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Big tests all around on last night of north-metro conference football play

By DAVID LA VAQUE, Star Tribune, 10/14/14, 8:42PM CDT

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The last night of regular-season conference football has a lot at stake for north-metro teams.


Clark Wieneke powers through the line. ] (Matthew Hintz, 092614, Maple Grove)

 

Wednesday concludes high school football’s regular season and the pursuit of traditional conference titles. Minnesota moves to a district model next season, a change designed to provide teams full schedules.

In addition, Wednesday’s games affect seeding for the section playoffs which begin next week. This is the time of year football players live for, moments that draw on all of the summer workouts and two-a-day practices and Friday night lessons.

Here’s a look at what some north metro schools have at stake.

Centennial vs. Robbinsdale Armstrong, 7 p.m.

Victory means: The Northwest Suburban Conference broke into North and West divisions this fall and Centennial has already locked up at least a portion of the North Division title. Wednesday’s opponent, the Falcons, are in the West Division. The Cougars, 5-1 in the division, would be co-champs if Elk River wins at home against Blaine.

Key players: Sophomore Keshaun Story, a former quarterback converted to receiver, became a weapon. Senior running back Tucker Trettel has returned from injury to join Tyler Iaquinto as a formidable 1-2 punch. Linebacker Logan Davey, who sat out the 2013 season, ranks among the team leaders in tackles.

Quote: “We had seven offensive starters out against Spring Lake Park. But our team kept fighting and got through it.” —Centennial coach Mike Diggins

Maple Grove at Spring Lake Park, 7 p.m.

Victory means: The Crimson remain in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in Class 6A, Section 5.

Key players: Running back Clark Wieneke leads the team in rushing while running back/receiver/returner Isaac Collins ranks as one of the metro area’s most dynamic athletes. Offensive lineman Ben Shoults has impressed all season. Coach Matt Lombardi also lauded the myriad contributions by linebacker Chris Fondakowski, a 5-10, 160-pound dynamo. Fondakowski has registered 60 tackles and scored on both fumble and interception returns.

Quote: “Because we botched the Osseo game last week, our focus is completely on sections.” — Maple Grove coach Matt Lombardi

Mounds View at Stillwater, 7 p.m.

Victory means: Mounds View wins the Suburban East Conference outright. A loss means the Mustangs must share the crown with Stillwater and likely East Ridge.

Key players: Senior quarterback Joe Fredrickson and tight end Ryan Kaczynski connected on two scoring passes as Mounds View upset East Ridge last week. And the undersized defense shined. Led by defensive end Charlie Callahan and safety Alec Abercrombie, the Mustangs’ Gang Green defense shut down the East Ridge attack.

Quote: “Winning the No. 1 seed [Class 6A, Section 4] is more important. That goes hand-in-hand with winning the conference but that’s not the focus.” — Mounds View coach Jim Galvin

Osseo vs. Totino-Grace, 7 p.m.

Victory means: Osseo clinches the Northwest Suburban Conference West Division title. Lose and the Orioles could share with Maple Grove and Totino-Grace.

Key players: Running back Justin Ekiyor and receiver Quadri Busari stepped up in Friday’s upset of Maple Grove, making plays in place of injured teammates. Defensively, free safety Damario Armstrong and outside linebacker Segun Adedeji personify the speed with which the Orioles fly to the ball.

Quote: “We want to be selfish. It’s important for us to win the last conference title.” — Osseo coach Derrin Lamker

Worth noting

Elk River vs. Blaine: A victory means the Elks can share the Northwest Suburban Conference North Division title with Centennial.

In the Metro West Conference, Cooper earns a piece of the title with a victory against Chaska and a Bloomington Jefferson victory against Chanhassen.

 

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574

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