1Eagles still the team to beat: It's tough to go against three-time defending large-school state champion Eden Prairie. Its closest margin of victory in the state tournament a year ago was 21 points, and it enters the 2014 campaign riding a 17-game winning streak. Coach Mike Grant's squad will continue to beat up its opposition with a punishing ground attack and solid defensive unit. How good is Eden Prairie's defense on a yearly basis? It allowed only 12.8 points per game last season, its highest average over the past five years.
2Not afraid to make a change: Wayzata coach Brad Anderson has had plenty of success (143-30) during his tenure. This year's squad, though, will take on a much different look than previous Trojans teams. Anderson has five new assistant coaches and is also installing different offensive and defensive schemes. It could take Wayzata a little time to work out the kinks.
Ron Haggstrom
