Northfield finds Big Nine football to be a winner

Northfield football coach Bubba Sullivan is enjoying the school's only season in the Big Nine Conference.

The Raiders are 4-1, most recently knocking off Mankato East 31-7 in their homecoming game. Their only setback came at the hands of Class 5A, No. 1 Mankato West.

"There has been some new excitement this year as we face new opponents who we are not that familiar with," Sullivan said. The Raiders left the defunct Missota for the Big Nine before the 2014-15 school year. Next year high school football conferences give way to district scheduling.

In their four victories, the Raiders have only allowed 27 points. They gave up 62 in their loss.

"Our defense is our strong suit, but we are athletic enough on offense to put up points," Sullivan said.

The success of the defensive unit revolves around their three linebackers. Junior Caleb Malek leads the team in tackles while senior Colin Shepley finished first in that category a year ago and Quinten McGregor finished second.

On offense, the Raiders like to look for their tall wide receiving corps. They are seniors Joey Eckhoff (6-1) and tight end Billy Roecklin (6-5) and junior split end Luke Harris (6-8).

"We are a senior-dominated club," Sullivan said. "We are having a very nice season so far."

Ed Loiselle is back behind the bench.

The former Shakopee boys' hockey coach will return to the position he previously held for 16 years. He replaces Lee Engstrom, who resigned this past summer.

Loiselle stepped down as the Sabers' mentor five years ago to spend time more time with his family and coach his own children. He continued to work closely with Shakopee's youth hockey association.

The Sabers will be making the transition from the Missota to the South Suburban Conference this year.