Classic Suburban Conference Football Outlook: Can Richfield Hold its Own?

—The Spartans ended the 2010 season with eight straight losses after winning their season-opener against North St. Paul. Richfield hopes to improve an offense that scored 7.4 points per game a year ago. They must replace quarterback Jared Etienne and running back Daron Garvis. However, they return Deshawn Jones, who was the team’s top receiver as a junior.

—The Cadets are 37-3 over the past five regular seasons, including back-to-back undefeated years. They have shared the past three Classic Suburban Conference titles.

Mahtomedi—The four-time defending Section 4AAAA champions are seeking another trip to state. Unfortunately, the Zephyrs no longer have an Olson on their roster and their starting quarterback will miss the start of the season with an injury.

South St. Paul—The Packers went from 0-8 in the regular season in 2008 to 8-0 last season. They outscored their opponents 385-100 before loosing to St. Thomas Academy in the section finals.

Hill-Murray—Former NFL quarterback Brooks Bollinger takes over the Pioneer program. He learned football from his father, Rob, a long-time coach and athletic administrator.

Isaac Hayes—St. Thomas (offensive/defensive line)

• Minnesota Gopher commit Hayes will lead a Cadets team that must replace older brother Anthony Hayes, who is at Stanford, running back Augie Braddock (Columbia), quarterback Ryan McManus (Dartmouth and lineman Luke Marks (St. Thomas).

Sam Sura—South St. Paul (running back)

• Sura rushed for 1,945 yards as a junior, which was the third most in the state, and was the Classic Suburban Conference Offensive MVP and a Minneapolis Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press All-State selection.

David Simmet—Hill-Murray (tackle)

• The 6-foot-9, 300-pound tackle will lead the way for first year head coach Brooks Bollinger, the former Wisconsin and Minnesota Vikings quarterback. He is getting recruiting looks from Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Ben McDonald—Mahtomedi (linebacker)

• The KARE 11 preseason All-Metro choice attended camps at Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota.

Tommy Olson—Mahtomedi (guard)

• The Minnesota signee was a four-year starter and follows his father and brother to the Gophers.

Rob Daul—Hill-Murray (quarterback)

• The two-sport standout threw for 2,117 yards, sixth best in the state and 17 touchdowns.    

Dan Ferrazzo—Mahtomedi (quarterback)

• Ferrazzo, who is now at St. Thomas, combined for 57 touchdown runs or passes in his two seasons as Mahtomedi's starter.

St. Thomas Academy—The Cadets are nearly unbeatable at home in perhaps the conference’s top venue

Hill-Murray—Former NFL quarterback Brooks Bollinger takes over the Pioneer program. He learned football from his father, Rob, a long-time coach and athletic administrator.

Mahtomedi—The George Smith Field got a much-needed upgrade with new synthetic turf, a new track, new bleachers and concession stand.

Preseason Conference Player of the Year

South St. Paul's Sura

• The state’s leading returning rusher is getting looks from Air Force and Ivy League schools.

: 7-0 in conference matchups; 11-1 overall.
South St. Paul: 7-0 in conference matchups; 10-1 overall.
Mahtomedi: 5-2 in conference matchups; 10-3 overall.
: 4-3 in conference matchups; 6-4 overall.
Hill-Murray: 3-4 in conference matchups; 6-5 overall.
North St. Paul: 2-5 in conference matchups; 2-7 overall.
: 2-6 in conference matchups; 2-7 overall.
: 1-6 in conference matchups; 2-7 overall.
Richfield: 1-6 in conference matchups; 1-8 overall.

St. Thomas Academy—Won Section 3AAAA title, lost Class AAAA semifinals (28-21 to Totino-Grace).

Mahtomedi—Won Section 4AAAA title, lost Class AAAA semifinals (45-28 to Rogers).

South St. Paul – Lost to St. Thomas in Section 3AAAA title game.