high schools

Coach: Matt Gegenheimer, second year

The lowdown: Gegenheimer's emphasis in his first year was defense, and it paid off. That will be the key again this season, as the Lakers have only seven returning starters.

Northfield Raiders

Coach: Bubba Sullivan, 19th year

The lowdown: The Raiders lack experience, especially on offense, and that is not a good situation in this hard-nosed conference. Sullivan will count on his physical defensive unit, led by seniors Cory Callahan (6-2, 280, T) and Josh Samuels (6-3, 210, SS) and junior Cole Jirik (6-4, 210, TE).