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St. Francis lineman Moreno dreams of big final season

By Star Tribune, 09/09/14, 6:33PM CDT

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Blake Moreno said he’s always been one of the biggest guys on the football field.

Blake Moreno said he’s always been one of the biggest guys on the football field. The 6-6, 250-pound senior defensive end and tight end has terrorized opposing teams from both sides of the ball for St. Francis.

In 2011 the Saints went 6-1 in the North Suburban Conference and 8-2 overall, including a playoff victory over Andover, before falling to Blaine to end its run. This season they have been compared favorably to that squad and are expected to make waves in Class 5A.

St. Francis, 1-1 in the Mississiippi 8 Conference, is guided by Moreno, junior quarterback Hunter Trautman and a three-headed running attack led by senior John Santiago.

Moreno spoke with the Star Tribune’s Patrick Johnson about his final high school season.

 

Q: You guys had quite a team in 2011. What was it like as a freshman, watching that team?

A: That gave me chills. It was so fun. I always dreamt about having a season like that.

 

Q: How good are you guys this year?

A: The coaches and my teammates say they’re more excited than ever. We have a lot of talent. I think we can make a run in the section and go to state.

 

Q: Is there a buzz around town?

A: There’s a lot more people that think we’re really good this year. There’s lots of excitement from everyone. The home games are awesome. They’re the best.

 

Q: You gave St. Michael-Albertville a run for their money, but fell just short (35-27 last Friday). What did you take from that game?

A: We know they’re one of the best teams in the state and that we had to play our best to win. We couldn’t make any mistakes. But, a loss like that doesn’t matter that much. We showed we can play with anyone.

 

Q: How do you deal with a loss like that?

A: Our coach gives us a 24-hour rule. We can deal with our emotions and feelings from the last game for 24 hours, then we have to throw them away and focus on the next game.

 

Q: You’re starting the season with games against St. Michael-Albertville and Rogers. Do you like playing against any teams in particular?

A: Those are big games, but I love playing against Cambridge and against Chisago. Those are our biggest rivals.

 

Q: Hopes for your senior season?

A: This year I just want to show I can play at an elite level. I want to show that I’m one of the best players around and that we’re one of the best teams.

 

Q: What’s your plan for next year?

A: Hopefully I can play college; either Division I-AA, or Division I-A.

 

Q: When did you first think about playing college ball?

A: I’ve thought about playing in college since the beginning of my junior year. I went to a team camp in North Dakota. They showed interest in me and John (Santiago).

 

Q: Do you think you’ll play with John (Santiago) next year?

A: We’ve talked about it. He’s signed with UND already. I want to keep my options open at this point. It could happen. Time will tell.

 

Q: You also play basketball. What’s your main sport?

A: I love both, but football is my main sport. It’s more competitive and aggressive. Plus, you get to hit people.

 

Q: A lot of kids look up to you. What advice do you have for them?

A: I tell kids just to try their hardest every day, even when nobody is watching. You have to put the time in off the field. Also, I tell kids to listen to their coaches. They know what they’re talking about. Especially here.

PATRICK JOHNSON

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