1 Back where they belong

Glencoe-Silver Lake advanced to the Class 3A state tournament 10 times in 11 years from 2000 through 2010, winning five championships. The Minnesota State High School League moved the Panthers up to Class 4A in 2011, making their path more difficult. GSL is back in Class 3A this season and with junior QB Keaton Anderson (3,100 career total yards) entering his third year as a starter backed by 1,000-yard rusher Dalton Clouse, don’t be a surprised to see the Panthers back in the Metrodome in November.

 

2 Making their mark

The conference has a well-deserved reputation for excellence. Hutchinson and Holy Family met for the Class 4A title last year while Annandale advanced to the Class 3A quarterfinals. All three, as well as Glencoe-Silver Lake and New London-Spicer in Class 3A and Delano and Orono in 4A, will be state tournament contenders once again. Things get even tougher next year when New Prague joins the fold.

 

3 power in the east

Hutchinson had a dream season in 2012, going undefeated en route to the Class 4A state title. Key losses to graduation have left a few holes, but with a backfield tandem of Tory Adams and Robbie Grimsley, the Tigers are still the favorite in the East Division. Which leads to the most pressing question: How did Hutchinson, 60 miles west of Minneapolis, end up in the East?

 

4 Big and getting bigger

Delano lineman Christian Triplett, brother of former Gopher and Viking Nate Triplett, is 6-4 and 290 pounds, an inch taller and 20 pounds heavier than in 2012. His size, strength and pedigree have Division I college programs, including Minnesota, checking in regularly. Some may think this is a rebuilding year for Delano, but with Triplett, TE Adam Kraft and QB Toby Hanson, a three-sport star, the Tigers won’t fall far.

 

5 Don’t sleep on these guys

In addition to players mentioned above, keep an eye on these difference-makers: Adam Essler, sr. RB, New London-Spicer; Matt Miller, sr. WR, Annandale; Chazz Johnson, jr. RB, Holy Family; Charlie Schmid, sr. LB, Orono.

Jim Paulsen