Holy Angels and St. Louis Park were two of the Suburban Red subdistrict’s top finishers last season and have the ability to be potential contenders again this fall. One team will take an early advantage in the subdistrict standings with a victory in their meeting Friday.
After finishing second in league play last season, the Stars (2-0) put together a Class 4A title-winning postseason run. It was the school’s first Prep Bowl championship, and the Stars are again among the favorites to win a state championship this fall.
Last year’s success came behind a stingy defense that surrendered just 9.5 points per game, and Holy Angels seems to be embracing that game plan again — allowing a total 13 points through the first two weeks. Offensively, the No. 1-4A Stars rely on senior quarterback Rook Rowe, who threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns in 28-6 win over South St. Paul on Sept. 7.
The Orioles (1-1) finished one spot behind Holy Angels in last year's league standings and also advanced to the state tournament due in part to a strong defensive effort — particularly in a 13-12 win over Robbinsdale Cooper in the Class 5A, Section 5 championship.
Following a 42-14 loss to No.7-5A Robbinsdale Cooper in a regular-season matchup last Friday, the Orioles hope to improve on both sides of the ball and get back in the win column. Leading the effort on offense is junior running back Sajid Nathim, who has four rushing touchdowns.