramble, setting up an insurance TD.

By DAVID LA VAQUE dlavaque@startribune.com, Star Tribune

It probably figures that the longest offensive gain in a game controlled by defense was forced rather than called.

Part-time Wayzata quarterback Nick Martin was instructed to look for a receiver running a drag route against Mounds View and given the option to run if the play did not come open.

With Mustangs blanketing his receiver, Martin ran 62 yards to Mounds View’s 11. It was the big play the Trojans needed to set up a touchdown and go ahead by 12 points in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 21-16 Trojans victory in a Class 5A state semifinal at the Metrodome.

Fighters to the end, Mounds View (11-2) answered with a touchdown and was not out of the game until a pass fell short on fourth-and-6 from Wayzata’s 39.

With the victory, Wayzata (10-0) advances to play Rosemount (12-0) on Friday in the Prep Bowl championship game. Wayzata previously won Class 5A titles in 2005 and 2008. Rosemount won in 1981.

“We knew we’d have to earn this one,” Wayzata coach Brad Anderson said.

Two touchdowns six minutes into the game, one each from the defense and offense, gave No. 1 Wayzata a 14-0 lead over No. 6 Mounds View that the Trojans held into the fourth quarter.

Then Mounds View found the end zone, first on a ball tipped by Jimmy Duffy into the waiting arms of Blake Anderson. The play capped a 17-play, 85-yard drive and cut Wayzata’s lead to 14-7.

Wayzata entered Saturday’s semifinal game having outscored its previous three opponents 111-0. The Trojans had not allowed a point since overtime of their victory over Eden Prairie on Oct. 20.

Wayzata had to punt away its next possession from its own 23, and the attempt was blocked by Maze Thompson. The ball rolled into the end zone for a safety and gave the Mustangs the ball.

Then Martin, who plays the third drive of each half in relief of starting quarterback Sasha Doran, came into the game. Though not a running quarterback, Martin is an ex-soccer player in his second year of football. So he is familiar with the concept of making runs.

“His run tonight might have been the difference,” Anderson said. “He’s really an unflappable athlete.”

Aaron Roth’s touchdown run made it 21-9 with 5:34 remaining, enough time for Duffy to haul in a one-handed touchdown catch and for the Mustangs defense to force a punt.

“We fed off our defense’s emotion,” Mounds View coach Jim Galvin said. “We just asked them to give us chances. In the end we just needed one more first down.”

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Highlight video of the Mounds View vs Wayzata playoff game courtesy of Coon Rapids Sports on YouTube…

Minnesota State Class 5A Scoreboard (Semifinals)

Final scores from the Minnesota State Class 5A semifinals (designated home team in bold)…

– (4) Rosemount over Brainerd, 28-14
– (1) Wayzata over (6) Mounds View, 21-16

Wayzata is in the driver’s seat

From StarTribune.com…

Cretin-Derham Hall and Eden Prairie are missing, but there is still a strong field as the top-rated Trojans go after a third title.

By DAVID La VAQUE, Star Tribune

While there is nothing new under the sun, a fresh and unusual high school football atmosphere can be found this weekend under the Metrodome roof.

The final four teams in the Class 5A state tournament were all ranked in the final regular-season AP poll: No. 7 Brainerd, No. 6 Mounds View, No. 4 Rosemount and No. 1 Wayzata. Of almost equal note are the two football powers not in the house: defending state champion Cretin-Derham Hall and six-time state champ Eden Prairie. Both were knocked out last week, the first time both have missed the semifinals since 2004.

“It almost falls in the category of being unique that those two aren’t in the final four,” said longtime Brainerd coach Ron Stolski, whose Warriors stunned Eden Prairie in the quarterfinals. “But there’s a lot of good football in Minnesota, and things do happen.”

Indeed. Just look at the Raider-less, Eagle-less yet impressive pairings. Brainerd (11-0) plays Rosemount (11-0) at 8:15 p.m. Friday in a battle of unbeatens. Mounds View (11-1) and Wayzata (9-0) kick off at 8:15 p.m. on Saturday.

