1 No Travis? No problem

DeLaSalle lost its starting quarterback from last year, Reid Travis, when he decided to concentrate on basketball. For most teams, losing a player of that caliber would be a significant setback. But the deep and talented Islanders should continue with little interuption. Junior QB Billy Hart had a breakout summer in the passing leagues and has two of the metro’s most dynamic skill players with whom to work in RB Chris Williams and WR James Lawson.

 

2 Change at Providence

Under coach Nate Harrington, Providence Academy established a winning a tradition, going 33-8 over the past four years. Assistant Derek Asche takes over for Harrington and has plenty with which to work. LB Ryan Ylitalo is a transfer from linebacker-rich Wayzata, twins Trent and Trey Wiebusch anchor the offensive line, and RB Ryan Richelson averaged nearly 6 yards per carry last year.

 

3 Small school, big boys

This fall could be a lot of fun at New Life Academy. The biggest reason is, well, bigness. The Eagles have size on the offensive line many larger schools only dream about in center Jake Wynia (6-3, 280 pounds) and tackles Jacob Salkowicz (6-2, 290) and Blake Anders (6-2, 265). Heavy-hitting fullback Matt Etzweiler (5-11, 215) will clean up any stragglers.

 

4 Juniors of note

DeLaSalle coach Sean McMenomy raves about the potential of athletic WR/FS Marquise Bridges, a junior who might be the best athlete on a team of great ones. St. Agnes has a potential star in junior Malik Johnson, whom coach Jim Stangler called “maybe the fastest defensive lineman I’ve ever coached.” St. Croix Lutheran coach Carl Lemke, a wiz in developing agile linemen, has a standout in junior tackle Randy Gehl. And St. Anthony junior QB Justice Spriggs is green but has a huge upside.

Jim Paulsen