Simley won just one regular-season game in 2016. In 2017, two. In 2018? Yep, you guessed it, the Spartans won three. Incremental gains have been replaced by leaps and bounds this fall, as — surprise, surprise — Simley (6-0, 3-0) is one of the dwindling number of undefeated teams in the state.
Senior quarterback Shane Prifrel and senior running back Hope Adebayo are the catalysts for a small but speedy Simley offense. The defense for the No. 9-4A Spartans has been outstanding, shutting out two opponents and allowing no more than 14 points in a game.
Tartan, which also resides in the Suburban Grey Subdistrict, is led by junior quarterback Brandon Lockhart (726 passing yards, 10 touchdowns) and senior running back Tien Dang (564 rushing yards, eight TDs). The No. 6-5A Titans (6-0, 4-0) have scored at least 24 points in every game this season, reaching a peak of 66 in a Sept. 6 shutout of North St. Paul.