The field is not entirely new. Both Brainerd and Mounds View reached the semifinals last season and were defeated by Cretin-Derham Hall and Eden Prairie, respectively. But reaching the Dome with those football giants in the rear-view mirror rather than the headlights is an inspiring sight.

“Who would have guessed?” said Mounds View coach Jim Galvin, whose Mustangs beat Cretin-Derham Hall last week for the first time since 1974. “If you played those games on paper, they would have gone a different way.”

Of course, one giant remains. Wayzata — which features the state’s largest enrollment (3,091) and two recent state football titles (2005 and 2008) — looms over the field with a large, mobile offensive line, capable skill players and a wrecking ball of a defense. The Trojans’ relentless style held Blaine quarterback and Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year Eric Kline to just 86 yards of total offense in the section title game, forcing two interceptions and allowing no TDs.

“They are fast and ornery, and they bring bad intentions with them to the ball,” Galvin said.

A similar defensive effort will be important to Mounds View’s success, and Galvin likes his chances.

“We played teams like Stillwater and Cretin that are very similar to Wayzata in terms of offense,” Galvin said. “We will be able to use a lot of our same schemes.”

Stolski and Rosemount coach Jeff Erdmann said their teams share offensive similarities. Rosemount runs the option while the Warriors line up in the spread formation, but both teams are predicated on the run. Each offense piled up more than 3,900 total yards — at least 3,000 of which came on the ground.

“We’re not all that flashy,” Erdmann said. “We don’t wear wristbands. We run the ball and try to do things right.”

Rosemount is led by quarterback Kevin Larson and running back Andrew Hausmann, who together accounted for 1,953 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, many behind offensive lineman and Mr. Football finalist Joe Bjorklund.

Their offensive counterpart is Brainerd running back Jordan Hayes. The Mr. Football finalist ran for 1,370 yards and 15 touchdowns and is a “scintillating” player according to Stolski — a former English teacher.

Much of the remaining field ignored recent history to advance. When it comes to predicting a state champion, Erdmann said “every year people pencil in two or three teams. But that’s not always fair.”

The Big One – State 5A Semifinals – Mounds View vs Wayzata

This season we’ll have a weekly segment called “The Big One” where we feature a game with post-game articles and/or analysis including video from our friends at Coon Rapids Sports on YouTube.  Our next “Big One” of the 2010 season will be the Mounds View vs Wayzata semifinal State 5A playoff game on Saturday, November 20th (8:15pm) @ Metrodome.

The Wayzata Trojans (9-0) enter this game undefeated.  They’ve beaten three other State 5A qualifying teams (Lakeville South, Eden Prairie, Blaine) by an average score of 36-16 and their defense has shutout their three playoff  opponents.  They have speed.  They have skill.  They have coaching.  How can they lose?  The Mounds View Mustangs (10-1) enter this game on a high having avenged their only loss of the season to Cretin-Derham Hall by holding them to just 7 points in a 21-7 win.  Like Wayzata the Mustangs have dominated their three playoff opponents beating them by an average score of 34-9.  They have some speed.  They have some skill.  They have some coaching.  But do they have enough to knock off the top-ranked Wayzata Trojans and secure a spot in the Minnesota State 5A Championship game?  We’ll find out Saturday night.

State 5A Semifinal Matchups (@ Metrodome):
– Rosemount vs Brainerd – Friday, November 19th (8:15pm)
– Mounds View vs Wayzata – Saturday, November 20th (8:15pm)

Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year – Eric Kline (Blaine)

From StarTribune.com…

Blaine’s Eric Kline: A double-trouble QB

He led the Bengals to a 10-1 season with 3,088 total yards and 34 touchdowns.

