• Article by: Ron Haggstrom
• Star Tribune
• August 30, 2007 - 12:13 AM

(In predicted order of finish)

Wayzata Trojans

Coach: Brad Anderson, ninth year

The lowdown: Anderson will count on his defense, led by senior all-state linebacker Jeff Schuette, until a young offense gets in sync. QB Matt Tarpley and WR Fritz Rock will give opponents fits the next two years.

Minnetonka Skippers

Coach: Dave Nelson, sixth year

The lowdown: The Skippers' defense limited six opponents to seven points or fewer a year ago and will be even stronger this season. Nine starters return, led by senior LBs David Goebel and Justin Rotman and junior Ismail Karon. The offense has to improve but must replace its entire backfield.

Edina Hornets

Coach: Kim Nelson, third year

The lowdown: Senior RB/LB Mike Rallis (6-2, 210) will play a huge two-way role for the Hornets. They have plenty of talent in the offensive backfield and at wide receiver but lack experience on the line and at quarterback.

Hopkins Royals

Coach: John DenHartog, fourth year

The lowdown: Hopkins is coming off a state tournament appearance and has plenty of returning speed. The Royals have nine starters back, including two talented juniors in WR Montez Wilkerson (6-3, 190) and FS Marcus Williams (6-1, 170). Wilkerson averaged nearly 100 yards receiving over the last four games in 2006 and Williams had seven interceptions.

Armstrong Falcons

Coach: Derek Fisher, seventh year

The lowdown: The defense will have to set the tone from the outset of the season. Armstrong has seven starters returning on defense and only three on offense. An inexperienced offensive line and quarterback will make points tough to come by.