Northwest Suburban Conference preview

1Expanding boundaries: The conference has added Irondale and Spring Lake Park and split into two seven-team divisions. The North includes larger-enrollment schools such as Anoka and Blaine. The West has smaller schools, including Osseo and Totino-Grace. The most intriguing games feature Totino-Grace at Maple Grove on Sept. 26 and Osseo at the Crimson on Oct. 10.

2Featured backs: Running the ball usually equals success in Minnesota high school football, and the conference boasts several high-end backs. Irondale’s Victor James, Maple Grove’s Clark Weineke, Totino-Grace’s Kez Flomo, Armstrong’s Thomas Barber and Osseo’s Prince Kruah are sure to move the chains.

DAVID LA VAQUE

Predicted order of finish and players to watch

Predicted finish

NORTH

1. Blaine

Coach: Tom Develice

2013 record: 6-3

2. Centennial

Coach: Mike Diggins 2013 record: 5-5

3. Anoka

Coach: Jeff Buerkle 2013 record: 1-8

4. Champlin Park

Coach: Mike Korton 2013 record: 3-6

5. Andover

Coach: Rich Wilkie 2013 record: 7-4

6. Coon Rapids

Coach: Jon Young 2013 record: 3-6

7. Elk River

Coach: Steve Hamilton 2013 record: 3-7

WEST

1. Maple Grove

Coach: Matt Lombardi

2013 record: 10-1

2. Totino-Grace

Coach: Jeff Ferguson

2013 record: 9-3

3. Osseo

Coach: Derrin Lamker

2013 record: 9-2

4. Spring Lake Park

Coach: Jeff Schlieff

2013 record: 7-4

5. Park Center

Coach: Paul Strong

2013 record: 2-7

6. Irondale

Coach: Ben Fuller

2013 record: 6-4

7. Armstrong

Coach: Jack Negen

2013 record: 0-9

Players to watch

Sam Steckman

TE • Senior • Andover

Nathan Kroutil

RB • Junior • Blaine

Ben Danielson

DL • Senior • Irondale

Isaac Collins

S/RB • Junior • Maple Grove

Gabriel Galamue

WR • Senior • Osseo

Lance Benick

QB • Senior • Totino-Grace

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