By DAVID La VAQUE, Star Tribune

Judging Blaine quarterback Eric Kline solely on his performance in the Bengals’ 34-0 loss to Wayzata in last Friday’s Class 5A quarterfinal football game is shortsighted. ¶ After all, Kline ended the first possession of his first start last season with an interception, an almost forgotten footnote for the player who became the state’s finest dual-threat quarterback. And while the Wayzata loss provided an unfortunate ending, Kline’s outstanding senior season earned him Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year honors.

“That loss doesn’t change the player Eric has been for us,” Blaine coach Shannon Gerrety said. “He’s done everything we’ve asked. He’s a complete winner.”

This fall, Kline provided 3,088 total yards and 34 touchdowns, led the Bengals in rushing and got them into the state tournament with a 10-0 record. Off the field, he took a leadership role by organizing passing drills and becoming a fixture in the weight room.

“I wanted to provide energy and set an example by making the right decisions,” Kline said.

Though soundly beaten by Wayzata — Kline managed just 86 yards of total offense and threw two interceptions — he showed character after the game by giving reporters his best explanations for why a promising season ended with a thud.

“That’s what a man does,” his coach said.

Later in the evening, Kline joined a half-dozen teammates at the home of wide receiver Evan Spurbeck. The group talked into the wee hours, reminiscing about their many football glories from the time they first played together in second grade right up through their senior year.

“We spent a lot of time dreaming about going to state as seniors so it’s weird to think that it has already come and gone,” Kline said. “We really came together, and I’ll never forget the connections we made.”

Gerrety installed the spread offense prior to the 2008 season and under the guidance of James Peterson, another superb dual-threat quarterback, the Bengals reached the state championship game.

Then a sophomore wide receiver and backup quarterback, Kline later became Peterson’s successor. As a junior, Kline accounted for 2,491 total yards and 30 touchdowns and led Blaine to a 8-2 season that ended in the section championship game.

Returning to state this season required Kline’s gutsiest performance. A separated left (non-throwing) shoulder forced him to miss the first two days of practice and limited his snaps the next two days.

Playing through pain, Kline posted 318 total yards, including 24 carries for 183 yards and four touchdowns as the Bengals defeated Andover 40-14 in the section final.

“He never went out of bounds,” Gerrety said. “He would cut back on runs and look for more yards.”

Kline said his shoulder in no way affected Blaine’s loss to Wayzata. He gave the Trojans’ defense credit for overwhelming team speed.

With the football season over, Kline is looking forward to running track. He is on the fence about playing basketball. Also uncertain are his college plans. Among the 15 schools showing interest are Division I programs North Dakota, North Dakota State and South Dakota State. Playing quarterback is Kline’s preference, but he is flexible.

“I’m not sure what these schools are looking for,” Gerrety said. “But Eric will be somebody’s gold mine.”

Star Tribune All-Metro Teams

Star Tribune First Team All-Metro…

FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE

Eric Kline

Blaine • Sr. • QB

Tall (6-4), strong and fast, Kline became the state’s premiere dual-threat quarterback. Amassed 3,088 total yards and 34 touchdowns, led the Bengals in rushing and got them into the Class 5A tournament with a 10-0 record.

Reggie Gandy

DeLaSalle • Sr. • RB

Posted incredible numbers of 2,606 rushing yards (10.1 yards per carry) and 33 touchdowns. Rushed for more than 300 yards in five different games. Carried the Islanders into the Class 3A tournament.

Andrew Larson

Eden Prairie • Jr. • RB

Matched good size (5-10, 185) with balance and speed to produce more than 1,600 rushing yards and 20 TDs for an Eagles team ranked No. 1 much of the season. Excels at gaining yards after contact.

Sam Sura

South St. Paul • Jr. • RB

Tough fullback earned many of his 1,945 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns the hard way. But he rarely fumbled and went down easily even less. Offensive MVP of the Classic Suburban Conference and leader of the resurgent Packers.

Steven Kiesel

Breck • Sr. • WR

Measures 5-9 and 170 pounds, but those are not the important numbers. Tormented defenses with 94 catches for 1,250 yards and 13 touchdowns and impressed opposing coaches with his toughness.

