Bemidji at St. Francis
7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22

After posting losing records in 2012 and 2013, St. Francis bounced back last year with an 8-3 overall record and came within one game of reaching the state tournament. The team that ended the Fighting Saints' state tournament hopes is also the first opponent of the new season, as Bemidji travels to St. Francis. The Lumberjacks won a 43-38 shootout with the Fighting Saints to reach the Class 5A state tournament, where they were bounced by St. Michael-Albertville 29-14 in the quarterfinals.

St. Francis will look to replace its top running back John Santiago, who rushed for a team-high 1,859 yards and 24 touchdowns last year.

Bemidji has the luxury of bringing back senior Logan Hatfield. The veteran bruiser ran for 1,540 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior.