1 Power shift aborted

Minneapolis Southwest was 60 seconds from dethroning longtime reigning conference champ Washburn last season. But the Millers erased an 11-point deficit and continued a streak of conference titles that now totals 12. In the offseason, Southwest lost a coach who appeared to be on the rise. First-year coach Josh Zoucha and his junior quarterback Al-Jureau Ray will be challenged to keep the Lakers conference title contenders. The favorite tag has since returned to Washburn, especially with four-star running back Jeff Jones carrying the ball.

 

2 Where are they all going?

Washburn lost highly regarded tailback Raymonte Maynard on the second day of practice when he transferred, without warning, to Chanhassen, according to the Washburn coaching staff. Rumors swirled that Jones could leave, too. Quarterback Morley Mathewson went into the season convinced he had two of the state’s best backs behind him. In the last hour, Jones said he would finish his career as a Miller. He could be one of the best in the country this season.

 

3 Surprise run

It’s been a long time since Minneapolis North could be considered a contender. Freshmen made up most of last year’s roster and victories were hard to come by. Gaining experience wasn’t, though. The Polars coaching staff played its young group in every freshmen, junior varsity and varsity game. Extra reps appeared to pay off. And the experience could mean a better-than-expected run this season. Returning quarterback Tyler Johnson and wide receiver Malik Mathews are only sophomores. Kenny Reed and Marcus Jackson will provide a senior presence. Washburn coach Giovan Jenkins expects North to finish second in the conference.

 

4 Fighting the odds

Minneapolis South’s 2012 season produced a controversial attempt to leave the City Conference and a struggle to hold on to its talented players, as chronicled in a Star Tribune special report. Two underclassmen standouts — two-way starter Payton Bowdry and quarterback Anthony Hockett — again will be expected to lead the team. If coach Lenny Sedlock can find a solid supporting cast, such as junior Kyle Helmstetter, the Tigers should finish in the top two of the conference.

Jason Gonzalez