Dylan Ulferts

Shakopee • Sr. • WR

Dynamic playmaker who made things happen all season despite double teams. Caught 50 balls for 820 yards (16.4 average) and 11 touchdowns. Added another 509 yards rushing (10.2 average) and six scores.

Joe Bjorklund

Rosemount • Sr. • OL

South Suburban Conference lineman of the year. Measures 6-5, 285. Explosive athlete drawing interest from Michigan State and Wisconsin. Powered the formidable Irish rushing attack.

Alex Jarosz

Totino-Grace • Sr. • OL

Used his 6-4, 265-pound frame to clear holes for the Eagles’ running game. Constantly drives defenders downfield and often dumps them in the secondary.

Nick Jacobs

Delano • Sr. • OL

Considered by some coaches to be the state’s best offensive lineman. Tremendous feet for his size (6-5, 275) and has the quickness and speed to pull and lead running backs to the hole. Iowa, Iowa State and Wisconsin showing interest.

Tommy Olson

Mahtomedi • Sr. • OL

Widely viewed as the state’s best lineman. Committed to the Gophers. Played at guard and tackle. Relentless drive blocker with the size (6-4, 290) and strength to overpower defenders. Plays with a mean streak.

T.J. Woodrow

Eden Prairie • Sr. • OL

Key cog of the line that sprang Andrew Larson to a solid season. Moved around depending on the play and usually an indicator of where the play was going. At 6-3, 270, has the ability to pull.

FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE

Brandt Berghuis

Rosemount • Sr. • DL

Team’s third-leading tackler with 17 tackles for loss through the section tournament. Key part of pesky Irish defense that allows under 12 points per game.

Nick Goldsmith

Mounds View • Sr. • DL

Named the defensive lineman of the year in the Suburban East Conference. Had 35 solo tackles. Coach says there is “no more important player” to the team’s defense.

Jonathan Harden

Cretin-Derham Hall • Jr. • DL

Already a two-year starter as a 6-foot, 300-pound unblockable force for one of the state’s best teams. Made four tackles for loss in one game.

Joe Zrust

Totino-Grace •

Sr. • DL

Three-year starter at nose guard in the Eagles’ 3-4 defense. Gets good inside pressure that has garnered interest from Ivy League schools. Simply put, one coach said, “He’s a dude.”

Alex Meixell

Rogers • Sr. • LB

A force who helped lead state’s most impressive defense this season (Rogers had five shutouts). Named co-MVP of the Mississippi 8 Conference with 113 tackles, three fumbles recovered and a sack.

Will Ratelle

St. Thomas Academy • Sr. • LB

Mr. Football nominee with 91 tackles (10 for loss), three forced fumbles and an interception returned for a score. Some view the 5-11, 225 stalwart as the best football player overall in Class 4A.

Peter Westerhaus

Holy Family • Sr. • LB

Gophers verbal recruit drew interest from teams coast to coast to the small school in Victoria. Plays both ways but is at his best as a linebacker, where the 6-4, 225-pounder made 87 total tackles during regular season.

David Boegel

Wayzata • Sr. • DB

Coach Brad Anderson said coordinator Matt Lombardi built the stout Trojans defense around him. Five of the first eight games of the season ended in double-digit tackle totals.

James Farrow

Minnetonka • Sr. • DB

The fluid Virginia Tech recruit likes to hit, making 30 solo tackles while grabbing three interceptions. Returned one 90 yards for a TD. A dangerous return man (13.3 yards per punt return, 23 yards per kick return); one punt returned for a TD.

Grayson Levine

Eden Prairie • Sr. • DB

Plays both ways. A physical defender who also has the speed to keep up with the competition. An agile player who supports the run well.

Frank Veldman

Eastview • Sr. • DB

The 6-4, 200-pound free safety was named defensive player of the year in the new South Suburban Conference. Earned Metro Player of the Year votes.

Marcus Jones

Edina • Sr. • K

Perfect in all 14 extra point attempts. Made six of nine field goals, including a 41-yarder; three came against Minnetonka, winning the game.

