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Missota Conference preview

By Star Tribune, 08/28/12, 3:26PM CDT

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Expect a battle down to the final weeks of the season as four -- possibly five -- teams vie for the conference title. Defending champion Shakopee's last two games are likely to be pivotal as it hosts title hopefuls Chanhassen and Farmington.

CHANHASSEN STORM

Coach: Bill Rosburg

2011 record: 5-5

• The program has made big strides in each of its first three years. With 11 starters back and a future Gopher in offensive lineman Frank Ragnow, the Storm should challenge for a conference title.

 

CHASKA HAWKS 

Coach: Lambert Brown

2011 record: 1-8

• The Hawks lost their last seven games in 2011 by a combined 269-58. Brown is a solid coach, but the opening of neighboring Chanhassen siphoned off talent. Progress will be measured in baby steps.

 

FARMINGTON TIGERS

Coach: Mark Froehling

2011 record: 3-6

• This season's Tigers feature speed, size and experience on both sides of the ball. That includes quarterback Darren Beenken and running back Athen Ashton, both all-conference in 2011.

 

HOLY ANGELS STARS

Coach: Ray Betton

2011 record: 8-2

• In just two seasons, Betton has resurrected the program. Linebacker Mikias Alipate is a D-I recruit with defensive back speed. Quarterback Sam Keis will operate behind a solid offensive line.

 

NEW PRAGUE TROJANS

 Coach: Jim Benick

2011 record: 3-7

• Expect a much improved 2012 after a substandard season last year. Senior quarterback Kyle Stepka, who started all 10 games last year, and running back Nate Preston should give foes fits.

 

NORTHFIELD RAIDERS

 Coach: Bubba Sullivan

2011 record: 3-7

• Northfield should return to the conference race after a down year. Seven offensive starters back indicates they will score some points. A lack of size says they will give up some, too.

 

RED WING WINGERS

 Coach: Matt Schultz

2011 record: 7-4

• After a seven-year stretch with a combined 11-54 record, the Wingers tasted success last year. A bit of a backslide is possible as they work in new quarterback Ricky Turcotte.

 

SHAKOPEE SABERS

Coach: Jody Stone

2011 record: 8-1

• The defending conference champs had great success with their old-school Wing-T. Quarterback Nick Larson is one of only three starters back on offense. The defense will have to step up until the offense starts rolling.

JIM PAULSEN

 

 

 

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