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Star Tribune Second & Third Team All-Metro…

SECOND TEAM

Offense

Quarterback

• Bill Gregg, Hopkins, sr.: More than 2,700 yards and 31 TDs passing.

Running backs

• Ezekiel Okeleye, East Ridge, sr.: Rushed for 1,508 yards and 16 TDs

• Trevor Lueders, Glencoe-Silver Lake, sr.: Converted DE rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

Receivers

• Jimmy Duffy, Mounds View, sr.: State’s best TE prospect, blocks well, runs better.

• Andrew McDonald, Hopkins, jr.: Speedster is a big play waiting to happen.

• Joey Sonnenfeld, Osseo, sr.: Dual threat as a WR and on defense as a safety.

Offensive linemen

• Josh Colville, Minnetonka, sr.: Extremely agile and quick for his size (6-3, 270)

• Josh Corbin, Northfield, sr.: Physical, explosive and versatile enough to play guard and tackle.

• Ryan Kelley, Centennial, sr.: 318-pound tackle averaged four pancake blocks per game.

• Trenton Nady, Holy Family, sr.: Tall and athletic with excellent lateral movement.

• John Petrie, Wayzata, sr.: Strong and relentless, leader of overwhelming line.

Athlete

• Andrew Lewis, St. Paul Central, sr.: Do-everything type who always makes a play.

DEFENSE

Linemen

• Logan LaCourse, Shakopee, sr.: Plugged up the middle of the field and made plays.

• Donny Longendyke, White Bear Lake, sr.: Headed to Nebraska on a wrestling scholarship.

• Jesse Reemtsma, Spring Lake Park, sr.: Speed led to 62 tackles and six sacks.

• Devin Waters, Rogers, sr.: Used long arms to lead team in pass breakups.

Linebackers

• Nick McBeain, Shakopee, jr.: Returned all four interceptions for scores.

• Willie Roller, Cretin-Derham Hall, sr.: Tough-hitting player with good size.

• Andrew Rose, Stillwater, sr.: 82 tackles, 16 for a loss.

• Chris Thomas, Blaine, sr.: Scored four defensive touchdowns.

Defensive backs

• Sean Hamlin, Wayzata, sr.: Quietly held best receivers to their worst days.

• Jake Schauer, Totino-Grace, sr.: Closes on ball fast and tackles well.

• Charles Webb, Minnetonka, jr.: Made big plays (four touchdowns) and bigger hits.

Kicker

• Tom Obarski, Apple Valley, sr.: Handled Eagles’ kicking and punting with equal aplomb.

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THIRD TEAM

Offense

• Quarterbacks: Jameson Parsons, Eagan; Tyler Finnes, Andover.

• Running backs: Brenton Braddock, Mahtomedi; Andrew Hausmann, Rosemount; Taz Seibert, Norwood-Young America; C.J. Smith, Burnsville;

• Receivers: James Fort, Annandale; Derek Vidor, Rogers; Rodney Pierce-Tyler, Mpls. Southwest.

• Offensive linemen: Teddy DeFrane, Sibley East; Zach Johnson, Eastview; Ryan Link, Rosemount; Luke Marks, St. Thomas Academy; Nick Olson, Richfield; Sam Smith, South St. Paul.

• Athlete: Ayrton Scott, Mpls. Southwest.

Defense

• Linemen: Sam Berg, New Life Academy; Patrick Faber, Fridley; Tyler Hartmann, Andover; Greg Lofquist, South St. Paul; Cameron Vanderwall, St. Paul Central.

• Linebackers: Tom Lawless, Mpls. Southwest; Weslee Kavanagh, Orono; Ethan Miller, Lakeville South; Josh Vaughn, Bloomington Kennedy.

• Defensive backs: David Morgan, Rosemount; Nick Rallis, Edina, jr; Peter Vakulskas, Holy Family; Bobby Wills, Henry Sibley.

• Kicker: Eric Mielke, Cambridge-Isanti.